Vulval Clinic
Sheffield
Professor Swati Jha
At a glance: Vulval Clinic Sheffield
I am Professor Swati Jha, Consultant Urogynaecologist and FRCOG-accredited subspecialty-trained gynaecologist based in Sheffield. I offer specialist assessment and treatment for the full range of vulval problems — including lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, vulval skin conditions, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulval cysts, VIN (vulval intraepithelial neoplasia), and labiaplasty assessment. I see patients privately at Spire Claremont Hospital (S10 5UB) and Circle Thornbury Hospital (S10 3BR). A GP referral is not required.”
Why Vulval Problems Need Specialist Input
Vulval symptoms — itching, burning, soreness, pain during sex, dryness or skin changes — are common, but they are often under-investigated and undertreated. Many women see their GP repeatedly for thrush or dermatitis, only to find the underlying condition is something different: lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, or a skin disorder that requires a specialist eye and sometimes biopsy to diagnose correctly.
I see women in Sheffield who have lived with vulval symptoms for months or years without a clear diagnosis. My aim is to give you an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that actually works — not just reassurance and another tube of cream.
👉 The aim is simple: reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and give you a clear, safe plan.
What are vulval problems?
The vulva is the outer part of the female genital area, including the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening. Vulval problems can affect the skin, glands, nerves or surrounding tissues. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Common vulval symptoms include:
- itching
- burning
- soreness
- pain during sex
- dryness
- swelling
- skin colour changes
- lumps or cysts
- cuts, splits or irritation
Some vulval conditions are simple and easy to treat. Others need specialist diagnosis, especially if symptoms are persistent, recurrent or not improving with standard creams.
What Conditions Do I Assess?
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the vulva that causes itching, whitening of the skin, soreness and, if untreated, scarring and structural change. It requires a confirmed diagnosis — ideally with biopsy — and long-term monitoring. I manage lichen sclerosus with topical steroid treatment, skin care advice and follow-up, including surveillance for the small increased risk of vulval cancer. [Read more about lichen sclerosus →]
Vulvodynia and Vulval Pain
Vulvodynia is persistent vulval pain without an identifiable cause on examination. It may be constant or provoked — triggered by touch, sex, sitting or clothing. It is often misdiagnosed or dismissed. Management is multidisciplinary: I will assess for contributing factors including pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve sensitisation and psychological impact, and coordinate appropriate treatment pathways. [Read more about vulvodynia →]
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
Hormonal changes around menopause cause the vulval and vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier and more sensitive — a condition now termed genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Symptoms include dryness, soreness, burning, pain during sex and urinary symptoms. Effective treatment is available and should not be left untreated. I offer hormonal and non-hormonal options, including local oestrogen. [This can also be addressed through my menopause management service →]
Vulval Skin Conditions
Inflammatory skin conditions — lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis — frequently affect the vulva. They can be difficult to distinguish clinically without specialist examination, and the vulva behaves differently from skin elsewhere on the body. Correct diagnosis determines the right treatment: the wrong topical preparation can make some conditions significantly worse.
Vulval Lumps, Cysts and Swellings
Vulval lumps are common and most are benign — Bartholin’s cysts, sebaceous cysts, skin tags or benign structural features. Persistent, changing or painful lumps should always be assessed. Where treatment is needed, I will advise on the appropriate approach, which may include observation, drainage or referral for surgical management.
VIN (Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia)
VIN is a pre-cancerous change in the vulval skin, usually associated with HPV infection. It causes itching, pain or visible skin changes, and is often diagnosed on biopsy. Early detection matters. I will advise on the appropriate management pathway including treatment or surveillance.
Recurrent Infections and Resistant Symptoms
Some women are repeatedly diagnosed with thrush or bacterial vaginosis when the real problem is an underlying skin condition, hormonal change or contact allergy. A specialist assessment with vulvoscopy — examination under magnification — can identify the real cause when standard treatments keep failing.
Labiaplasty Assessment
I offer careful assessment for women who are considering labiaplasty — surgery to reduce or reshape the labia minora. Not all women who seek labiaplasty advice need surgery; some have underlying skin conditions or functional issues that should be treated first. I provide an honest, considered opinion on whether surgery is likely to help, and clear information about realistic outcomes, risks and recovery. [Read more about labiaplasty in Sheffield →]
When Should You Seek Specialist Assessment?
You should consider a specialist vulval assessment if:
- symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks
- you keep needing repeated creams or treatments
- sex is painful
- the skin looks different in colour or texture
- there is cracking, whitening or scarring
- you have a lump, swelling or cyst
- symptoms are affecting daily life, sleep or confidence
- you are worried about the appearance or feel of the labia or vulval area
- the problem started in childhood or adolescence (paediatric vulval conditions)
- previous abnormal cervical smear with vulval symptoms
Persistent vulval symptoms should not be ignored.
What Does the Consultation Involve?
Your consultation is designed to be sensitive, thorough and respectful.
It usually includes:
- a detailed discussion about your symptoms
- when the problem started
- any previous treatments
- your skin, hormone and gynaecological history
- examination of the vulval area, if appropriate and with your consent
- explanation of the likely diagnosis
- a treatment plan and follow-up advice
Where appropriate, I carry out vulvoscopy — examination of the vulva using a colposcope, a magnified light source that allows detailed assessment of the skin, colour, texture and any subtle changes. This is a non-invasive outpatient procedure. I may also take swabs, blood tests or a small biopsy under local anaesthetic if the diagnosis requires tissue confirmation. Most women find this straightforward and are comfortable throughout.
