Establishing a personal medical "road map" is the foundation of proactive gynecological healthcare, as Dr. Simi Adedeji emphasizes that recognizing one's own unique anatomy is the only way to effectively identify early red flags.. Because every vulva is unique—similar to how human faces share features but remain distinct—women are encouraged to use a mirror to orient themselves with their specific "normal," including the mons pubis, clitoris, labia, and perineum. This baseline familiarity is essential for spotting the first sign to never ignore: new lumps and bumps. While some are benign, such as skin tags, fatty lipomas, or painless Bartholin’s cysts near the vaginal entrance, others may signal infections like genital warts, which appear as cauliflower-like growths, or herpes, which manifests as painful, fluid-filled blisters.
Related article - Uphorial Shopify
A common diagnostic error involves assuming all vulval itching is a simple yeast infection or "thrush". Dr. Adedeji points out that persistent itching can stem from various sources, including allergic reactions to detergents, threadworms, or chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. On the vulva, these skin conditions often lack their typical scaly appearance due to the moist environment, appearing instead as smooth, shiny patches that may be red, brown, or gray depending on the individual's skin tone. A critical concern is Lichen Sclerosis, which initially presents as an itch but can progress to pale, crinkly patches and eventual scarring that causes the labia to fuse or the clitoris to appear shrunken. Because this condition and the similar Lichen Planus carry a small increased risk of vulval cancer, early medical intervention is vital to prevent irreversible structural changes.
Beyond visual shifts, vulval pain and changes in discharge serve as significant clinical markers. Pain can be sharp, throbbing, or stinging, and while it often accompanies visible issues like ingrown hairs or infections, a condition called vulvodynia exists where the skin appears completely normal despite chronic pain lasting three months or more. Similarly, while clear "physiological" discharge is healthy, a shift toward a "cottage cheese" texture, a fishy odor associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), or yellow and green hues indicative of STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea should prompt an immediate doctor's visit. Even pink or blood-stained discharge unrelated to a period can signal underlying issues with the cervix or uterine lining.
Ultimately, the goal of regular self-checks is the early detection of Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) and vulval cancer. While these conditions are rare—accounting for less than 1% of cancers in women—their early symptoms frequently mimic more common issues like itching or texture changes. By monitoring for persistent changes in color, symmetry, or areas of skin that seem "stuck down," women can ensure they receive treatment during the precancerous stages, which can last for years before becoming invasive. Dr. Adedeji’s contribution to women's health focuses on the idea that being "uniquely you" means you are the only person who can truly identify when something has deviated from your personal norm.
