Vulval biopsy - local anaesthetic or sedation?? Any experiences?

[Alittlebitwary]

I've got to have a biopsy of my vulva and I've been given the option of either a local anaesthetic or a sedation. Does anyone have experience of either??

I've had an awful experience of local anaesthetic near my clit before (stitches after childbirth) but also have felt pain under sedation before (not nice and also couldn't do much about it being totally out of it) so I'm trying to choose the least traumatic option!!

I'd really like to hear any experiences to help me make the choice, the male consultant was extremely unhelpful lol

I had one with local anaesthetic. The anaesthetic injections were unpleasant but short lived and then I didn’t feel anything else. The recovery was fine, but I was unexpectedly weepy afterwards, so maybe plan some downtime.

Thanks for responding, that's good to know! I'm probably leaning towards the local. It's just SUCH a sensitive area, I hate even touching the area to be biopsied with my own fingers so if the sedation is more likely to mean I'll feel nothing, I'm happy to be a wimp and ask for that.

I will definitely be taking the day off all mumming duties either way x

Just to throw this in the mix - you could ask for a spinal instead. I’ve had several gynaecology type things recently (that others have had with local) and I’ve opted for a spinal each time (birth trauma / ptsd reasons).

Thanks, that's good to know for future - I wasn't given that option, but to be fair I'd probably be fine with one of the options given, just don't know which one would be best.... I imagine a spinal definitely does the job though and with no needles down below.

Gentle bump to see if anyone else comes along.... 😊🙏

I've had a biopsy and had a local anaesthetic, felt a bit of a sharp prick but not very painful really. It was over very quickly, there was rather a lot of blood on the floor when I sat up, but I didn't feel a thing. I was slightly uncomfortable for a few days afterwards but not too bad.

Thank you, it seems that sedation isn't the norm for this type of procedure so maybe i am best just opting for a local