The vulva clinic also provides treatment and aftercare for patients who have been diagnosed and treated for vulval pre-cancer and cancer. This leaflet tells you what to expect in clinic.
Who will I meet in the vulva clinic?
It is likely that you will be seen by a gynaecology doctor and / or a dermatology doctor. Our team is diverse and consists of males and females. There will be a female nurse with you at all times during an internal examination.
Whilst we cannot guarantee that a female doctor will always be available, if you need to be seen by a female then please let our reception team or nursing team understand your preference.
You may need to reschedule your appointment for another day if this is important to you and a female is not available.
A professional medical photographer is available in every clinic. With your permission they can take a photograph for your medical records to help your care.
We also work with the plastics surgery for surgical reconstruction, the psychosexual counselling service, specialist physiotherapy in the region as well as the specialist pain team. You may be offered an appointment with a member of this team, as needed.
What will happen at the vulva clinic?
When you arrive at the clinic, you will be seen by a nurse who will ask some questions about yourself and take some measurements including your height and weight. You may be asked to complete a symptom questionnaire in the waiting room. We are happy to help you with if needed.
You will then speak to a doctor who will ask about your symptoms and your general health. Please bring with you a list of any medications and previous health conditions or surgeries.
Many women will go on to have an examination which may include an internal (vaginal) examination.
Medical photography
The medical photographer is part of our team. Medical photography is used to visually record a patient’s medical condition and forms part of the patient’s record. Clinical photographs are taken to help doctors and other health professionals to monitor clinical conditions, often used as part of the planning process alongside other tests.
What to expect if photography is requested
If photography is needed during your examination, this usually takes less than ten minutes and is carried out alongside your examination in the clinical room.
Our photographers recognise that being photographed could make you feel uncomfortable and will do everything they can to complete their work in the shortest time possible.
The medical photographer will ask you to give your consent to the photographs being taken by completing a photography consent form.
Your photographs are confidential documents and will only be viewed by health care professionals directly involved within your care.
Occasionally, the doctors may ask you to give consent for the photographs to be used for medical teaching or publication, but this will not happen without your specific agreement and consent. Your photographs will be securely stored and uploaded onto your electronic patient record.
Will I need a biopsy?
Some women need a biopsy from the vulval skin. This can often be done in the clinic on the same day using local anaesthetic and Entonox (gas and air), if needed. Your doctor or nurse will discuss and explain this to you.
- An injection of local anaesthetic makes the skin go numb.
- The procedure usually takes five to ten minutes.
- Once the area is cleaned, the local anaesthetic is given using a needle. The biopsy is taken using a small instrument and the area (3 to 5 mm wide) is sealed either using a silver nitrate stick that seals the area or by putting in a stitch.
- Occasionally, this is not possible, and a general anaesthetic is needed (when you are asleep in an operating theatre). This would be arranged for you to return to hospital on another day.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for vulva clinic?
You can eat and drink as normal and take all of your regular medications.
Please do not change your usual self-care ahead of your appointment. There is no need to wax/shave, if this does not form part of your usual routine.
Please complete the template below so that we can understand what your usual routine is:
| What do you usually wash your body with? |
| Do you apply any emollients (moisturisers) to the vulva? |
| Do you apply any ointments or lotions to the vulva? |
| Has anyone given you a diagnosis? |
| How do your symptoms affect you? |
Contact
If you are unable to attend for your appointment, please call the secretary at your GP surgery who can reschedule. Alternatively, please call the hospital appointment line.
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Research
At the RVI, we have a large research team and often work with Newcastle University. All of our consultant team are actively involved in research and may discuss the possibility of you getting involved in research at any of our clinics.
Whilst we are very grateful for those who choose to participate, this is not essential and please feel free to decline. This will not affect your care.
For further information
Contact details
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for help, advice and information about NHS services. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02, email [email protected]
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS website at www.nhs.uk
If you would like to find accessibility information for our hospitals, please visit www.accessable.co.uk
