Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2006 Mar;7(2):85-91.
Sentinel node dissection in vulvar cancer.
Hakim AA, Terada KY.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suite 420, 333 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. amy-hakim@northwestern.edu

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon but devastating disease. In addition to radical vulvectomy, most patients require inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, which often results in wound infection, wound breakdown, and chronic lymphedema. In the past, the gold standard for early lesions was radical vulvectomy with complete bilateral inguinal-femoral lymphadenectomy. This resulted in a low rate of recurrence but devastating disfigurement and high complication rates. Because only approximately 20% of patients with vulvar cancer have positive lymph nodes upon presentation, the traditional approach of inguinal-femoral lymphadenectomy for all patients resulted in many patients undergoing a morbid procedure without any real benefit. Sentinel node dissection, by removing only the nodes with the highest risk of containing metastases, offers a much less morbid alternative. In addition, because only one or two lymph nodes are removed, these can be subjected to a more thorough histopathologic analysis than conventional complete lymphadenectomy. This involves serial sectioning and immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin antigen. Very small metastases, termed micrometastases, can be detected in this fashion. Therefore, sentinel node dissection with serial sectioning and immunohistochemical staining potentially offers a more accurate assessment of the regional nodes with less morbidity. Patients with positive sentinel nodes may then undergo additional therapy. Patients with negative sentinel nodes are theoretically at very low risk for metastases and should not require any additional treatment.

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Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Mar;107(3):617-624.
Vulvodynia: characteristics and associations with comorbidities and quality of life.
Arnold LD, Bachmann GA, Rosen R, Kelly S, Rhoads GG.
Women's Health Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Department of Psychiatry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; and Department of Epidemiology, UMDNJ-School of Public Health, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

OBJECTIVE: This case-control survey compared health history and health care use of women with vulvodynia with a control group reporting absence of gynecologic pain. METHODS: Women with a clinically assessed diagnosis of vulvodynia and asymptomatic controls were matched for age and mailed a confidential survey that evaluated demographics, health history, use of the health care system, and history of vulvodynia. Participants were all current or former ambulatory patients within a university health care system. RESULTS: Of the 512 questionnaires mailed to valid addresses, 70% (n = 91) of cases and 72% (n = 275) of controls responded, with 77 cases and 208 controls meeting eligibility criteria. Women with vulvodynia reported a substantial negative impact on quality of life, with 42% feeling out of control of their lives and 60% feeling out of control of their bodies. Forty-one percent indicated a severe impact on their sexual lives. When comorbidities were evaluated individually and adjusted for age, fibromyalgia (odds ratio 3.84, 95% confidence interval 1.54-9.55) and irritable bowel syndrome (odds ratio 3.11, 95% confidence interval 1.60-6.05) were significantly associated with vulvodynia. On a multivariate level, vulvodynia was correlated with a history of chronic yeast vaginitis and urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the psychological distress associated with vulvodynia and underscores the need for prospective studies to investigate the relationship between chronic bladder and vaginal infections as etiologies for this condition. As well, the association of vulvodynia with other comorbid conditions, such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, needs to be further evaluated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Feb;194(2):377-80.
Preliminary results of 5% imiquimod cream in the primary treatment of vulva intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3.
Le T, Hicks W, Menard C, Hopkins L, Fung MF.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to study the tolerability and efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream in the primary treatment of vulva intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) grade 2/3. STUDY DESIGN: VIN grade 2/3 patients were recruited from regional colposcopy units. Imiquimod cream was applied over the abnormal area by the patient using an escalating dose regime for total treatment duration of 16 weeks. At the end of study, repeat colposcopy and biopsy of the target lesion were performed to assess for response. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients participated. Twenty patients (87%) had VIN grade 3. Nine patients (39%) had multifocal disease on colposcopy. Therapy was well tolerated with the most commonly observed side effects being irritation at the application site. Responses were evaluable in 17 patients. Complete responses were observed in 9 patients with partial responses in another 5 (relative risk 82%). The median time to response was 7 weeks. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod cream can induce histologic regression of high-grade VIN lesions and is well tolerated using a slow dose-escalating regime.

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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2006 Feb;4(1):125-35.
Trichomoniasis and its treatment.
Nanda N, Michel RG, Kurdgelashvili G, Wendel KA.
Department of Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.

Trichomonas vaginalis has long been recognized as a cause of infectious vaginitis in women. More recently, studies have demonstrated a significant burden of disease in men with urethritis or men at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases. There is increasing interest in this pathogen as more data accumulates linking it to HIV transmission and perinatal morbidity. New diagnostic methods have emerged that may increase sensitivity of diagnosis or improve point-of-care access to testing. Nitroimidazoles remain the mainstay of therapy. Metronidazole and tinidazole are highly effective as single-dose therapy. Unfortunately, despite the link between T. vaginalis infection and perinatal morbidity, nitroimidazole therapy during pregnancy remains controversial. Although metronidazole resistance is currently uncommon, pharmacological features and nitroimidazole resistance patterns suggest that tinidazole may be more effective in treating patients with metronidazole treatment failure. Alternatives to nitroimidazole therapy are few, and most have limited efficacy and significant toxicity.

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Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2006 Jan-Feb;16(1):283-7.
Unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation for unilaterally node-positive women with vulval carcinoma.
Jackson KS, Fankam EF, Das N, Naik R, Lopes AD, Godfrey KA, Hatem MH, Branson AN, Taylor WT.
Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead NE9 6SX, United Kingdom. suzijackson@doctors.org.uk

It is essential that any patient with resected vulval cancer and significant nodal disease receive optimal adjuvant treatment with radiation. Adequate radiotherapy for such patients with unilateral positive groin nodes has not been defined. Whether both groins and pelvic sidewalls should be irradiated or only the affected (node positive) side remains unclear. From our registry, we identified all patients with primary, previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva undergoing bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (superficial and deep nodes) and having unilaterally positive groin nodes treated with unilateral groin and pelvic radiotherapy (44 Gy in 22 fractions). Clinical and pathologic records were reviewed to identify the anatomical site and timing of recurrences in these patients and determine whether unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation was sufficient for disease control on the node-negative side. From 1983 to 2002, 20 patients with unilateral positive nodes treated with unilateral groin and pelvic irradiation were identified. Nineteen patients were classed as having FIGO stage III disease and one as FIGO stage IV due to involvement of the rectal mucosa. There were nine patients with disease recurrences in this group (45%). The disease-free interval ranged from 4 to 31 months (median time to recurrence, 9 months). All nine patients had local or regional failures, the most common site being the ipsilateral groin (six of nine patients). One patient was also found to have distant metastases. There were no recurrences noted in the contralateral (nonirradiated) groin or pelvic sidewall. Recurrence was generally fatal. Eight of the nine patients subsequently died of their disease. The ninth patient died of another cause. There was a high incidence of regional failure after unilateral groin and pelvic radiotherapy, but there were no recurrences on the nonirradiated, node-negative side. Although a small series, we speculate that there is no apparent disadvantage to administering unilateral adjuvant radiotherapy for unilaterally positive groin nodes and encourage further studies in order to more confidently determine whether the tendency observed in our center holds true.

