Prevalence of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of vulvodynia: population-based estimates from 2 geographic regions

Bernard L. Harlow, Christine G. Kunitz, Ruby H.N. Nguyen, Sarah A. Rydell, Rachel M. Turner, Richard F. MacLehose
In: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2013 · vol. 210(1) , pp. 40.e1–40.e8 · doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.09.033 · PMID:24080300 · W2023517643
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This population-based study estimated the prevalence of symptoms consistent with vulvodynia in two geographic regions.

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Abstract

ObjectiveWe used validated sensitive and specific questions associated with clinically confirmed diagnoses of unexplained vulvar pain (vulvodynia) to compare the cumulative incidence of vulvar pain and prevalence of care-seeking behavior in Boston metropolitan area (BMA) and in Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area (MSP) from 2001 through 2005 using census-based data, and 2010 through 2012, using outpatient community-clinic data, respectively.Study designWe received self-administered questionnaires from 5440 women in BMA and 13,681 in MSP, 18-40 years of age, describing their history of vulvar burning or pain on contact that persisted >3 months that limited/prevented intercourse.ResultsBy age 40 years, 7-8% in BMA and MSP reported vulvar pain consistent with vulvodynia. Women of Hispanic origin compared to whites were 1.4 times more likely to develop vulvar pain symptoms (95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.8). Many women in MSP (48%) and BMA (30%) never sought treatment, and >50% who sought care with known health care access received no diagnosis.ConclusionUsing identical screening methods, we report high prevalence of vulvar pain in 2 geographic regions, and that access to health care does not increase the likelihood of seeking care for chronic vulvar pain.

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