Physical Exam

Female External Genital Exam

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With consent, a chaperone, and the patient in the lithotomy position, inspect the external genitalia — the mons, labia majora and minora, clitoris, urethral meatus, vaginal introitus, and perineum — noting skin changes, lesions, swelling, or discharge. Palpate as needed (for example, the Bartholin and Skene glands) for tenderness or masses, and ask the patient to bear down to look for any prolapse.

How to Interpret

Genital Herpes

Clinical appearance of a genital ulcer judged to be herpes on external genital examination

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

Minimally helpful

Evidence:Strong

References

Loh AJW, Ting EL, Wi TE, Mayaud P, Chow EPF, Santesso N, Falconer J, Ofori-Asenso R, Ong JJ. The Diagnostic Accuracy of Syndromic Management for Genital Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Jan 3;8:806605. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.806605. PMID: 35071282.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.