Vulvoscopy and/or vulval biopsy

Vulvoscopy is an examination of the vulva. The vulva comprises of the clitoris and two pairs of skin folds (labia) forming the external visible part of the female genitalia. A special microscope called a colposcope is used to examine the area.

A vulvoscopy may be recommended if you have:

• Vulva pain, soreness or discomfort
• Any visible abnormalities such as skin whitening or redness
• Vulval pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding
• Itching / Burning

A colposcope (microscope) may be used to magnify the area so any abnormal changes may be seen clearly by the Doctor. This will not be inserted into the body.

If any abnormal areas are detected, during the examination a small biopsy (tissue sample) might be taken under local anaesthetic. This will be sent to the laboratory to be examined more closely.

Before your vulvoscopy appointment, you should not apply anything to the skin that is difficult to wipe off (oily or greasy).

Vulvoscopy can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle, but if you have heavy vaginal bleeding on the day of your appointment, call the Greenoaks Clinic on 01709 427641 to ask if you should re-arrange your appointment.

If you take any medication to prevent blood clots (aspirin, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel), please notify your doctor in advance. These medications can increase bleeding if you have a biopsy during the vulvoscopy.

Please also bring any creams or ointments that you have been using to this appointment.

A vulval biopsy is usually performed if you have noticed itching, redness, swelling or changes in colour to this area. The biopsy is undertaken to remove cells from the vulva for further testing.

Before the procedure is undertaken, the doctor will explain what is going to happen.

One or more small pieces of tissue are removed from the vulval area. This is sent to the laboratory to be examined.

The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic. You may require stitches to the area where the biopsy has been taken from. The inserted stitches will dissolve within approximately seven days.

After the procedure is finished you will be taken to the recovery area and monitored until you have fully recovered and feel well enough to go home.

You will be given a local anaesthetic prior to the procedure. We advise that when you are back at home, if you experience any discomfort following the procedure, you take normal pain killers.

Most patients are able to return to work immediately after having a vulvoscopy. However for some patients we may advise that you need to rest and refrain from work or exercise for a few days.

If you have a biopsy of your skin, you may experience some bleeding from the area for up to a week. You may also experience some mild discomfort caused by the injection of the local anaesthetic.

We recommend that you wear a sanitary towel or panty liner for several days following your biopsy and change this regularly to help to prevent infection.

If the bleeding becomes heavy or you notice you have a discharge which becomes offensive smelling please contact your doctor.

Swimming, using hot tubs and intercourse should be avoided until the area is completely healed.

If you have a biopsy, your results will be available usually within 3 -4 weeks. In most cases, further testing and treatment will depend on the results of the biopsy.

We will inform you if you require a follow up appointment. This may be made before you leave or posted on to you when we have received the results of your biopsy test.

Vulvoscopy Clinic (Greenoaks)

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
01709 427641

Colposcopy Office

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
01709 424300

Contact Centre for new appointments

01709 427214