Frequently asked questions

No, you do not need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for a consultation.

Yes, we offer telehealth consultations nationwide. This allows you to access specialist care from the comfort of your own home.

Your first appointment will be thorough. We’ll take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and may perform a physical examination if appropriate. Our goal is to understand your condition fully so we can develop an effective treatment plan.

New patient consultations are 60 minutes for in-person appointments and 40 minutes for telehealth. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes in-person and 20 minutes via telehealth.

You will receive a detailed treatment plan within 48 hours of your consultation.

Most causes of chronic itching are not dangerous, though conditions like lichen sclerosus do require treatment and monitoring. Persistent itching should always be properly diagnosed.

If you don’t have a yeast infection, anti-fungal creams can irritate already sensitive skin. Additionally, the preservatives and bases in these creams can cause allergic reactions.

Stress doesn’t directly cause itching, but it can worsen existing conditions and lower your itch threshold. Stress also increases muscle tension, which can contribute to vulvodynia.

This depends on the condition. Some require short-term treatment, whilst others need ongoing maintenance. We aim for the lowest effective dose and frequency.

Most conditions aren’t contagious, but sexual activity may be uncomfortable. We recommend waiting until symptoms improve and using appropriate lubricants. None of these conditions are sexually transmitted.

No. While occasional irritation can happen, persistent burning or pain may indicate conditions like vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, or other inflammatory disorders. It’s important to seek specialist care for an accurate diagnosis.

Vulvodynia is chronic, unexplained pain in the vulva that lasts for at least three months. It can feel like burning, stinging, or rawness, and it can be constant or triggered by touch or pressure.

No, vulvodynia is not caused by an infection, though some women develop it after recurrent infections. Tests for infection will typically be negative.

Whilst some cases may improve over time, most women benefit from treatment. The sooner you seek specialist care, the better your chances of significant improvement.

Many women with vulvodynia find intercourse painful, but with proper treatment, most can return to comfortable intimacy. We’ll work with you to develop strategies to reduce pain during sex.

No, vulvodynia is a real, physical condition involving nerve sensitisation and often pelvic floor dysfunction. Whilst stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms, they are not the cause.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the vulva. It causes the skin to become thin, white, and wrinkled, leading to intense itching and pain. While there is no cure, it can be effectively managed with treatment.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition without a cure, but it is highly manageable with proper treatment. Most women experience significant symptom relief and can prevent disease progression with regular use of topical steroids.

After initial intensive treatment, most women transition to maintenance therapy, using the steroid cream 1-2 times per week. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose to keep symptoms controlled.

There is a small increased risk of vulvar cancer in women with lichen sclerosus (approximately 4-5% over a lifetime). Regular monitoring and proper treatment can help detect any changes early.

No, lichen sclerosus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual contact. It is an autoimmune condition.

With proper treatment, many women can return to comfortable sexual activity. Using lubricants and ensuring the condition is well-controlled can help reduce discomfort.

Lichen planus is a chronic condition without a cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with proper treatment. Some women experience periods of remission, whilst others require ongoing treatment.

Without treatment, lichen planus can cause scarring and narrowing of the vagina. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.

No, lichen planus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual contact. It is an autoimmune condition.

Sexual activity may be painful during active disease, but with proper treatment and use of lubricants, many women can return to comfortable intimacy. Vaginal dilators may help maintain vaginal capacity.

Whilst both are inflammatory conditions, they have different appearances and treatments. Lichen planus typically causes erosions and affects mucous membranes, whilst lichen sclerosus causes white, atrophic skin changes. A biopsy can distinguish between them.

With proper treatment, most women notice improvement within 2-4 weeks. However, it can take several months for the skin to fully heal and return to normal thickness.

Yes, with successful treatment and avoidance of further scratching, the thickened skin will gradually return to its normal texture and colour.

Itching often worsens at night due to increased skin temperature and fewer distractions. Taking an antihistamine before bed and wearing cotton gloves can help prevent unconscious scratching.

Lichen simplex chronicus itself is not dangerous, but it’s important to identify and treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the itching.

Yes, stress can lower your itch threshold and increase the urge to scratch. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can be an important part of treatment.

Pain during sex (dyspareunia) can have many causes, including vaginal atrophy, vulvodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction, skin conditions, or endometriosis. A thorough assessment is needed to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

No, sex should not be painful. Whilst occasional discomfort can happen, persistent pain is a sign that something needs attention.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most women can return to comfortable, enjoyable intercourse. The key is identifying the underlying cause and addressing it appropriately.

This depends on the cause. In some cases, continued gentle sexual activity (with appropriate lubrication) can be helpful. In other cases, taking a break whilst undergoing treatment may be advisable. We’ll provide personalised guidance.

Whilst anxiety and past trauma can contribute to painful sex, there is usually a physical component as well. We take a holistic approach, addressing both physical and emotional factors.

No, DIV is not an infection, though it’s often mistaken for one. It’s an inflammatory condition that causes symptoms similar to infection but doesn’t respond to standard antibiotic or antifungal treatments.

DIV is characterised by significant inflammation and purulent discharge, whilst bacterial vaginosis typically has a fishy odour and thin discharge, and yeast infections cause thick, white discharge with itching. Microscopic examination can distinguish between them.

No, DIV is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through sexual contact. It is an inflammatory condition.