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Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Dec;13(4):197-206.
An evaluation of butoconazole nitrate 2% site release vaginal cream (Gynazole-1) compared to fluconazole 150 mg tablets (Diflucan) in the time to relief of symptoms in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Seidman LS, Skokos CK.
Philadelphia Women's Research, Philadelphia, PA 19114, USA. seidmanlb@aol.com

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that as many as 13 million cases of vulvovaginal infection occur in the United States annually, the majority of which are the result of Candida albicans infection. The symptoms of vulvovaginal infections are often painful and distressing to the patient. The objective of this study was to compare the time to symptomatic relief of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) with butoconazole nitrate 2% Site Release vaginal cream (Gynazole-1) and oral fluconazole 150 mg tablets (Diflucan). METHODS: This randomized, open-label, parallel study evaluated 181 female patients with moderate to severe symptoms of VVC. Patients were randomized to single-dose therapy with either butoconazole nitrate 2% Site Release vaginal cream or fluconazole. The primary outcome measure was the time to onset of first relief of symptoms. Secondary measures included the time to overall relief of symptoms and the reinfection rate over the first 30 days following treatment. The overall safety of both products was investigated through the collection of adverse event reports. RESULTS: The median time to first relief of symptoms occurred at 17.5 h for butoconazole patients as compared to 22.9 h for fluconazole patients (p < 0.001). The time at which 75% of patients experienced first relief of symptoms was 24.5 h versus 46.3 h for butoconazole and fluconazole, respectively (p < 0.001). By 12- and 24-h post-treatment, 44.4% and 72.8% of patients in the butoconazole treatment group reported first relief of symptoms versus 29.1% and 55.7% of patients in the fluconazole group (p = 0.044 and p = 0.024 respectively). In patients experiencing first relief of symptoms within 48 h of dosing, the median time to first relief of symptoms in the butoconazole treatment group was significantly shorter at 12.9 h compared to 20.7 h for the fluconazole treatment group (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to time to total relief of symptoms or reoccurrence of infection within 30 days of treatment. Butoconazole therapy was shown to have fewer reported adverse events, including drug-related adverse events, than fluconazole therapy. Vulvovaginal pruritis and vulvovaginal burning were the most common drug-related adverse events attributed to butoconazole. Headache, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach and skin sensitivity were the most common drug-related adverse events attributable to fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose butoconazole nitrate 2% Site Release vaginal cream provides statistically significant improvement in time to first relief of symptoms in the treatment of VVC compared to fluconazole. There is no difference between these two treatments with respect to total relief of symptoms or reinfection rate. Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events judged by the investigator to be treatment-related, butoconazole treatment did result in fewer patients experiencing adverse events than fluconazole.

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Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jan;107(1):136-143.
Effects of Long-Term Use of Nonoxynol-9 on VaginalFlora.
Schreiber CA, Meyn LA, Creinin MD, Barnhart KT, Hillier SL.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Penn Fertility Care and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Penn Fertility Care, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

OBJECTIVE: Products containing nonoxynol-9 have been used as spermicidal contraceptives for many years, but limited data have been published describing the long-term effects of nonoxynol-9 use on the vaginal microbial ecosystem. This longitudinal study was conducted to examine the effects of nonoxynol-9 on the vaginal ecology. METHODS: Vaginal swabs were obtained from 235 women enrolled in a randomized clinical trial before initiation of use of 1 of 5 different formulations of nonoxynol-9 for contraception, and up to 3 more samples were gathered over 7 months of use. The swab samples were evaluated in a single laboratory. The prevalence of several constituents of the normal vaginal flora was evaluated. The associations between nonoxynol-9 dosage, formulation, average product use per week, and number of sex acts per week were calculated. RESULTS: The changes in prevalence of vaginal microbes after nonoxynol-9 use were minimal for each of the different nonoxynol-9 formulations. However, when both nonoxynol-9 concentration and number of product uses are taken into account, nonoxynol-9 did have dose-dependant effects on the increased prevalence of anaerobic gram-negative rods (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-5.3), H(2)O(2)-negative lactobacilli (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.1), and bacterial vaginosis (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that most nonoxynol-9 users experienced minimal disruptions in their vaginal ecology. There were no differences between the different formulations evaluated with respect to changes in vaginal microflora. However, independent of the nonoxynol-9 formulation, there was a dose-dependent effect with increased exposure to nonoxynol-9 on the risk of bacterial vaginosis and its associated flora. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

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Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2006 Jan;273(4):232-5. Epub 2005 Oct 25.
Comparative efficacy of two regimens in syndromic management of lower genital infections.
Sharma JB, Mittal S, Raina U, Chanana C.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences & Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India, jbsharma@eth.net.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two combination regimens in the syndromic management of lower genital infection. Seventy-two non-pregnant women presenting with symptoms of lower genital infection diagnosed as vaginitis on clinical examination and lacking obvious upper genital infection were enrolled to one of the two treatment regimens as a syndromic treatment. No investigations were performed to cut the cost and to avoid the loss of patients on follow-up. Thirty-seven women (group I) were prescribed a course of clotrimazole (Imidil, Lyka) 100 mg vaginal pessaries for 6 days. Along with their partners they were prescribed 2 gm secnidazole (Secnil forte) and 150 mg fluconazole (Syscan) as a single therapy. Thirty-five women (group II) were prescribed vaginal clotrimazole as mentioned above. A combination kit containing 150 mg fluconazole, 2 gm secnidazole and 1 gm azithromycin (FAS-3 kit, Lyka) was also prescribed to both partners with the advice to take azithromycin on empty stomach, and the other three tablets after food. Results: All women in both groups were seen after 1 week for relief of symptoms and after 1 month for any recurrence. Mean parity was 2.7 and 3.0, respectively. The total symptomatic relief was observed in 67.6 and 94.3% cases, partial relief in 27 and 5.7% cases and no relief was observed in 5.4% and nil cases, respectively, in the two groups. Recurrence was seen in two and nil cases, respectively, in the two groups. Most women tolerated both the treatments well with no major side effect in any case. Treatment cost was higher in group II (Rupees 120) than in group I (Rupees 65). Conclusions: Both combination kits with local clotrimazole were reasonably effective and safe in the syndromic approach for lower genital infections. The combination kit with azithromycin, secnidazole and fluconazole was more effective with better symptomatic relief and less recurrence rate and may be routinely recommended in all cases of lower genital infection as a cost effective, safe and effective strategy.

