Female Genital Oedema Self Management Plan

If you have any questions, telephone the Dorothy House Lymphoedema Service on 0345 0130 555.

Advice from the information sheet

Looking after your skin

Wash and dry your genital area thoroughly.
Protect your skin by avoiding cuts, bites and scratches.

Monitor skin for signs of cellulitis (infection of the skin): common symptoms are pain, swelling, heat, redness, blistered or broken skin and fevers.

If you have signs of infection, contact your GP or call 111 out of hours.

If skin becomes sore or is blistered, or if you notice any leaking or unusual discharge, inform your GP practice or community nurse.

There is a risk of the skin around the genital area becoming fragile and sore. When toileting, washing or drying the area, use a patting or dabbing technique instead of wiping to protect the skin. If the skin has broken down, we may suggest you use an unperfumed barrier cream for skin protection.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Aim to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Keep well hydrated and eat a balanced diet: maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the strain on your lymphatics.

Aim to complete 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week: walking, cycling, swimming or gardening are good ideas to consider.

If you are new to exercise you may wish to seek the advice and support of a healthcare professional (GP, lymphoedema practitioner, physiotherapist).

Complete the lymphoedema specific exercise programme daily that was given by your lymphoedema practitioner – this may likely include pelvic floor exercises.

Build up activity and exercise levels gradually.

Self-Lymphatic Drainage

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you follow a Self-Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) care plan.

SLD is a form of self massage that helps to move the lymph fluid (swelling) towards its natural pathway(s) to promote drainage with the aim of reducing the swelling.

Further information will be given on an individualised SLD care plan.

Positioning and support garment

It may be beneficial to put a rolled up towel between your legs, under the genital area, when sitting, in order to provide some support.

Wearing a sanitary towel or incontinence pad inside underwear can help to provide some support to the area: your lymphoedema practitioner may provide you with specific padding to use for this purpose.

If possible wear supportive underwear or cycling shorts.

Your lymphoedema practitioner may provide you with a compression garment to wear in the form or tights/shorts.

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you use Kinesiotape as an additional form of support to aid lymph drainage; further information will be given on an individualised care plan if appropriate.

Garments should be replaced every six months or if damaged. Set a reminder in your phone, diary or calendar each year and inform your GP or Prescriptions Team when you need a new set of garments.

If garments no longer fit or your swelling has changed, call your Lymphoedema Service or ask your GP to re-refer if you have been discharged.