• Vulva not vagina

• Vulva is on the outside, vagina on the inside!

• Use the correct words, or it becomes more difficult to discuss concerns

• Teach the correct words to children – boys and girls!

• Do you know what yours looks like?

• Grab a mirror, take a look… 

 

• Checking the vulva

• Do this monthly, when you check your breasts

• Use a mirror

• Thank you to Sylk for sending out 1,200 “know your vulva” mirrors as part of this campaign

• Download our leaflet from www.pelvicroar.org to learn what you are checking for, and what to do if you have any concerns

• Take a photo if you have something that bothers you and seek help

 

• Good vulval skincare

• Use a quality lube such as Sylk

• Topical oestrogens can be hugely helpful post-menopause

• White, cotton underwear is very kind to the skin

• Pads and urine are not skin-friendly, so if leaking is a problem for you, get that treated fast!

• Avoid chemicals in the vulval area – including washing detergents, shower gels and soap. Ban any “intimate products” from your bathroom. The vagina and vulva are self-cleaning and need nothing more than a splash of water for the majority of women

 

• Vaginal Atrophy 

• Now renamed “genito-urinary syndrome of menopause”

• “My Menopauseal Vagina” by Jane Lewis is an incredible source of information 

• Symptoms include dryness, itching, painful sex and discomfort in the vulval area

• Most common cause is the lack of oestrogen at the menopause and afterwards

• Effective treatments include topical oestrogens and good vulval skincare

 

• Lichen Sclerosus

• Symptoms include pale, pearly skin around the vulva and perineum, dryness, itching, painful sex

• Cause is unknown

• Treatment is designed to manage symptoms and includes good skincare and steroid creams

• There is a small, increased risk of developing vulval cancer if you have LS and so regular self-checks and clinician-led checks are vital

• There is no cure for lichen sclerosus

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• Vulval cancer

• Symptoms include itching, soreness, skin changes, sore or swelling in the vulva

• Symptoms overlap with lichen sclerosus and other skin problems

• Around 1000 cases per year in the UK

• Early detection and treatment is vital

• Check monthly and check anything you are unsure about!

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• Summary

• Vulva and vagina are different – know which is which!

• Check your vulva with a mirror every month

• Use our leaflet at www.pelvicroar.org

• Don’t use chemicals on your vulva!