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Advice please

Posted , 7 users are following.

niki06854
niki06854

I finally have an appointment in a couple of days with my GP to see what these white patches on my vulva are. Should I shave?

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • carol64367
    carol64367 niki06854

    Posted

    No, No need to shave. I'm sure you will feel a lot of relief once you see the doctor. Do ask for an appointment with a Gynocologist as they deal with LS much more often & know a lot more than most GP's.I hope all goes well x
  • niki06854
    niki06854

    Posted

    I was just thinking so it would be easier for her to inspect? x

     

  • Guppy007
    Guppy007 niki06854

    Posted

    It is worth remembering that many GP's are unaware of LS, and therefore, have little experience with how it should be treated, and so it is better to try to find a Vulva Clinic if there is one in your area for future treatments.
    • niki06854
      niki06854 Guppy007

      Posted

      I thought it would be better to see the GP first as I don't know 100 % if it is Lichen Sclerosus and then she can refer me if she doesn't know. Thanks

    • carol64367
      carol64367 niki06854

      Posted

      Yes in GB definetly go to GP first. Ask for a referal to a gynocolgist - as soon as my gynocologist examined me she knew what it was - did a little biopsy and the test came back LS . Previoulsly I'd bee seeing different doctors in my practise, as my doctor was off on maturnity leave. They were treating me for thrush because of the itching but it wasn't thrush it was LS.I'm afraid that does sometimes happen & is why you MUST see a gynocologist
    • tuppermom2
      tuppermom2 carol64367

      Posted

      I agree completely! I saw different GP's for almost 10 yrs, and complained about the itch, before one of them was smart enough to tell me I believe that you have LS! She then immediately sent me to a gyn.

      I saw various gyn's (one retired, one went on military leave, & one tryed to tell me it wasn't LS!) . I finally was biopsied, which confirmed the LS. I could now treat it for what it really was!

      Don't give up if your GP doesn't seem to know! Continue on to see someone else! It's very important that LS is treated!

  • bennetta
    bennetta niki06854

    Posted

    I don't shave when I'm having itching/tears. The white patches are your skin being thinned so I assume your risk of cutting yourself are higher. I would hold off.
  • tuppermom2
    tuppermom2 niki06854

    Posted

    I don't shave any more, seems like it makes your panties chaf. The skin is already sore and sensitive, this only makes things worse.

    I DO however, trim before my appointments. Seems to me like this might make it easier for the gp to see.

  • Morrell1951
    Morrell1951 niki06854

    Posted

    I'm of the older generation whose husbands may have fantasized about us shaving. I used to get horrible boils along my panty lines from ingrown hairs just from shaving the area that matronly bathing suits exposed. I've been using kayaking trunks for swimming for a decade. To heck with shaving. Our skin does not need any irritation!
  • niki06854
    niki06854

    Posted

    I have shaved the last few times to keep an eye on any changes and it hasn't caused me any irritation luckily apart from the skin being a bit dry

  • carol64367
    carol64367 niki06854

    Posted

    Great news ! At last you can find out for sure if it is LS or not and start the correct treatment. I wish you well x
  • Chrisy
    Chrisy niki06854

    Posted

    No Need to shave but maybe a little trim would help.  I never shave as it causes irritation against my knickers.  The hair acts as a barrier good luck
  • niki06854
    niki06854

    Posted

    Well I shaved a couple of weeks ago to get a better look at what was going on but it's grown back in. I prefer not to shave anyway because of how ugly it looks.

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