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Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2005 Nov;7(6):445-52.
Her choice: dealing with lactobacilli, vaginitis, and antibiotics.
Pirotta MV, Garland SM.
Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, 200 Berkeley Street, Carlton, 3053, Victoria, Australia. m.pirotta@unimelb.edu.au.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common problem for women, yet there are many gaps in knowledge about candida's pathogenesis, immunity, and its reputed association with antibiotic use. Women often self-diagnose and self-manage the problem, yet one of the most common folk remedies used, the probiotic lactobacillus, has no biologically plausible mechanism to explain any beneficial actions and no rigorous evidence to support its effectiveness. This paper explores these issues and summaries potential areas for further research.

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Int J STD AIDS. 2005 Nov;16(11):736-8.
Recurrent bacterial vaginosis: the use of maintenance acidic vaginal gel following treatment.
Wilson JD, Shann SM, Brady SK, Mammen-Tobin AG, Evans AL, Lee RA.
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. janet_d.wilson.nhs.uk

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) frequently recurs after treatment. One option in the management of recurrences is to keep the vaginal pH at 4.5 or less, in order to prevent overgrowth of bacteria, until the normal lactobacilli are re-established. We report the outcome of using maintenance acetic acid vaginal gel, after treatment of BV, in a sample of 49 women with frequent recurrences. Half of the women had no further recurrences, and in those who did there was a significant increase in time to first recurrence (4.8 months) after commencing the gel compared with the previous recurrence (2.1 months). Prior to using acidic gel, the mean recurrence rate in 49 women was 4.4 per woman/year, and this was reduced to 0.6 recurrences per woman/year. As there are few effective therapies for women with recurrent BV, we feel this offers an option that can currently be used in clinical practice.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Oct;193(4):1404-9.
Insight into the treatment of vulvar pain: a survey of clinicians.
Updike GM, Wiesenfeld HC.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. gupdike@mail.magee.edu

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine practice patterns among clinicians who frequently treat patients with vulvar pain syndromes. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to providers in the United States whose names were on a referral list of clinicians that care for women with vulvar pain (National Vulvodynia Association, Silver Springs, MD). The survey included 2 clinical vignettes. Clinicians were asked to report what treatments they would use to treat women with generalized vulvodynia and localized vulvodynia. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. A comparison of categoric data was accomplished with the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Surveys were mailed to 327 providers; 167 completed surveys were returned, for an overall response rate of 51%. The most commonly used treatment for vulvodynia was tricyclic antidepressants. There was no difference in the use of physical therapy, estrogens, injected or topical steroids, interferon, or laser therapy to treat generalized and localized vulvodynia. Respondents were more likely to use tricyclic antidepressants (P < .001), gabapentin (P < .001), and psychiatric care (P < .001) and less likely to use local anesthesia (P < .001) and vestibulectomy (P = .007) for the clinical scenario that represented generalized vulvodynia than they were for the scenario that represented localized vulvodynia. Most clinicians reported screening for vaginal infections, and many clinicians perform colposcopy and/or vulvar biopsy. Respondents recommend a variety of lifestyle modifications in the treatment of vulvodynia. CONCLUSION: Clinicians use a wide variety of treatments for vulvar pain and use different therapies for variants of vulvodynia.

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Can J Microbiol. 2005 Sep;51(9):777-81.
Vaginal microbial diversity among postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy.
Heinemann C, Reid G.

Urogenital infections in postmenopausal women remain problematic. The use of estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to lower these infection rates, corresponding to increasing colonization by Lactobacillus species. Despite the gut's 500 microbial species and the proximity of the anus to the vagina, only a relatively few microbial strains appear to be able to colonize the urogenital area. In the present study, the sparsity of microbes in the vagina was confirmed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of swabs taken at time zero and monthly for 3 months from 40 postmenopausal subjects receiving Premarin (conjugated equine estrogen in combination with progesterone) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 20 who were not on HRT. Lactobacilli were recovered from the vagina of 95% or more women in both groups, but in the HRT group, Lactobacillus were more often the dominant and only colonizers and significantly fewer bacteria with pathogenic potential were found. The incidence of bacterial vaginosis was significantly lower in the HRT group than in the non-HRT-treated women (5.6% versus 31%). The use of HRTs has recently come under criticism. The ability of drugs such as Premarin to help recover the lactobacilli vaginal microbiota appears to be at least one benefit of HRT use. In women not using HRTs, use of probiotics may be the only way to restore a nonpathogen-dominated flora.

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Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Sep;13(3):155-60.
The efficacy and safety of a single dose of Clindesse vaginal cream versus a seven-dose regimen of Cleocin vaginal cream in patients with bacterial vaginosis.
Faro S, Skokos CK; Clindesse Investigators Group.
The Woman's Hospital of Texas, Houston, Texas 77054, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a single dose of Clindesse vaginal cream is comparable in efficacy and safety to Cleocin vaginal cream administered once daily for 7 days in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. STUDY DESIGN: This multicenter, randomized, single-blind, parallel-group study enrolled 540 patients with BV infections. Treatment consisted of either a single intravaginal dose of Clindesse or 7 daily doses of Cleocin. Efficacy and safety were assessed 21-30 days after the start of treatment. The efficacy endpoints were Investigator Cure, Clinical Cure (a composite of all 4 Amsel's criteria and Investigator Cure), Nugent Cure (Nugent score < 4), and Therapeutic Cure (a composite of Clinical Cure and Nugent Cure). Resolution of individual Amsel's criteria was also evaluated. Treatment-emergent adverse events were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cure rates between the Clindesse and Cleocin treatment groups in Investigator Cure (P=0.702), Clinical Cure (P=0.945), Nugent Cure (P=0.788), or Therapeutic Cure (P=0.572). Results were also similar for 3 of 4 and 2 of 4 Amsel's criteria and for each individual Amsel's criterion (all P-values >0.200). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals for each endpoint were consistent with equivalence between the 2 products. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (P=0.386). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of Clindesse vaginal cream is equivalent in safety and efficacy to a 7-dose regimen of Cleocin vaginal cream in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. This represents a significant advance in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

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Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Sep-Oct;11(5):38-43.
Alternative therapies for bacterial vaginosis: a literature review and acceptability survey.
Boskey ER.
Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health, State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews current research into non-antibiotic treatments for bacterial vaginosis and assesses interest in the use of alternative therapies for women's health in a non-representative sample of women. DESIGN: Literature review and online survey. SUBJECTS: A convenience sample of 192 women was selected from an online community devoted to the discussion of women's health. RESULTS: Data on alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis are mixed. Studies have shown both positive and null effects for probiotic- and lactic acid-based treatments. The results of antiseptic studies were more uniformly positive, but the studies were generally not placebo-controlled. Women in the survey population were both interested in and experienced with alternative and complementary therapies for reproductive health problems--44% of them had used home or natural remedies to treat vaginal infections or menstrual problems, and only 20% indicated that antibiotics and antifungals would be their treatment of choice. CONCLUSIONS: Women are interested in alternative treatments for women's health problems such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Although such treatments have been investigated, further research--particularly in the form of high-quality, randomized, controlled trials--is strongly indicated.

