Vulval service

We offer a comprehensive service for women with vulval problems such as itching, pain and visible skin changes or lumps as well as already diagnosed vulva skin conditions.

We are a multi professional team consisting of gynaecologists with a special interest in vulval disease, vulval nurse specialists and physiotherapists. We also work closely together with the pain team, psychosexual counsellors, dermatologists as well as pathologists.

Vulval nurse specialists will be present in most consultations and also conduct their own clinics. We might want to refer you to our pelvic floor physiotherapy team with expertise in treating vulval pain conditions, or some patients might benefit from psychosexual counselling which is offered at the community gynaecology clinic.

What happens at your first visit

It is useful not to apply any creams on the day of your first visit unless it is necessary to keep you comfortable for the day.

The doctor seeing you in the clinic will take a detailed history of your problem, the treatment you have received so far as well as your medical history. Please bring any medications and all creams you might be using.

The first visit will usually involve a vulval examination with good lighting and magnification to see any subtle skin changes. We will be able to review the area on a camera screen with you.

Occasionally we might want to take a small skin biopsy in order to help the right diagnosis. This is done under local anaesthetic. Usually women can continue with their normal daily routine afterwards and should not be too sore.

We will discuss and develop a treatment plan with you. If you are prescribed any medication, you can pick them up in our hospital pharmacy after your appointment.

How you can be referred

Your GP can refer to us either via the NHS e-referral service or by direct referral to a consultant. An appointment will usually be arranged within four to six weeks. Women referred via the urgent cancer pathway are seen within two weeks.

Further information

Vulval problems can be very distressing for the woman and also her partner and family. Good patient information is essential to reduce anxiety and help you to cope with the situation. Please see our useful resources for details of websites that may be helpful.