DIV can recur, particularly if underlying factors (such as low oestrogen) are not addressed. Ongoing maintenance treatment may be needed for some women.

Recurrent yeast infections can have many causes, including antibiotic use, hormonal factors, diabetes, or resistant yeast species. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.

Over-the-counter treatments can be effective for occasional, uncomplicated yeast infections. However, if you’re experiencing recurrent infections, it’s important to see a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections, but sexual activity can contribute to recurrence in some women. Treating partners may be recommended in some cases.

Whilst there’s limited scientific evidence that diet directly causes yeast infections, maintaining good blood sugar control is important, particularly for women with diabetes.

Suppressive therapy is typically continued for at least 6 months. Some women may need longer treatment, whilst others can stop after their infections are under control.

Yes. Low oestrogen levels, particularly after menopause, can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, and pain. This is known as atrophic vaginitis or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Vaginal oestrogen is considered very safe for most women. Because it’s applied directly to the vagina, very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. Even many breast cancer survivors can safely use low-dose vaginal oestrogen, though you should discuss this with your oncologist.

No, vaginal atrophy is a progressive condition that worsens over time without treatment. The good news is that treatment is highly effective.

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can provide some relief, but they don’t address the underlying tissue changes. Prescription oestrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for restoring vaginal health.

Vaginal atrophy is a chronic condition, so ongoing treatment is typically needed to maintain vaginal health. However, once symptoms are controlled, many women can reduce the frequency of treatment.

If you have bladder pain but no infection, it could be Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome), overactive bladder, or pelvic floor dysfunction. We specialise in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), also known as Interstitial Cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, and a frequent, urgent need to urinate. It is often mistaken for a UTI because the symptoms are similar, but tests show no infection.

No, bladder pain syndrome is not an infection. Whilst symptoms can be similar to a UTI, tests will show no bacteria present. BPS is a chronic inflammatory condition.

BPS is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. However, with proper treatment, many women experience significant improvement and can achieve long periods of remission.

Yes, many women with BPS find that certain foods and drinks trigger their symptoms. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers can significantly improve symptoms.

No, BPS is a real, physical condition involving bladder inflammation and nerve sensitisation. Whilst stress can worsen symptoms, it is not the cause.

Most people urinate 6-8 times during the day and 0-1 times at night. More than 8 times during the day or more than once at night may indicate a problem.

No, restricting fluids can make symptoms worse and lead to dehydration and concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder. The goal is to drink an appropriate amount (about 1.5-2 litres per day) and time your intake appropriately.

Not necessarily. Many women improve with behavioural modifications and pelvic floor physiotherapy alone. If medication is needed, some women can eventually reduce or stop it once symptoms are controlled.

Yes, bladder retraining is highly effective for many women. It involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to retrain the bladder to hold more urine and reduce urgency.

No, whilst these symptoms are common as we age, they are not a normal part of ageing and should not be accepted as such. Effective treatments are available.

Recurrent UTIs can have many causes, including pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder pain syndrome, hormonal changes, incomplete bladder emptying, sexual activity, or anatomical factors. Identifying your specific risk factors is key to effective prevention.

Not necessarily. Whilst some women benefit from long-term low-dose antibiotics, many can stop after 6-12 months once the cycle is broken. Other preventive strategies (like vaginal oestrogen or D-Mannose) can often maintain protection.

Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. High-dose cranberry supplements are more effective than juice, which contains a lot of sugar.

Whilst most UTIs are not dangerous if treated promptly, recurrent UTIs can lead to kidney infections if left untreated. They can also significantly impact quality of life.

Yes, conditions like bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis) or overactive bladder can cause similar symptoms without infection. If your urine cultures are negative, further investigation is needed.

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is characterised by a sudden, uncontrolled urge to urinate, which may be accompanied by leakage (urge incontinence). It is a common and treatable condition.

No, they are different conditions. An overactive bladder causes urgency and urge incontinence (leaking when you can’t reach the toilet in time), whilst stress incontinence causes leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Some women have both.

Not necessarily. Many women improve with behavioural modifications and pelvic floor physiotherapy alone. If medication is needed, some women can eventually reduce or stop it once symptoms are controlled.

Yes, bladder retraining is highly effective for many women with OAB. It involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to retrain the bladder to hold more urine and reduce urgency.

No, restricting fluids can make symptoms worse. The goal is to drink an appropriate amount (about 1.5-2 litres per day) and time your intake appropriately, avoiding large amounts before bed.

No, whilst OAB becomes more common with age, it is not a normal part of ageing and should not be accepted as such. Effective treatments are available at any age.

Treatment depends on your specific condition and may include topical medications, oral medications, hormone therapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training, dietary modifications, and pain management strategies.

Most of the conditions we treat do not require surgery. We focus on non-surgical, evidence-based treatments to manage your symptoms effectively.

The length of treatment varies depending on the condition and the individual. Some patients experience relief within a few weeks, while others may need ongoing management. We’ll work with you to develop a realistic treatment timeline.

We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. We provide detailed invoices that you can submit to your insurer.

Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed topical steroids, topical anaesthetics, hormone therapy (such as oestrogen), tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, or other medications to manage pain and inflammation.

All medications can have side effects, but we will discuss these with you in detail and monitor your response to treatment. We aim to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.