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J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2005 Sep;14(7):627-33.
Perceived life stress and bacterial vaginosis.
Harville EW, Hatch MC, Zhang J.
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition produced by overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Consequences of the condition may include preterm birth and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Because stress can suppress immune function, increased stress might increase the risk of BV. Our objective was to determine whether life stress was associated with risk of bacterial vaginosis in a cohort of nonpregnant women. Methods: A total of 411 African American women receiving routine gynecological care were recruited from two New York City hospitals. They were asked to rate the pressure they felt over the last week as a result of change, relationships, sickness, and finances using the Global Assessment of Recent Stress scale. An overall measure of stress was created by summing the responses over the categories. Stress was categorized into low, intermediate, and high tertiles. BV was diagnosed by gram stain score. Results: In almost all domains of life stress, women with high stress were more likely to have BV than those with low stress; however, none of the differences reached statistical significance. Thirty-four percent of women with BV had high overall stress as opposed to 26% of women without BV, giving an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.95, 2.1). Conclusions: In a cohort of African American women in New York City, perceived life stress showed no clear association with BV. Because of the prevalence of both the exposure and the disease, further study is warranted.

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J Sex Marital Ther. 2005 Jul-Sep;31(4):329-40.
Physiotherapy treatment of sexual pain disorders.
Rosenbaum TY.
The Clinic for Sexual Treatment and Rehabilitation, Tel Aviv, Israel. tallir@netvision.net.il

Physiotherapists provide treatment to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Women with vulvar pain, dyspareunia, or vaginismus have limited ability to function sexually and often present with musculoskeletal and neurological findings appropriately addressed by a trained physiotherapist. Although pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback has been studied, the inclusion of physiotherapy in the team approach to treating women with sexual pain disorders is a relatively recent advancement, and its exact role is not widely understood by doctors, mental health professionals, or laypersons. This article will examine the supportive and often primary role of the physiotherapist in the overlapping conditions of vaginismus and dyspareunia.

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Curr Opin Pediatr. 2005 Aug;17(4):473-9.
Bacterial vaginosis: many questions—any answers?
O'Brien RF.
Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts-New England Medical Center, and Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. robrien@tufts-nemc.org

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bacterial vaginosis, a common disorder among young women, is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes. This review summarizes our current understanding of bacterial vaginosis and where future research should be focused. Recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in both nonpregnant and pregnant populations are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Little progress has been made in understanding the causal factors. The results of several large prospective studies have shown that racial differences persist for rates of bacterial vaginosis even when other known risk factors are controlled for. Studies of the gene-environment interaction that examine the genetic aspects of immune response may explain racial differences and why some but not all women with bacterial vaginosis experience complications. Trials to prevent preterm birth by the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy are disappointing. Resistance to clindamycin by bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobic organisms has also been documented. New technology to provide rapid point-of-care diagnostic testing for bacterial vaginosis has emerged. SUMMARY: To understand the vaginal ecosystem and its role in reproductive health and disease, we will need to study not only the microflora but also the host-immune response. Currently recommended treatment options for bacterial vaginosis are associated with high rates of recurrence. A new concern is the development of macrolide resistance to vaginal anaerobic flora when clindamycin is used as treatment. Further studies are still needed to determine whether prevention or control of bacterial vaginosis, particularly approaches that rely not on antibiotic treatment but on the maintenance of a healthy vaginal ecosystem, can reduce adverse health outcomes.

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Maturitas. 2005 Aug 31; [Epub ahead of print]
Management of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis.
Castelo-Branco C, Cancelo MJ, Villero J, Nohales F, Julia MD.
Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Hospital Clinic, Facultad de Medicina, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.

The involution of the female genital tract seems to reflect a built-in biological life expectancy, inter-related with the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis. Lower levels of oestradiol have a number of adverse effects, including on the lower urinary tract. The major universal change is vaginal atrophy. The vaginal mucosa becomes thinner and dry, which can produce vaginal discomfort, dryness, burning, itching, and dyspareunia. The vaginal epithelium may become inflamed, contributing to urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, dysuria, incontinence, and/or recurrent infections. Moreover, it has been suggested that reduced oestrogen levels may affect periurethral tissues and contribute to pelvic laxity and stress incontinence. In association with hypoestrogenemia, changes in vaginal pH and vaginal flora may predispose post-menopausal women to urinary tract infection. Treatment to date has been based on local hormonal therapy, in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or suppositories. Other routes of hormone administration have also proved to be successful. Both local and systemic administration are both effective in maturation of the vaginal epithelium. However, despite the fact that the benefits of oestrogen replacement in preventing vaginal atrophy and reducing the incidence of related symptoms are well established, such therapy is contraindicated in some women and is not an acceptable option for others. Furthermore, the optimal HT administration route, the dosage regimen, and non-hormonal alternatives for improving symptoms and quality of life of the post-menopausal female population, have not been well studied. This review focuses on the changes involved in vaginal aging and efforts to present a synopsis of the pathophysiology and therapy of atrophic vaginitis and vaginal atrophy.

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Rev Med Liege. 2005 Jul-Aug;60(7-8):656-60.
[Vulvar lichen sclerosus]
[Article in French]
Gillard P, Vanhooteghem O, Richert B, de la Brassinne M.
Service de Dermatologie, CHU Sart Tilman, Liege.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a frequent mucocutaneous disease especially affecting 50 to 60 year-old women but with a possible onset at very young age. Symptoms are most disabling including pruritus and dyspareunia. Vulvar mucosa gradually becomes more white and atrophied. Degeneration into epidermoid carcinoma is possible. Treatment only consists of topical corticosteroids.

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J Reprod Med. 2005 Jul;50(7):513-23.
Chronic inflammation of the vagina: treatment and relationship to autoimmunity.
Thomson JC.
National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. jthomson@world-net.co.nz

OBJECTIVE: To investigate noninfective, symptomatic, chronic inflammation (CI) of the vaginal mucosa to determine its prevalence and immunologic basis and to initiate an immunologic approach to treatment and assess the response. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, observational, clinical study of 55 women with dyspareunia and/or discharge of vaginal mucosal origin. Vaginal biopsies and immune investigations were carried out. Treatment was instituted utilizing immune-modifying agents. RESULTS: The prevalence of CI of the vagina in symptom-free women was 0-4.3% and in the symptomatic group, 89%. Systemic immune activation was demonstrated in 43 of the 55, with 21 suffering from an autoimmune disease or a condition in which immune activation plays a part, including endometriosis in 20. Thirty-one were treated; intravaginal hydrocortisone acetate 10% foam was given in 24, giving full relief in 14 and inadequate relief in 10. Hydroxychloroquine, an immune-modifying, antirheumatic drug, was added and largely gave relief in these 10. Hydroxychloroquine alone was given in 4 and was effective in 3. Overall, immune-modifying drugs were successful in 97%. CONCLUSION: CI of the vaginal mucosa stems from local immune activation and is generally associated with evidence of other immune abnormalities, including autoimmune diseases and disorders in which immune activation play a part, including endometriosis. It can be successfully treated by immune modification.

