Vulvoscopy: What to Expect at a Vulval Clinic

If your referral says “vulvoscopy,” you may wonder what the instrument is and how much of the appointment involves an examination. Ask the clinic to explain the proposed appointment before you arrive, especially if a previous examination was difficult for you.

Before the examination

Rotherham describes discussing medical history and current concerns before offering a vulval examination. Its clinic welcomes a support person and asks patients to bring a medication list.¹

Check the arrangements with your own clinic. Ask about bringing someone, requesting a chaperone and telling the team what would help you feel able to take part. Explain any difficulty you anticipate with positioning or undressing.

Bring your observations and the questions you want answered. Ask the clinician to explain each proposed part of the assessment, how you can request a pause and whom to tell if you feel uncomfortable.

During a closer look

At Rotherham, staff help patients onto a couch with leg supports for vulvoscopy. The clinician applies acetic acid to highlight abnormal areas. A connected screen allows viewing if desired, and photographs may be taken for the patient record to monitor changes.¹

Ask your clinician what they plan to do at your appointment and what each step is for. If photography is proposed, ask how the images will be used and stored. Say whether you want to watch a screen or have the findings explained afterward.

You can say: “Please explain what you are looking at and tell me before the next step. I would like to know how to ask for a pause.”

If a biopsy is discussed

Looking alone may not establish the cause of a vulval problem. A biopsy takes a small skin sample for laboratory examination to help with diagnosis or treatment decisions. Rotherham describes local anesthetic and notes biopsy risks including bleeding, infection and scarring.¹

Ask why a biopsy is being recommended for you, what it could establish and whether it is planned for the same visit. Request the procedure’s preparation, risks and aftercare instructions before deciding with the clinician.

After the appointment

Before leaving, ask what the examination showed, what remains uncertain and whether there are any results still to come. Confirm who will explain them, how you will be contacted and whether you need to arrange follow-up yourself.

Write down whom to call with a question about the assessment. If you are given a treatment or aftercare plan, have the team clarify instructions you cannot understand or follow at home.

Down There, Decoded includes a Down-There Log and a See script for appointments. Use the log for observations you want to mention and the script to prepare your clinic conversation.