Biopsy of the Vulva or Vagina

You have had a biopsy (small sample of tissue) taken from your vulva (entrance to your vagina) or vagina, which has been sent to a laboratory for further examination. (See below for diagrams showing areas where your biopsy has been taken from).

This leaflet tells you what to expect after your procedure and who to contact if you have any worries or concerns when you go home.

How will I feel when I go home?

You may have some discomfort or soreness for 1 – 7 days after this procedure. Taking painkillers, for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your tablets.

You may also pass small traces of blood (spotting) from your vulva or vagina for up to 7 days after this procedure. If you still have periods, your next one should arrive as normal.

If:

• you have any heavy bleeding

• you have any discharge with an unpleasant smell from your vulva or vagina

• you feel feverish, unwell or develop a temperature higher than 38^oC (100.4^oF)

• your pain increases,

you should contact your GP or the Outpatient Department where you had your procedure for further advice.

If you have an urgent problem the night after your procedure, you can contact your local Accident and Emergency Department for advice (See contact numbers at the end of this leaflet).

What can I do to help myself?

You should not have sexual intercourse or use tampons for the next 2 weeks to give your biopsy site time to heal.

It is important to keep the area clean and dry to help the healing process. After washing please make sure the area is completely dry by using a soft clean towel.

You should not add any products to your bath water, such as bath foam or oils, as these can cause irritation and delay the healing process.

When can I return to my normal activities and work?

You can usually return to all your normal activities and work straight away or as soon as you feel well enough. You should discuss this with your nurse or doctor.

Will I need to return to hospital?

Your nurse will tell you if you need to be seen again in the Outpatient Department. 

They will either:

• ask you to make another appointment before you go home

or

• arrange for an appointment to be sent to you though the post.

If you have any worries or concerns, please contact your GP or the Outpatient Department.

When will I be told the results of my biopsy?

This will be either:

• in a letter sent to you through the post

or

• discussed with you during your next outpatient appointment.

Your GP will also be sent a letter explaining the results of your biopsy.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice or have any problems, please telephone either the Day Case Unit where you had your operation or the Surgical Decisions Unit:

University Hospital of North Tees

Surgical Decisions Unit Reception
Direct Line Telephone: 01642 624566 / 01642 624628
24 hours, 7 days a week

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]