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Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2005 Jun 1;120(2):202-5.
Successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis with a policarbophil-carbopol acidic vaginal gel: results from a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fiorilli A, Molteni B, Milani M.
Obstetric Department, Ospedale Civile di Vimercate, Presidio di Carate, Milan, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of a mucoadhesive vaginal gel (MVG, Miphil) with acidic-buffering properties in bacterial vaginosis (BV). STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trial. SUBJECTS: A total of 45 non-pregnant women with BV were enrolled in the trial. Patients were treated with MVG 2.5 g or the corresponding placebo (P) daily for the first week and then every 3 days for the following 5 weeks (treatment phase) in a 2:1 ratio. All patients were followed for an additional 6 weeks without treatments (follow-up phase). Clinical cure was defined as absence of vaginal discharge, vaginal pH <4.5, a negative fish odour test and a Nugent score <7. RESULTS: At week 6, 28 out of 30 women (93%) in the MVG group were clinically cured in comparison with only 1 out of 15 (6%) in the P group (P=0.0001). At week 12, 86% of MVG treated women remained cured in comparison with 8% in P group (P=0.0001). At baseline, the vaginal pH was 6.1+/-0.7 in the MVG and 5.5+/-0.7 in the P group. Vaginal pH significantly (P=0.003) decreased to 4.3+/-0.3 in the MVG group. In P group non-significant modifications of vaginal pH were observed (5.1+/-0.5). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that this MVG is an effective treatment of BV.

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APMIS. 2005 May;113(5):305-16.
Bacterial vaginosis--a disturbed bacterial flora and treatment enigma.
Larsson PG, Forsum U.
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linkoping University, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karnsjukhuset, Skovde, Sweden. p-g.larsson@vgregion.se

The syndrome bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a disturbed vaginal microflora in which the normally occurring lactobacilli yield quantitatively to an overgrowth of mainly anaerobic bacteria. As BV is a possible cause of obstetrics complications and gynaecological disease--as well as a nuisance to the affected women--there is a strong impetus to find a cure. In BV treatment studies, the diagnosis criteria for diagnosis of BV vary considerably and different methods are used for cure evaluation. The design of study protocols varies and there is no consensus respecting a suitable time for follow-up visits. For the purpose of this review, available data were recalculated for 4-week post treatment cure rates. For oral metronidazole the 4-week cure rate was found not to exceed 60-70%. Treatment regimens with topical clindamycin or topical metronidazole have the same cure rates. It can thus be said that no sound scientific basis exists for recommending any particular treatment. There is no evidence of beneficial effects on BV engendered by partner treatment, or by addition of probiotics or buffered gel. Long-term follow-up (longer than 4 weeks) shows a relapse rate of 70%. With a primary cure rate of 60-70%, and a similar relapse rate documented in the reviewed literature, clinicians simply do not have adequate data for determining treatment or designing clinical studies. This is unfortunate since--apart from the obvious patient benefits--clinical studies can often serve as a guide for more basic studies in the quest for underlying disease mechanisms. In the case of BV there is still a need for continued basic studies on the vaginal flora, local immunity to the flora and host-parasite interactions as an aid when designing informative clinical studies.

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Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2005;32(2):111-3.
Local estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis: efficacy and safety of low dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets.
Mainini G, Scaffa C, Rotondi M, Messalli EM, Quirino L, Ragucci A.
Department of Gynaecologic Obstetric and Reproduction Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To verify the effectiveness and safety of low-dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of the postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 325 postmenopausal women with atrophic vaginitis in estrogenic replacement therapy with 0.025 mg 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets, one application each day for two weeks, and a single application two times a week for the following 22 weeks (total treatment period: 24 weeks). RESULTS: Most of the women reported an improvement of symptoms just after two weeks and minimal incidence of adverse reactions. No patients showed abnormal endometrial thickness and no one had to interrupt the treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding because of systemic absorption. CONCLUSION: Low-dose 17beta-estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of the postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis constitutes an extremely valid approach in terms of effectiveness and safety.

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Hautarzt. 2005 Jun;56(6):556-61.
[Vulvodynia.]
[Article in German]
Hengge UR, Runnebaum IB.
Klinik fur Dermatologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universitat, Dusseldorf.

Vulvodynia (vulvar dysesthesia) refers to vulvar pain (burning, irritation and rawness) of the external female genitalia for more than 3 months without other dermatological or gynecological causes. The term primary vulvodynia should be reserved for vulvar vestibulitis and essential (dysesthetic) vulvodynia. Vulvar vestibulitis is characterized by dyspareunia, allodynia and vulvar erythema. Most patients are Caucasian, premenopausal and sexually active. The prevalence is estimated as high as 15%. Damage to the sympathetic nerves with an increased pain sensitivity is the likely explanation for the burning sensation. Psychological impairment, which is common in many patients, rather seems to be the consequence of the chronic disease than a primary condition. Essential vulvodynia is characterized by vulvar burning, which is characteristically not limited to the vestibulum. The patients are generally older and dyspareunia is less severe. The prevalence of essential vulvodynia is 1-3%. Various interdisciplinary approaches to these two rather frequent genital diseases are discussed.

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Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2005 Mar;88(3):281-5. Epub 2005 Jan 20.
Low-dose secnidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Nunez JT, Gomez G.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia, Hospital Manuel Noruega Trigo, Maracaibo, Venezuela. jnunez@ncifcrf.gov

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether bacterial vaginosis could be cured with a single 1-g oral dose of secnidazole. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 women were recruited at the outpatient gynecologic clinic of Manuel Noriega Hospital, Maracaibo, Venezuela. Diagnosis and patient enrollment were based on the Amsel criteria. The participants were randomized to 2 groups. In group 1 (n=44) participants received a single 1-g oral dose and in group 2 (n=32) participants received a single 2-g oral dose of secnidazole. Clinical cure was defined as the absence of the characteristic symptoms (a bad odor and a grossly abnormal discharge) and at least 2 of the following: vaginal pH less than 4.5, no fish odor on addition of KOH, and no Gardnerella vaginalis or clue cells on wet-mount examination. Cytologic cure was defined as an absence of G. vaginalis on a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. RESULTS: Clinical cure was experienced by 95.5% of the women who received the 1-g oral dose and by 97.4% of the women who received the 2-g oral dose of secnidazole. There was no significant difference between the groups in the clinical resolution of bacterial vaginosis. Following treatment, results were negative for G. vaginalis in 94.7% of the women. In group 1, 41 women (93.2%), and in group 2, 31 women (96.9%) had cytologic cure. The Pap smear revealed G. vaginalis in 3 of the women in group 1 and 1 of the women in group 2 (P=0.47). Twenty-seven women (35.5%) reported mild side effects. More women had adverse effects in group 1 (n=16) than in group 2 (n=11) but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This clinical study showed that a single 1-g oral dose of secnidazole is effective to cure bacterial vaginosis associated with G. vaginalis.

