Welcome! If you are new here - yes, we speak a lot about vulvas. Because one, most of us have one in this space
And two, many of us live with Lichen Sclerosus in this space
It doesn’t matter if you have Lichen Sclerosus or not, a monthly vulvar check is needed if you have a vulva - because there is no screening for vulvar cancer.
First line of defence is you, and you knowing your anatomy. Which is especially important if you live with Lichen Sclerosus, because it can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.
So how do you do a monthly check? Follow the steps below:
Land in a safe space Your bedroom, bathroom, where you can find some privacy - depending on if you live with other people - This way you can feel comfortable, and not be disturbed. This process itself can be stressful, so make sure that you get as comfortable as possible.
Find a comfortable position Either seated in a slouching position, standing with one foot on top of the toilet/bed/bathtub/, squatting - you can also be squatting agains a wall for extra support. Just make sure that you can get a clear view (i.e. don't sit all the way onto your vulva because you won't be able to see).
Make sure that you have good lighting If natural light isn’t possible for you, and you find that the bathroom lighting isn’t working - you can use a flashlight.
Find a good size mirror One that’s easy for you to hold with one hand, so that you can use the other hand to support you for your check.
Use your sight and touch Look at your labia minor and majora, your clitoral hood, lift the clitoral hood, check your perineum. Start to explore what your lovely vulva looks like.
If you see anything that either looks different, or suspicious This could be:
Blisters, small cauliflower looking growths, lumps, bumps, new or unusual freckles or moles - make note and talk to your doctor about it.
Extra lovely things you can do for yourself from a perspective from a pelvic floor yoga teacher during this time:
Take some time before to try and land in your body, it could be 2-5 minutes. These types of events can cause a lot of uncomfortable emotions, either because we are taught that “your vulva is disgusting”, you “shouldn’t touch that”, or because we live with Lichen Sclerosus and we get scared of what we might find. By setting yourself up for it mentally and energetically beforehand can help tremendously. What are some practices your can do to perhaps land a bit more in your body? It could be: Shaking, dancing, do a breathwork practice, a guided meditation (check out the Pelvic Health Yoga membership for this), anything else that you can think of?
While you are “down there”, you can also practice your pelvic floor breathing. Look at your vulva and focus on breathing into your pelvic floor, do you see your pelvic floor expanding, descending, with the inhale and moving back up with the exhale? You can also place a finger or two on your perineum to see if you can feel the movement. Know that this may take practice, and you might not notice anything - WHICH IS OKAY - there is no judgement, you are just checking in with your pelvic floor. Especially if you live with hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, this can be even more challenging. And if you do, come join us for online weekly Pelvic Floor Yoga classes, where you will learn practices to support your pelvis and self, while easing and managing pelvic pain.
And remember, all vulvas are beautiful, no matter what they look like. I know this process might be scary, and that's okay, find what works for you in order for you to support yourself. Penny P
Comments