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How to Get Through Your Vulvar Biopsy: Key Tips and Tricks

18Jul 2022 by Jaclyn
A notepad on a wooden desk with 'tips and tricks' written with a bold, black marker. Scattered beside the book is a cup of black coffee, a pen, a laptop, a stack of sticky notes, and a mini binder clip.

Introduction

Do you have an upcoming vulvar biopsy scheduled? Are you worried about what the biopsy will involve and how you will recover? Do you want some tips and tricks to help set you up for success? If so, you have come to the right place. In today's post, I'm sharing tips for before, during, and after your vulvar biopsy. These tips are meant to make the process as gentle as something like this can be. And, while it won't be a walk in the park, I hope some of these tips and tricks get you through your biopsy.

Tips for before Your Vulvar Biopsy

Most of us tend to focus on the procedure itself and what to expect afterward. However, there is actually a lot you can do before your vulvar biopsy that can make the process easier.

Talk to Your Provider

Doctor in a white lab coat with stethoscope around their neck smiling warmly at the camera. They have a medium-length beard and a fade hairstyle. They are seated at a computer work station in an exam room, and on the wall are medical diagrams. This image represents talking to your doctor about your vulvar biopsy. Image taken by Zackary Drucker, The Gender Spectrum Collection.
Photo credit: Zackary Drucker, The Gender Spectrum Collection

Before your vulvar biopsy, talk to your healthcare provider and ask:

  • How many biopsies do they anticipate taking and why. This is very important and will help you prepare mentally. If you expect a single biopsy and the day of your biopsy they inform you they will take two to three biopsies, this could really throw you for a loop. Or, at least, if you're anything like me – high anxiety – it might cause panic and tears. If they plan on taking two or more biopsies, be sure to ask them why so that you are on the same page and understand their reasoning.
  • What will they provide you for pain reduction during and after the vulvar biopsy? They may use a topical numbing agent in addition to a local anesthetic, and they may also prescribe or recommend a pain reliever to use after the biopsy.
  • Can they provide you with a topical numbing cream such as Emla (lidocaine and prilocaine) before injecting the anesthetic into the vulva? Many patients state that the needle to inject the anesthetic is more painful than the biopsy itself. A numbing cream can help reduce some of this pain and discomfort.

Vulvar Biopsy Aftercare

Preferably, don't wait until after the biopsy to ask questions about aftercare. Get ahead of the game and ask your questions in advance. This will help you better prepare for the day.

Ask your healthcare provider:

  • Will they provide an aftercare instruction sheet on how to take care of your biopsy site?
  • What are the signs of complications and/or infection? As with any procedure, infection is a possible risk. You can stay on top of this by making sure you know what signs to look out for.
  • Can they provide you with a contact number in case you experience any complications? You know how things seem to always go wrong on the weekend when your doctor is out of the office? I sure do, and it sucks. If you have an after-hours number to contact, you will not have to sit anxiously in agony, waiting for Monday morning so you can call the doctor.

Stock up on Vulvar Biopsy Essentials

Let's face it. After your biopsy, you are not going to want to run to the pharmacy or grocery store, or place a bunch of Amazon orders. Instead, you are going to want to cozy up on your sofa and relax as your body heals.

Here is a list of things I recommend stocking up on before your vulvar biopsy.

  • A peri bottle to rinse after urinating. Regular toilet paper may be too abrasive and irritating in the first few days, even if you ‘pat dry’.
  • Ice packs. I recommend a brand called Private Packs. They sell discreet, wearable ice packs to help with pain and inflammation. They come with protective sleeves as a barrier against the direct cold to your vulva. Get yours here and use code ‘THELOSTLABIACHRONICLES' for 15% off of your first order.
  • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or whatever your healthcare provider recommends in their aftercare sheet for your biopsy site.
  • Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or a prescription pain medication, if your healthcare provider gave you one.
  • Comfortable, loose clothing (including underwear). Set out a couple of days' worth of your comfiest, coziest clothing to wear as you recover and heal from your vulvar biopsy.
  • Bleach-free, fragrance-free menstrual pads. You may experience some bleeding for a couple of days post-biopsy. In order to make sure you don't get blood on the car seat or your couch, be sure to have some pads.
  • Cue up all of those movies and shows you've been adding to your Netflix queue.
  • Have some of your comfort foods and meals ready and prepared. Let's face it, biopsies aren't pleasant, and you probably won't be in the mood to cook after your biopsy. Instead, have some of your favorite dishes ready to go so you just heat and eat.

To shop my Amazon Storefront for recommended products, click here if you're in Canada or here if you're in the USA.

During the Vulvar Biopsy Itself: Important Things to Remember

You matter. Let me say that again. You matter. If at any point during the procedure you need to pause, communicate this with your doctor. Tell them, “I'm feeling anxious/uncomfortable and I need a minute to breathe. Can you please give me a moment to regroup?” Once you've taken some deep breaths and feel ready, let them know you are OK to continue.

Here are some other tips to help on the day of the procedure.

A person with long brown hair and light skin relaxing in a swinging hammock. They are wearing a black tshirt and an oversized denim button-up with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. They are holding their smartphone with one hand and rest their other hand on the back of their neck with elbow sticking out. Their eyes are downcast to their phone and they have a calm, relaxed facial expression as they listen to music using white earbuds. Listening to a podcast/music can be a great way to calm nerves before or during a vulvar biopsy.
  • Bring headphones. Listen to some calming music or a podcast.
  • If you can, bring a friend or family member with you.
  • If possible, get someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
  • As much as possible, practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing.
  • If you regularly use anxiety medication, remember to take it.
  • Bring water and stay hydrated.

After the Biopsy: Taking Care of the Biopsy Site and Recovering

So, you've had your biopsy and now you are at home. The local anesthesia is wearing off, pain/discomfort is coming on, and you just want to heal as quickly as possible. I hear you. Here are some final tips to help with recovery.

  • If you are in pain, take Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or the prescription your doctor gave you at the dosing interval they suggested.
  • Follow all the vulvar biopsy aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.
  • Use ice to dull the pain.
  • After urinating, rinse with a peri bottle.
  • Use Vaseline or the product your doctor recommended on the biopsy site.
  • Get a lot of rest.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Take off the next few days of work and try to take it easy.
  • Try to keep the biopsy site clean and dry.
  • Do not engage in sexual activity until it's fully healed.
  • Practice self-care. Vulvar biopsies can be extremely emotional and traumatic. Be gentle with yourself and show your mind and body some gentle love.
  • Call up a loved one for support.
  • Reach out and connect with your support network, such as Lichen Sclerosus Support Network or connect with me. I will soon be offering 1:1 peer support calls soon; subscribe to my newsletter to get information on when that goes live!

Conclusion

To conclude, vulvar biopsies are no walk in the park. Everyone's experience with them will be different, but I hope you can use some of the tips in the post to make your biopsy as comfortable as it can possibly be. Feel free to share your lichen sclerosus biopsy experiences or your favorite tips in the comments below!

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Reach Out to Me

If you want to chat with me about biopsies or Lichen Sclerosus, I can be reached at:

Instagram: @thelostlabiachronicles

Facebook: @TheLostLabiaChronicles

Email: lostlabiachronicles@gmail.com

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