4 Aftercare Questions Before a Vulvar Biopsy

A biopsy appointment can leave you with questions about an area you cannot easily check yourself. Ask the team to explain where the sample will come from and how you should look after that site.

Four questions before you leave

1. How should I wash and dry the site? Ask for the team’s instructions about showering, bathing and products. The patient leaflet recommends gentle drying and avoiding fragranced products while the area heals.¹
2. Which activities should wait? Get specific advice about exercise, sex and swimming. Ask when each can resume, particularly if there are stitches.¹
3. What changes need a call? Contact the team for heavy bleeding, increased pain, unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Get an out-of-hours contact as well as the daytime number.¹
4. How will the result reach me? Ask for the expected timing and who will explain it. Keep follow-up appointments, and contact the service if you are concerned.¹

Separate the instructions by location

If your paperwork discusses both vulvar and vaginal biopsies, ask which instructions apply to your sample site. The leaflet gives some location-specific guidance, including a tampon restriction for vaginal biopsy.¹

Write your own procedure date at the top of the aftercare page. Add the number to call and the agreed results plan so you can find them without searching through several letters.

Down There, Decoded includes an appointment script. Use it to collect the questions you want answered before the biopsy and at follow-up. See the book.