After a vulvectomy women may feel the following due to the scarring at vulva:
- Discomfort if they wear tight slacks or jeans because the “padding” around the urethral opening and vaginal entrance is gone.
- Less sensation around the vagina due to the scarring. If scarring narrows the entrance to the vagina a light caress and the use of a lubricant can help to prevent painful irritation. Vaginal dilators and physiotherapy can help to stretch the tissue. Vaginal moisturizers are also important for the tissue.
- Swelling of the genital areas or the legs due to the removal of the lymph nodes in the groin.
- Difficulty to reach orgasm all depending on how much of the vulva has been removed. If surgery has removed the clitoris and lower vagina, then orgasms may not be possible.
- Numbness in their genital area but the feeling may return slowly over the next few months.