Treatment

Vulva clinic

The Vulva Clinic is a comprehensive specialist service for women with vulva skin complaints and is located in our St Kilda East consulting rooms. Women will be consulted by both Dermatologist Dr Alice Rudd and Gynaecologist Dr Felicity Gould in the same consultation. This combined service provides complete physical examination of both the skin and gynaecological systems to achieve diagnosis and treatment for both acute and chronic vulva conditions. Treatment will include patient education, general vulva care, tailored medical and surgical management as appropriate and ongoing follow-up.

We provide the following diagnostic and management procedures on site where appropriate:

  • Vulva/perineal biopsies
  • High and low Vaginal swabs
  • STI screening
  • Cervical Screening including HPV screening under new guidelines
  • Removal of suitable lesions under local Anaesthetic
  • Marsupialisation of perineal/vulva lumps and abscesses
  • Removal of labial tags/lesionsVaginoplasty for vaginal stenosis or other vaginal lesions
  • Excision of vulva lesions requiring GA
  • Please note that cases of known VIN, VAIN and Cervical abnormalities requiring Colposcopy will not be managed by Skindepth. These cases will be referred on to clinicians experienced in the care of gynaecological and vulva malignancy and premalignant care.

Common complaints and referral indications managed by Skindepth Vulva Clinic

Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Chronic Vulva Symptoms Itch

  • Pain
  • Discomfort
  • Sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis and Management of Vulva Lesions Pigmented

  • Rash
  • Lumps/masses
  • Initial assessment and biopsy diagnosis of possible VIN and VAIN.

Diagnosis and Management of Specific conditions Lichen Sclerosis

  • Lichen planus
  • Contact/Irritant dermatitis
  • Recurrent and treatment refractory
  • Candidiasis Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  • Vulvodynia• Vulva psoriasis.
  • Vaginitis – Infective and none infective
  • Vaginal Stenosis
  • Perineal scarring
  • Vaginal/Perinanal Warts

Diagnosis and Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction (Note: some women may require additional input by specialist pelvic floor physiotherapists and/or sexual counsellors – however this can be arranged by our team).

  • Dyspareunia
  • Levator Spasm
  • Vaginismus

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Book this service
Our Vulva Clinic offers confidential, compassionate consultations with both a dermatologist and gynaecologist in the same appointment. All consultations are conducted with the utmost sensitivity and respect.
Book appointment
Medicare rebates may apply. Bring your GP referral.
What to expect

Your appointment journey

01

Your consultation

At your first Vulva Clinic appointment you will be seen by both Dr Alice Rudd (Dermatologist) and Dr Felicity Gould (Gynaecologist) together in the same consultation. Your clinicians will take a detailed history of your symptoms — including onset, duration, aggravating and relieving factors, and any previous treatments you have tried. A thorough physical examination of both the skin and gynaecological systems will be performed. Please come prepared to discuss your symptoms openly — our team is experienced in creating a safe and comfortable environment for this conversation and all consultations are conducted with complete sensitivity and respect.

02

Diagnosis and treatment plan

Following your examination, your clinicians will discuss their findings with you and explain the likely diagnosis. Where further investigation is needed — such as a biopsy, swab, STI screening, or cervical screening — this can be arranged at the same appointment or shortly after. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your clinicians will develop a personalised treatment and management plan tailored to your individual needs. This may include topical or oral medications, procedural treatments performed in clinic, lifestyle and vulval care advice, and an ongoing follow-up schedule. Where additional input from a pelvic floor physiotherapist or sexual counsellor would be beneficial, our team can arrange an appropriate referral.

03

Ongoing management and follow-up

Many vulval conditions are chronic and require long-term management rather than a single course of treatment. Your Vulva Clinic team will establish a structured follow-up schedule to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support throughout your care. Our goal is not only to manage your symptoms effectively but to improve your quality of life and your confidence in understanding and caring for your vulval health long-term.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What happens at a Vulva Clinic appointment?
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At your Vulva Clinic appointment you will be seen by both Dermatologist Dr Alice Rudd and Gynaecologist Dr Felicity Gould in the same consultation. This combined approach allows for a complete physical examination of both the skin and gynaecological systems, providing a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for both acute and chronic vulval conditions — all in a single visit.

What conditions does the Vulva Clinic manage?
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Our Vulva Clinic manages a broad range of acute and chronic vulval conditions including lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, contact and irritant dermatitis, vulvodynia, vulval psoriasis, recurrent candidiasis, vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginitis, vaginal stenosis, perineal scarring, and vulval and perianal warts. We also assess and manage sexual dysfunction including dyspareunia, levator spasm, and vaginismus. Where additional input is required from a specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist or sexual counsellor, our team can arrange appropriate referrals.

Are there any conditions the Vulva Clinic does not manage?
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Cases of known VIN (vulval intraepithelial neoplasia), VAIN (vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia), and cervical abnormalities requiring colposcopy are not managed at Skindepth. These cases will be referred to clinicians with specialist experience in gynaecological and vulval malignancy and premalignant care. Your clinician will discuss the most appropriate referral pathway with you if this applies to your situation.

What should I bring to my appointment?
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Please bring your GP referral letter, Medicare card, and a list of any current medications including topical treatments and supplements. It can be helpful to keep a brief symptom diary in the weeks before your appointment, noting when symptoms occur, what makes them better or worse, and any products you use in the affected area — including soaps, detergents, sanitary products, and skincare. This information helps your clinicians build a complete picture of your condition from the outset.

Do I need a GP referral?
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A GP referral is recommended and required for a Medicare rebate on your specialist consultation. Please ask your GP to specify that you would like to be seen at the Skindepth Vulva Clinic so that the referral can be directed appropriately. If you are unsure whether you need a referral, please contact the clinic directly before booking.

What procedures are available at the clinic?
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A range of diagnostic and management procedures are available on-site where clinically appropriate. These include vulval and perineal biopsies, high and low vaginal swabs, STI screening, cervical screening including HPV screening, removal of suitable lesions under local anaesthetic, marsupialisation of perineal and vulval lumps and abscesses, removal of labial tags and lesions, and vaginoplasty for vaginal stenosis. Cases requiring excision under general anaesthetic can also be arranged through our team.

Will my appointment be confidential?
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Yes - all appointments at the Vulva Clinic are conducted in complete confidence. Our team understands that many women presenting with vulval concerns have been living with symptoms for some time before seeking specialist care, and we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental clinical environment for every patient.

Ready to see a specialist?

All consultations are with AHPRA-registered dermatologists and GPs.
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