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Eur Urol. 2005 Mar;47(3):288-96.
The probiotic approach: an alternative treatment option in urology.
Hoesl CE, Altwein JE.
Department of Urology, Hospital Barmherzige Bruder, Technical University Munich, Krankenhaus Barmherzige Bruder, Romanstr. 93, 80639 Munchen, Germany. choesl2004@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE: The prophylactic and therapeutic use of probiotic microorganisms is a wide and still controversial field. The review paper is aimed to summarize recent findings on the health-benefiting effects of probiotics in urological diseases. The use of certain beneficial strains against urogenital infections, bladder cancer recurrence and renal stone formation is discussed. METHODS: Literature search of PubMed documented publications and abstracts from meetings. RESULTS: Various clinical trials have now been performed which substantiate the beneficial effects of the probiotic strains L. rhamnosus GR-1, L. fermentum RC-14 and L. crispatus CTV-05 against urogenital infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. The potential of L. casei Shirota to reduce the recurrence rate of bladder cancer is one of the most intriguing examples for the use of probiotics in medical practice. The use of O. formigenes in the prevention of calcium oxalate stone disease was only recently suggested and needs to be further investigated. CONCLUSION: Clinical trials increasingly provide a profound scientific basis for the use of probiotics in medicinal practice including urology. Efforts to make probiotic products available which are validated according to the guidelines recommended by the WHO and FAO and produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice will contribute to the acceptance of probiotic therapy by both the physicians and the patients.

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Acta Derm Venereol. 2005;85(1):42-6.
A double-blind treatment study of bacterial vaginosis with normal vaginal lactobacilli after an open treatment with
vaginal clindamycin ovules.
Eriksson K, Carlsson B, Forsum U, Larsson PG.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alands Centralsjukhus, Finland. katarina.eriksson@ahs.aland.fi

The expected 4-week cure rate after conventional treatment of bacterial vaginosis are only 65-70%. In an attempt to improve the cure rate by adding probiotic lactobacilli we performed a double-blind placebo-controlled study of adjuvant lactobacilli treatment after an open treatment with vaginal clindamycin ovules. Women with bacterial vaginosis as defined by Amsel's criteria were treated with clindamycin ovules. Vaginal smears were collected and analysed according to Nugent's criteria. During the following menstruation period the women used, as an adjuvant treatment, either lactobacilli-prepared tampons or placebo tampons. The lactobacilli tampons were loaded with a mixture of freeze-dried L. fermentum, L. casei var. rhamnosus and L. gasseri. The cure rate was recorded after the second menstruation period. There was no improvement in the cure rate after treatment with lactobacilli-containing tampons compared to placebo tampons; the cure rates as defined by Amsel's criteria were 56% and 62%, respectively, and 55% and 63%, as defined by Nugent's criteria. This is the first study to report cure rates for women with 'intermediate' wet smear ratings according to Nugent's classification and this group had an overall cure rate of 44%. The cure rate of treatment of bacterial vaginosis was not improved by using lactobacilli-prepared tampons for one menstruation.

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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Feb 12;149(7):336-42.
[Surgical treatment of early-stage vulva carcinoma and the complications of the operation]
[Article in Dutch]
de Hullu JA, van der Zee AG.
Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, afd. Gynaecologische Oncologie, huispost 415, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen. j.dehullu@obgyn.umcn.nl

The treatment of patients with early-stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva (with a depth of invasion > 1 mm), i.e. stage T1 with a tumour diameter < or = 2 cm or T2 with a diameter > 2 cm without suspect groin nodes on palpation, has become less radical; in this way, the complications can be reduced without compromising the generally favourable prognosis. Wide local excision with tumour-free margins of 2 cm appears to be a safe option for the local treatment. Uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy with separate incisions is currently part of the standard treatment. The complications associated with this standard surgical treatment remain significant: there are frequent disorders of wound healing, wound infections, lymphoceles, lymphoedema and effects on psychosexual behaviour. The minimal invasive sentinel lymph-node procedure is a promising technique in patients with early-stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva, but the safety of the procedure must still be proven.

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J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2005 Jan;9(1):40-51.
The vulvodynia guideline.
Haefner HK, Collins ME, Davis GD, Edwards L, Foster DC, Hartmann ED, Kaufman RH, Lynch PJ, Margesson LJ, Moyal-Barracco M, Piper CK, Reed BD, Stewart EG, Wilkinson EJ.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. haefner@umich.edu

OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the literature and make known expert opinion regarding the treatment of vulvodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experts reviewed the existing literature to provide new definitions for vulvar pain and to describe treatments for this condition. RESULTS: Vulvodynia has been redefined by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease as vulvar discomfort in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings. Classification is based further on whether the pain is generalized or localized and whether it is provoked, unprovoked, or both. Treatments described include general vulvar care, topical medications, oral medications, injectables, biofeedback and physical therapy, dietary changes with supplementations, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and surgery. No one treatment is clearly the best for an individual patient. CONCLUSIONS: Vulvodynia has many possible treatments, but very few controlled trials have been performed to verify efficacy of these treatments. Provided are guidelines based largely on expert opinion to assist the patient and practitioner in dealing with this condition.

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Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Jan 25;(1):CD000262.
Antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.
McDonald H, Brocklehurst P, Parsons J.
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5006. mcdonaldh@wch.sa.gov.au

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a lack of the normal lactobacillary flora. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome and, in particular, preterm birth. Identification and treatment may reduce the risk of preterm birth and its consequences. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (May 2004). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials comparing antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment, or comparing two or more antibiotic regimens in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis or intermediate vaginal flora. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trials and extracted data independently. We contacted study authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen trials involving 5300 women were included; all were of good quality. Antibiotic therapy was effective at eradicating bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.24, nine trials of 3895 women). Treatment was not significant in reducing the risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.03, thirteen trials of 5300 women, and there was significant heterogeneity between trials, p-value 0.002), preterm birth before 34 weeks (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.19, five trials of 851 women), preterm birth before 32 weeks (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.70, four trials of 3565 women), or the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.28, four trials of 2579 women). In women with a previous preterm birth, treatment did not affect the risk of subsequent preterm birth (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.17, five trials of 622 women, with significant heterogeneity between these trials); however, it may decrease the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.38, two trials of 114 women, and low birthweight (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.75, two trials of 114 women). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic treatment can eradicate bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. However, this review provides little evidence that screening and treating all pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis will prevent preterm birth and its consequences. For women with a previous preterm birth, there is some suggestion that treatment of bacterial vaginosis may reduce the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and low birthweight.