👉 This is where specialist input matters — not generic advice.
Treatment for vulval problems
Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include:
- specialist skin care advice
- avoiding irritants
- barrier creams or emollients
- steroid ointments for inflammatory skin conditions
- treatment for infection where appropriate
- hormonal treatment for menopausal tissue changes
- pain management strategies
- advice on sexual discomfort
- drainage or treatment of cysts where needed
- surgical advice for selected structural or symptomatic concerns
- referral to a pelvic floor physiotherapist for vulvodynia or pain-related conditions
👉 The key is correct diagnosis first. Many women have suffered for a long time simply because the underlying problem has not been identified properly.
Labiaplasty assessment and advice
Labiaplasty is an operation to reduce or reshape the labia minora. Some women seek advice because of discomfort, rubbing, irritation in clothing, difficulty with exercise, pain during sex, or concerns about appearance.
Labiaplasty is not suitable for everyone. I offer careful assessment and honest advice for women considering labiaplasty. I would suggest –
- whether surgery is likely to help
- the expected result
- limitations of surgery
- healing time
- risks such as pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry or dissatisfaction with appearance
Not everyone needs surgery, and the first step is always to understand the symptoms clearly and assess whether there is a functional problem, a skin condition, or anatomical concern.
Why choose me for vulval problems?
I am one of a small number of consultants in the UK who hold RCOG subspecialty accreditation in urogynaecology — a post-CCT qualification in pelvic floor disorders that goes beyond standard gynaecology training. I also hold FRCOG, an MD from the University of Sheffield, and an Honorary Professorship. I have published over 150 peer-reviewed papers with more than 2,400 citations, and I am the Training Programme Director for RCOG subspecialty urogynaecology training in Sheffield.
While my subspecialty focus is pelvic floor disorders, I have extensive experience in vulval conditions as part of that urogynaecology practice — particularly where symptoms overlap with pelvic floor dysfunction, menopausal tissue change or urinary symptoms.
I see patients at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield. My Doctify rating is excellent. (Read here)
COMMON QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK IN SHEFFIELD
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refer myself for a vulval assessment in Sheffield without seeing my GP?
Yes. Self-referral is welcome — no GP letter is required. I see patients privately at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield. Contact my secretary Lauren Hudson at admin@swatijha.com or 07990 251036 to book.
What is vulvodynia and how is it diagnosed?
Vulvodynia is persistent vulval pain — burning, stinging, or rawness — lasting three months or more with no identifiable infection or skin condition. It is frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent thrush. Diagnosis is made clinically through a detailed pain history and specialist examination, including vulvoscopy.
Does lichen sclerosus go away on its own?
No. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that does not resolve without treatment. Left untreated it causes progressive scarring and carries a small but real risk of vulval cancer. With the correct topical steroid regimen, most women achieve good symptom control and skin stabilisation.
What is the difference between lichen sclerosus and lichen planus?
Lichen sclerosus causes white, thinned skin with itching and splitting, mainly on the vulva. Lichen planus causes erosions and redness that can extend into the vagina, causing discharge, adhesions, and pain during sex. Both require biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — misidentifying one as the other leads to the wrong treatment.
What is vulvoscopy and does it hurt?
Vulvoscopy is a magnified examination of the vulva using a colposcope — a bright light source that reveals skin changes not visible to the naked eye. It is entirely external and painless. If a small biopsy is needed, local anaesthetic is used first.
Can vulval problems be related to the menopause?
Yes. Falling oestrogen levels cause the vulval and vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and more fragile — known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Symptoms include dryness, soreness, burning, and pain during sex. GSM does not improve on its own but responds well to local oestrogen or other treatments.
What is VIN and how is it treated?
VIN (vulval intraepithelial neoplasia) is a pre-cancerous skin change on the vulva, usually linked to high-risk HPV. It can cause itching or visible skin changes, though it is sometimes asymptomatic. Treatment depends on the extent and may include topical imiquimod, laser, or surgical excision, followed by long-term surveillance.
I keep being treated for thrush but it keeps coming back — what should I do?
Recurrent symptoms attributed to thrush — especially without a positive swab — are often something else: lichen sclerosus, contact dermatitis, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or vulvodynia. A specialist assessment with vulvoscopy and swabs taken during a symptomatic episode usually identifies the real cause.
Is labiaplasty available privately in Sheffield?
Yes. I offer labiaplasty assessment at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield. The first step is always a careful consultation to understand your symptoms, assess anatomy, and give an honest opinion on whether surgery is likely to help and what results are realistic.
How long does a vulval consultation take and what should I expect?
A new consultation takes 30–45 minutes. I take a detailed history of your symptoms, previous treatments, and any concerns. Examination with vulvoscopy is offered where appropriate and only with your consent. By the end you will have a clear diagnosis or a plan to reach one, and a personalised treatment plan in writing.
Book Your Assessment in Sheffield
Spire Claremont Hospital
Sheffield
Book appointment online
Whether you need reassurance, conservative treatment, or surgery — start with a specialist assessment.
Circle Thornbury Hospital
Sheffield
Book appointment online