Journal article
Treatment of Vulvodynia: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Drugs (New York, N.Y.), v 79(5), pp 483-493
01 Apr 2019
PMID: 30847806
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Vulvodynia is a common, recurrent, vulvar pain condition with debilitating consequences for affected women's health and quality of life. The heterogeneity of women suffering from vulvodynia as well as its uncertain and likely multifactorial etiology pose a significant challenge to identifying any kind of gold standard treatment. Thus, treatment providers must be well versed in the various options and the evidence for each. In this review, we begin with pharmacological treatments, followed by non-pharmacological treatments, surgery, and finally multimodal treatments. For each approach, we briefly discuss the method, mechanism of action, and empirical support for the treatment. In sum, pharmacological treatments that may be beneficial but require further research include antinociceptive agents (lidocaine, capsaicin), anti-inflammatory agents (corticosteroids, interferon), neuromodulating medications (anticonvulsants and antidepressants), hormonal agents, and muscle relaxants (e.g., botulinum toxin). There is strong evidence to support and recommend non-pharmacological interventions including psychological therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, as well as surgery (i.e., vestibulectomy for provoked vestibulodynia) for the treatment of vulvodynia. We conclude this review with a discussion of issues that may have hindered progress of treatment efficacy and effectiveness, and recommendations for moving the field forward.
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Details
- Title
- Treatment of Vulvodynia: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Creators
- Natalie O. Rosen - Dalhousie UniversitySamantha J. Dawson - Dalhousie UniversityMelissa Brooks - Dalhousie UniversitySusan Kellogg-Spadt - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Drugs (New York, N.Y.), v 79(5), pp 483-493
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000463813000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85062691739
- Other Identifier
- 991019167329604721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- Toxicology