I use an epilator. For me, the bikini line is the best use for it as I think the result there is much nicer than shaving and the area is so small that it doesn't really hurt at long as I'm keeping it up. It's no good for the labia though, I still have to shave that.
I think epilating would be worth a try for you, but it's something where starting off with a cheap and cheerful option isn't a good idea. The price is totally worth it if you find it works for you, but ?50 down the drain if it doesn't.
If you get yourself a decent epilator (silk epils are good, but don't worry about any of the precision attachments, they're pointless), you'll probably be able to use it two days after your last shave, although longer is better. You might find the first time too awful to finish, in which case do what you can and shave the rest. As long as you do it again within a fortnight you'll be making progress; I take three sessions to get back to the upkeep stage if I haven't epilated for a while.