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Akush Ginekol (Sofiia). 2004;43(6):23-6.
Polygynax in the treatment of fungal and non specific vaginitis.
Goran D, Vesna A, Adela S, Biljana TK, Snezana M.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre, Skopje.

BACKGROUND: Polygynax is a product commercialized in the form of vaginal capsule, associating bactericidal antibiotics: Neomycin, Polymyxin B and Nystatin--an antifungal agent which is fungicidal and fungistatic in vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to analyze the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of Polygynax in the treatment of bacterial vaginitis with one or more germs (mixed vaginitis) and Candida infections, and to investigate the correlation between the results of the initial clinical examination and bacteriological studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 88 patients diagnosed with mixed vaginitis during initial screening of vaginal flora (direct Gram stains and standard microbiology laboratory methods for cultivation of vagina/ cervix smears with antibiotic susceptibility testing). The patients were treated with Polygynax, applied in form of vaginal capsules (during 12 days, application before retiring). After at least 30 days following last day of therapy, the same diagnostic swabs were repeated. In this period, averaging 38.4 days, sexual abstinence was recommended. RESULTS: The results showed that total clearance of present germs was found in 83/88 patients (94.3% of the cases), according to the repeated cervico- vaginal smears. CONCLUSION: Polygynax is a treatment of preference against fungal infections, with added advantage of having wide antibacterial spectrum.

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Am Fam Physician. 2004 Dec 1;70(11):2125-32.
Management of vaginitis.
Owen MK, Clenney TL.
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Common infectious forms of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. Vaginitis also can occur because of atrophic changes. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by proliferation of Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, and anaerobes. The diagnosis is based primarily on the Amsel criteria (milky discharge, pH greater than 4.5, positive whiff test, clue cells in a wet-mount preparation). The standard treatment is oral metronidazole in a dosage of 500 mg twice daily for seven days. Vulvovaginal candidiasis can be difficult to diagnose because characteristic signs and symptoms (thick, white discharge, dysuria, vulvovaginal pruritus and swelling) are not specific for the infection. Diagnosis should rely on microscopic examination of a sample from the lateral vaginal wall (10 to 20 percent potassium hydroxide preparation). Cultures are helpful in women with recurrent or complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, because species other than Candida albicans (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis) may be present. Topical azole and oral fluconazole are equally efficacious in the management of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, but a more extensive regimen may be required for complicated infections. Trichomoniasis may cause a foul-smelling, frothy discharge and, in most affected women, vaginal inflammatory changes. Culture and DNA probe testing are useful in diagnosing the infection; examinations of wet-mount preparations have a high false-negative rate. The standard treatment for trichomoniasis is a single 2-g oral dose of metronidazole. Atrophic vaginitis results from estrogen deficiency. Treatment with topical estrogen is effective.

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Rev Iberoam Micol. 2004 Dec;21(4):177-81.
[Study of acute vulvovaginitis in sexually active adult women, with special reference to candidosis, in patients of the Francisco J. Muniz Infectious Diseases Hospital]
[Article in Spanish]
Buscemi L, Arechavala A, Negroni R.
Unidad Bacteriologia, Hospital de Infeccionsas Francisco Javier Muniz, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The results of microbiological vaginal secretions samples obtained from 749 women (from July 2001 to July 2002) were studied in the Bacteriology Unit of the Francisco Javier Muniz Hospital from Buenos Aires. All patients suffered acute vulvovaginitis were child bearing and sexually active women, 334 of them were HIV-positive. The following are the results of the microbiological studies: Lactobacillus spp 50.6%, Gardnerella vaginalis 25.6%, Candida spp 17.4%, Trichomonas vaginalis 5.3%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 0.3% and B group Streptococcus 0.8%. Candida vaginitis was significantly more frequent in HIV-positive patients, (21.6% vs 14%; p = 0.0086); meanwhile, trichomoniasis was less common although the difference was not statistically significant (3.6 vs 6.7%, p = 0.0810). The following Candida species were isolated in this study: Candida albicans 76.8%, Candida glabrata 15.6%, Candida parapsilosis 2.9%, Candida tropicalis 1.5% and Candida krusei 0.7%. Eight cases (6.2%) of vaginitis were produced by two Candida species (C. albicans and C. glabrata), and in three cases (2.17%) Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated. Five women suffering acute vaginitis with Candida spp presented another etiologic agent of vaginal infection, three cases T. vaginalis and two cases G. vaginalis. The following are some of the most important findings of this study: 1) Half of the patients presented a normal microbial biota; 2) Candida spp vaginitis was significantly more frequent among HIV-positive women; 3) we observed a high incidence of Candida glabrata infections (15.9%), 4) 6.2% of vaginal candidiasis were caused by more than one Candida species and, 5) the susceptibility pattern of C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates against fluconazole was similar to the one observed in other studies. The majority of C. albicans isolates were susceptible to fluconazole (MIC90 = 0.5 microg/ml) meanwhile C. glabrata strains were much less susceptible to this drug (MIC50 and MIC90 = 32 microg/ml).

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Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Dec;191(6):1898-906.
Intravaginal metronidazole gel versus metronidazole plus nystatin ovules for bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial.
Sanchez S, Garcia PJ, Thomas KK, Catlin M, Holmes KK.
Hospital dos de Mayo, Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: We compared metronidazole 0.75% gel (containing 37.5 mg metronidazole per dose) with ovules containing metronidazole 500 mg and nystatin 100,000 U, for intravaginal treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). STUDY DESIGN: In a single-blinded trial, symptomatic women with BV by both Amsel and Nugent criteria were randomly assigned to gel or ovules, once nightly for 5 nights, and asked to return 3 times after treatment. Analyses were intent-to-treat. RESULTS: Of 151 women with BV by both criteria at enrollment, 138 (91%) returned at least once. Product limit estimates for persistence or recurrence of BV at 14, 42, and 104 days were 20% (95% CI 10%-29%), 38% (95% CI 25%-48%), and 52% (95% CI 37%-63%) after gel treatment, and 4% (95% CI 0%-9%), 17% (95% CI 7%-26%), and 33% (95% CI 21%-46%) after ovule treatment ( P = .01). Among women without BV at first follow-up, subsequent intercourse without condoms independently predicted subsequent recurrence ( P </= .01). CONCLUSION: Metronidazole/nystatin ovules were significantly more effective than metronidazole gel. Unprotected sex predicted recurrence after initial improvement.

