Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Sep;189(3 Suppl):S24-30.

    New concepts in vulvodynia.

    Edwards L.

    Southeast Vulvar Clinic, 401 S. Sharon Amity Road, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA. ledwardsmd@aol.com

    Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar burning/pain without clear medical findings. The etiology of vulvodynia is unknown and health care professionals should thoroughly rule out specific, treatable causes or factors such as dermatoses or group B Streptococcus infections. Vulvodynia is divided into 2 classes: vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is vestibule-restricted burning/pain and is elicited by touch; dysesthetic vulvodynia is burning/pain not limited to the vestibule and may occur without touch/pressure. After diagnosis, critical factors in successful patient management include education and psychological support/counseling. Unfortunately, clinical trials on potential vulvodynia therapies have been few. Standard therapy includes treating neuropathic pain (eg, tricyclic medications, gabapentin) thought to play a role. Additional therapies may be considered: pelvic floor rehabilitation combined with surface electromyography, interferon alfa, estrogen creams, and surgery. Importantly, any therapy should be accompanied by patient education and psychological support. Because definitive data on effective therapies are lacking, further clinical investigations of treatment options are warranted.

    PMID: 14532900 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read

    Patient drug information

    • Estrogen (Cenestin®, Enjuvia®, Estrace®, ...)

      Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen...

    • Gabapentin (Gabarone®, Neurontin®)

      Gabapentin is used to help control certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last fo...