Vulvar Care

Vulvar conditions can be hard to talk about—and even harder to live with. Our compassionate team of experts can help.

For Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) related requests:

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Vulvar symptoms like itching, burning, sores, and discharge can have a big impact on your quality of life.

Sometimes, these issues can be hard to bring up, but our team's experience and expertise will put you at ease.

UI Health Care's vulvar care team is the only one in Iowa and one of only a few in the country.

When your primary care provider, gynecology provider, or other specialist requests a consult with us, we work closely with you and your provider on a treatment plan for you to follow.

Vulvar diseases are those that affect the outer parts of women's genitals that are visible.

It can be hard to diagnose and treat vulvar diseases correctly. Many providers have limited experience with evaluation and treatment options for vulvar conditions.

Our providers have years of experience helping people who thought they just had to live with recurrent or unending vulvar symptoms.

Expertise and evidence-based recommendations

UI Health Care’s vulvar care providers are active in the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD).

ISSVD is the leading organization for medical professionals who treat vulvar conditions.

As leaders and members of ISSVD, UI Health Care providers help set worldwide standards of care. They're involved in identifying and refining treatments that are proven to get results.

We've also developed a set of skin care guidelines that may be part of your treatment plan. These practical tips are extremely effective in improving pain, itching, and burning.

What to expect

To see the UI Health Care vulvar consult team, your primary care provider or gynecology provider will need to order a consultation with us.

At your consult visit, you'll have an in-depth conversation with one of our specialists. They'll ask you about:

How and when your symptoms started, how they have changed, and treatments you've tried
Previous infections or other problems
Your overall physical health
Your mental health and stressors

You'll have a vulvar exam, during which your provider may take cultures of any discharge or small sample of vulvar skin (biopsy). You might also have blood and urine tests.

As soon as your test results are back, your consultant will explain what they show. We will work together to make a treatment plan for you that reflects your needs and goals. Your clinic note with the treatment plan will be sent to your referring provider who will continue to care for you.

A team approach to treatment

They may also suggest referrals or consults to other UI Health Care experts.

For example, if you have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, they may connect you with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist.

Your emotional well-being is as important as your physical health. If you need it, our team may also suggest a consultation with our Women's Wellness and Counseling center or a pain specialist.

All the members of your care team work together closely, with the full range of UI Health Care specialists and services available to help.