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Vulvodynia: Assessment and Treatment
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Vulvodynia: Assessment and Treatment

Andrew T Goldstein, Caroline F Pukall, Candace Brown, Sophie Bergeron, Amy Stein and Susan Kellogg-Spadt
Journal of sexual medicine, v 13(4), pp 572-590
Apr 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.020
PMID: 27045258
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors - administration & dosage Adult Botulinum Toxins - administration & dosage Capsaicin - administration & dosage Cognitive Therapy Combined Modality Therapy Dyspareunia - diagnosis Dyspareunia - physiopathology Dyspareunia - psychology Dyspareunia - therapy Female Humans Interdisciplinary Communication Interferons - administration & dosage Pelvic Floor - physiopathology Physical Therapy Modalities Sensory System Agents - administration & dosage Sexual Behavior - psychology Vulvodynia - diagnosis Vulvodynia - physiopathology Vulvodynia - psychology Vulvodynia - therapy
Vulvodynia constitutes a highly prevalent form of sexual pain in women, and current information regarding its assessment and treatment is needed. To update the scientific evidence published in 2010, from the Third International Consultation on Sexual Medicine, pertaining to the assessment and treatment of women's sexual pain. An expert committee, as part of the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine, was comprised of researchers and clinicians from biological and social science disciplines for the review of the scientific evidence on the assessment and treatment of women's genital pain. A review of assessment and treatment strategies involved in vulvodynia. We recommend the following treatments for the management of vulvodynia: psychological interventions, pelvic floor physical therapy, and vestibulectomy (for provoked vestibulodynia). We also support the use of multidisciplinary treatment approaches for the management of vulvodynia; however, more studies are needed to determine which components are most important. We recommend waiting for more empirical evidence before recommending alternative treatment options, anti-inflammatory agents, hormonal agents, and anticonvulsant medications. Although we do not recommend lidocaine, topical corticosteroids, or antidepressant medication for the management of vulvodynia, we suggest that capsaicin, botulinum toxin, and interferon be considered second-line avenues and that their recommendation be revisited once further research is conducted. A comprehensive assessment is needed to understand the pain experience of women presenting with vulvodynia. In addition, treatment typically progresses from less invasive to more invasive, and several treatment options are worth pursuing.

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173 citations in Web of Science
239 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#5 Gender Equality
#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Urology & Nephrology
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