AIBU to not really know what my vagina normally looks like (waaaay TMI)

[NameChChChChChanges]

Apogies in advance for the TMI nature of this post. Naturally, I've name changed because I'm a bit mortified.

After having a nice relaxing bath tonight, for no reason whatsoever other than the fact I'd just bought a new magnifying mirror (with the aim of making it easier to do my eyebrows!!) I decided to have a little look at my vag. It's literally been years since I bothered looking down there, am well past the point of making any effort to make that area look presentable.

Anyway, got the shock of my life to see (sorry, this is the TMI bit) no hole but instead a big fleshy lump sticking out where the hole should be. What the actual fuck?? Also have a couple of other fleshy lumps around the inner lips.

Am quite frankly mortified by my lumpy bits and after frantically googling will be making a GP appointment tomorrow.

Am also a bit mortified that I have no idea how long my bits have been like this, or even what they are supposed to look like any more. Was thinking that I pay attention to how my boobs feel and check for lumps etc but it has never occurred to me to do the same down there.

So it got me thinking whether I am strange for my lack of vagina/vulva checking?? Nothing feels any different down there, so I haven't given it any attention really. Does everyone else check down there on a regular basis?

Morning!

It's not my labia! It's a big piece of flesh that is actually where the hole to my vagina is.

To the pp who asked if I haven't felt it when masturbating - no I haven't. I masturbate fairly often (!) but I touch my clitoris. This is actually in my vagina. I suppose I have quite large lips so even DH wouldn't see what I'm talking about when he is down there either, he focuses on the clitoris too. And actually when I put my finger inside, it just feels fleshy. They are not hard lumps.

I've had 2 vaginal births (my youngest child is now 5), no tears or stitches either time. I've been googling prolapse and it doesn't look like that.

Make sure you all have regular smear tests ladies. The person doing it will have a quick look anyway but its a good time to raise any issues. and obviously your risk of developing cervical cancer is massively reduced too!

@MagnoliatheMagnificent aren't they just checking the cervix with a smear though? Not checking the vagina for lumps and bumps?

I think you’ve just seen the inside of your vag, that’s all. You were looking at yourself after a hot bath.....everything swells up down there after a long hot soak, probably a bit baboonesque. Clearly if you’ve got a ok sex life you’re able to be penetrated without an issue...so the hole so to speak must be there and unimpeded whatever you’re seeing.

For people who think it’s strange to check your clean down there by visibly looking...

I suggest you try it because as a womans health professional and seeing about 50 different vaginas everyday as part of my job - there is only a very small percentage of the women who are actually clean.

Fair enough you may not smell, but it’s VERY evidently clear who actually takes time to wash and wipe their genitals (and I mean actually wiping and washing all of the creases and folds because that’s where the dirt gets trapped) and who doesn’t.

So I will say again, it’s absolutely vital to check your vulva and ensure you clean yourself effectively. It is very strange to me that some people feel it’s normal to never check

The reason women do not have an intimate knowledge of the configuration of their vulva is because they cannot see it - it is tucked away - or mine is anyway!

The idea that you "should" be inspecting it, and the shock horror that some women don't, is completely bizarre. Once upon a time there were no mirrors and folk got on just fine!

I will leave mine lie, happily cocooned in my knickers.

Not gazing at it in a mirror does not mean it is not clean!

In any event, if I tried this trick I would not know which bit of my varifocals to look through!

@CtrlU I don't wipe inside or use anything but water on inner parts and it's clean! I slosh water and mild soap about but don't go delving

@QueenPaws Good for you...

Mine is disgusting since I had kids. Looks like a kebab

Mine is lumpy. I had an episiotomy and also have a mild prolapse

@mypathtriedtokillme 😂😂😂

Fair enough you may not smell, but it’s VERY evidently clear who actually takes time to wash and wipe their genitals (and I mean actually wiping and washing all of the creases and folds because that’s where the dirt gets trapped) and who doesn’t.

This seems like unusual advice from a 'womens health professional'. Most HCPs would tell you that washing and wiping all the creases and folds of your genitals is likely to lead to thrush.

I do think this area is designed to look after itself basically with the minimum of interference, especially from soaps or other alien things.

@CtrlU

For people who think it’s strange to check your clean down there by visibly looking...

I suggest you try it because as a womans health professional and seeing about 50 different vaginas everyday as part of my job - there is only a very small percentage of the women who are actually clean.

Fair enough you may not smell, but it’s VERY evidently clear who actually takes time to wash and wipe their genitals (and I mean actually wiping and washing all of the creases and folds because that’s where the dirt gets trapped) and who doesn’t.

So I will say again, it’s absolutely vital to check your vulva and ensure you clean yourself effectively. It is very strange to me that some people feel it’s normal to never check

There are a lot of posts on Mumsnet from people who are afraid to go for smears because they feel worried that they will be judged by the person who does it. I feel that it was irresponsible of you as an HCP to post this as you have just confirmed their fears.

That's exactly what I thought ^

CtrlU has seen so many s/he has turned into one!

@MrsPotatoHeadsSheeWee

CtrlU has seen so many s/he has turned into one!

GP appointment made!

Had another look tonight and it looks totally different Still lumpy and still have a bit sticking out but it's not quite so horribly obvious today. Very weird.

@MrsPotatoHeadsSheeWee

CtrlU has seen so many s/he has turned into one!

I looked just yesterday for the first time since DC2 was born (three years ago!) I almost cried. I never cry. But fuck me it's no where near the same. Kicking myself I didn't just have a bloody elective cesarean. Want to cry again thinking about it.

Anywho make your doctors appointment OP.

@CtrlU how disappointing of you to post that. I'm paranoid about personal examinations and not being clean and you've just added to it

I had a smear when the nurse offered it ad hoc, and said, "Erm, sure if you want to, but I haven't showered since yesterday."

She wasn't a judgemental twat though so she merrily got on with the job.

Maverick... I'm a doctor. I've examined numerous vaginas/ performed smears/inserted catheters and actually can't remember a single one that looked dirty or was smelly. Same with rectal exams. You generally forget about them straight away. Ridiculous comment from ctrl u

I think CtrlU is describing the need to clean out the build up of smegma from between the folds of inner labia/ clitoral hood. Do none of you do that then?