Do women need to look at their genitals?

Do women look at their own genitals? Is looking necessary for genital function?

The short answer: women can go years without looking at their own genitals, and no – looking is not needed for genital function (what would the visually-impaired person do if otherwise?).

The long answer: women develop an intuitive sense of their genitals and know if something is wrong without even looking.  And sexually speaking, women are not programmed for visual arousal needs as men are and, therefore, do not typically look but rather ‘feel.’ So when would you look at your genitals?

• To learn about them
• For grooming (those who remove genital hair)
• In case you suspect an infection (read tips about antibiotics and the vagina)
• In case of irritation
• If needed: for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) inspection

Note: repeated looking or inspecting of the genitals, or a relentless preoccupation with self-examination, suggest somatic (psycho-physical) anxiety and warrant professional intervention.