Vulvoscopy is a gynecological examination that aims to analyze in more detail the intimate region of the woman, mainly Monte de Venus, labia majora, interlabial sulci, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule and the perineal region, identifying changes that cannot be visualized. to the naked eye.
This exam is done in the office by the gynecologist and is usually done together with the exam of the cervix, colposcopy, using reagents such as acetic acid, toluidine blue (Collins test) or iodine solution (Schiller test) .
Vulvoscopy does not hurt, but it can make the woman uncomfortable at the time of the exam. Always having the exam with the same doctor can make the exam more comfortable.
What is vulvoscopy used for?
Vulvoscopy is an exam that serves to evaluate the intimate region of the woman in more detail, as it uses an equipment that has a magnifying lens of 10 to 40 times, allowing to identify changes that cannot be visualized with the naked eye, such as spots, blisters. , small lesions and warts, for example.
Thus, this test can be useful in the diagnosis of some diseases, especially when the woman has some signs and symptoms, such as pain and burning when urinating or during sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, bleeding outside the menstrual period and itching in the vulva, for example. example. Thus, vulvoscopy may be indicated to aid in the diagnosis of:
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia;
- Vulvar cancer;
- Lichen planus or sclerosus;
- Vulvar psoriasis;
- Dermatitis;
- HPV infection;
- Genital herpes.
If alterations are identified during the vulvoscopy examination, the gynecologist may recommend a biopsy, so that it is possible to verify whether the identified alteration has benign or malignant characteristics and whether specific treatment is necessary.
how is it done
Vulvoscopy is a simple exam and lasts an average of 10 minutes, and is performed in the gynecological office, without the need for anesthesia or sedation. To perform this exam, the woman is advised to be in a gynecological position to allow the doctor to observe the vulva and vagina, which is done using medical equipment called a colposcope, which has a lens capable of increasing the image and, thus, facilitate the identification of changes.
What is the difference between vulvoscopy and colposcopy?
Although in vulvoscopy and colposcopy the same equipment is used, the colposcope, correspond to different exams. Vulvoscopy aims to analyze the external part of the female genital region, while colposcopy is mainly performed to observe the cervix. Understand what colposcopy is and how it is done.
Preparation for vulvoscopy
Before performing the vulvoscopy, it is important that the woman follows some guidelines from the gynecologist, such as:
- avoid sexual intercourse 48 hours before the exam;
- Do not shave the intimate area 48 hours before the exam, it is only recommended that the woman trim her hair;
- Do not introduce anything into the vagina such as vaginal medications, creams or tampons;
- not be menstruating at the time of the exam, and it is preferably indicated that the exam be performed before menstruation. However, in some cases, the doctor may request the exam to be carried out during menstruation;
- Do not perform a vaginal douchecleaning only the external part.
Taking these precautions is important because when the woman does not follow these guidelines, the test result may be altered.
