The after effects of vulva cancer can be a very hard journey for the patient. Not everyone will go through the same after effects but here is a few things that you can expect following treatment.

From Vulva surgery

• Numbness which gets better over time but in some cases this can be permanent.

• Some patients may have had their clitoris removed. This can cause problems with urinating especially if the tumour was close.

• Some patients may have had their bladder removed and will have a bag fitted for urinating, Also this will apply if the bowel was removed but this will depend on the tumour site and size.

• Nerve damage.
• Closed vaginal opening.

After effects from Radiation.

• Onset of menopause

• Bladder and bowel problems which can get better but most patients find it has lasting affects.

• Pelvic problems and even fractures.

• Skin burns and damage.

• Fatigue which can improve but most patients report this continues.

• Nerve damage which can cause pain and discomfort.

• Pain.

• Swelling around the area, lymph nodes, legs, groin and pelvis.

• ​Brain Fog. This is when our brain feels hazy and may cause a lack of concentration and forgetfulness.

• Radiation can also shrink your vagina opening so you need to use the dilators ASAP.

Lymphedema.

• Surgery, removing nodes (one or all)

• Radiation

• Both can cause lymphedema, no one knows who will get it and could happen straight away or years later so its important to keep attending your apoointments.

• ​Depression and mental health issues after is also common. This is where support groups are good to be able to talk to others who have and are experiencing the same. Also this can be caused by the ​fear ​of cancer returning and having to live with that fear. Its important to mention here that many women will have gone through severe physical changes and feelings of low confidence, low mood and low self esteem is more likely to happen.​