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Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):102-10.
The diagnosis and treatment of infectious vaginitis.
Edwards L.
Southeast Vulvar Clinic, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211, USA. ledwardsmd@aol.com

Inflammation of the vagina as a result of infectious agents is very common, both as an overgrowth of normal or common colonizers, or as a frank infection. The most common causes of infectious vaginitis are yeast, bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and parasites. Infections of the vagina produce an increase in vaginal secretion, vulvar symptoms of itching or irritation from contact with irritating vaginal fluid, and sometimes odor. A careful microscopic examination of vaginal secretions generally yields the correct diagnosis, but atypical or recalcitrant disease deserves a confirmatory culture, as noninfectious inflammatory processes can produce similar symptoms.

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MedGenMed. 2004 Nov 22;6(4):49.
Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? Review of the literature.
Anderson M, Karasz A, Friedland S.
Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.

Purpose: Vaginal symptoms such as discharge, odor, and itch are among the most common presenting complaints in primary care. We undertook to determine if the symptoms associated with vaginitis (discharge, odor, irritation) occur in normal women. Methods: To answer this question, we performed a literature review. We conducted a Medline search using the following terms: "vagina," "vaginal discharge," "secretion," "odors," discharge," "pruritus," "normal," "irritation," "itch," "physical examination," "healthy," "asymptomatic," "quantity," and "physiology." To find additional references we reviewed textbooks in gynecology, primary care, and physical diagnosis and contacted authors. Results: There are few primary studies, and most are not of high quality. Existing data show that the quantity and quality of vaginal discharge in healthy women vary considerably both across individuals and in the same individual during the menstrual cycle. Most studies indicate that discharge is greatest at midcycle. Vaginal fluid contains malodorants, and one study of intact vaginal fluid found it to be malodorous. Two studies found that normal women reported irritative symptoms in the course of their menstrual cycle. Conclusions: The primary literature indicates that there is a wide variation in the normal vagina and that some of the symptoms associated with vaginal abnormality are found in well women. Both clinicians and their patients would benefit from a better understanding of the range of normal as well as what constitutes a meaningful departure from that range.

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Akush Ginekol (Sofiia). 2004;43(6):23-6.
Polygynax in the treatment of fungal and non specific vaginitis.
Goran D, Vesna A, Adela S, Biljana TK, Snezana M.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre, Skopje.

BACKGROUND: Polygynax is a product commercialized in the form of vaginal capsule, associating bactericidal antibiotics: Neomycin, Polymyxin B and Nystatin--an antifungal agent which is fungicidal and fungistatic in vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to analyze the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of Polygynax in the treatment of bacterial vaginitis with one or more germs (mixed vaginitis) and Candida infections, and to investigate the correlation between the results of the initial clinical examination and bacteriological studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 88 patients diagnosed with mixed vaginitis during initial screening of vaginal flora (direct Gram stains and standard microbiology laboratory methods for cultivation of vagina/ cervix smears with antibiotic susceptibility testing). The patients were treated with Polygynax, applied in form of vaginal capsules (during 12 days, application before retiring). After at least 30 days following last day of therapy, the same diagnostic swabs were repeated. In this period, averaging 38.4 days, sexual abstinence was recommended. RESULTS: The results showed that total clearance of present germs was found in 83/88 patients (94.3% of the cases), according to the repeated cervico- vaginal smears. CONCLUSION: Polygynax is a treatment of preference against fungal infections, with added advantage of having wide antibacterial spectrum.

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Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2004 Nov 10;117(1):70-5.
Efficacy and safety of vitamin C vaginal tablets in the treatment of non-specific vaginitis. A randomised, double blind,
placebo-controlled study.
Petersen EE, Magnani P.
Section of Gynaecological Infectiology, Gynaecological University Clinic, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg D-79106, Germany.

METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vitamin C vaginal tablets (250 mg) given once a day in patients suffering from non-specific vaginitis. The total length of the study was 20 days, including a treatment phase of 6 days. The primary end-point was the presence in the two groups of non-specific vaginitis 1 and 2 weeks after the end of treatment, as assessed by at least 3 out of the 4 characteristic symptoms: discharge, fishy odour, vaginal pH >/= 4.7, and presence of clue cells. Secondary end-points were the individual symptoms and signs, above reported, and pruritus, fever, superinfections, microscopic findings on vaginal smear, and colposcopy. PATIENTS: One hundred female patients aged 18 years or older and suffering from non-specific vaginitis were included in the study after giving their informed consent. Fifty were randomised to the active treatment and 50 to placebo. Seven patients, three in the Vitamin C group and four in the placebo group, were lost to follow-up and did not complete the treatment period. Two patients in the active group showed protocol deviations (age under 18 years and HIV-positive, respectively). The two groups resulted comparable for demographics, history and baseline clinical picture. RESULTS: A cluster analysis of the four main symptoms showed a statistically significant difference between the active group and the placebo group; significantly more patients were still affected by non-specific vaginitis after placebo (35.7%) compared to patients treated with Vitamin C tablets (14.0%). The meaningful secondary variable, referring to the microscopic examination of vaginal smear, supported the trend for efficacy in the Vitamin C treated group. The clue cells disappeared in 79% of patients treated with the drug and in 53% of patients on placebo. Similarly, bacteria disappeared in 77 and 54%, respectively, while lactobacilli reappeared in 79.1 and 53.3%, respectively. Vaginal pH values decreased significantly in both groups, but the frequency rate of subjects with pH >/= 4.7, as measured 1 week after the drug discontinuation, was significantly lesser in the Vitamin C group (16.3%) than in the placebo group (38.6%). Adverse events occurred in four patients, two on placebo (pruritus, cystitis) and two on Vitamin C (two candidiasis).

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BMC Surg. 2004 Oct 30;4(1):15.
Pudendal nerve decompression in perineology: a case series.
Beco J, Climov D, Bex M.
Gynaecology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium. jacques.beco@skynet.be

BACKGROUND: Perineodynia (vulvodynia, perineal pain, proctalgia), anal and urinary incontinence are the main symptoms of the pudendal canal syndrome (PCS) or entrapment of the pudendal nerve. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bilateral pudendal nerve decompression (PND) on the symptoms of the PCS, on three clinical signs (abnormal sensibility, painful Alcock's canal, painful "skin rolling test") and on two neurophysiological tests: electromyography (EMG) and pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies (PNTML). The second aim was to study the clinical value of the aforementioned clinical signs in the diagnosis of PCS. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, the studied sample comprised 74 female patients who underwent a bilateral PND between 1995 and 2002. To accomplish the first aim, the patients sample was compared before and at least one year after surgery by means of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. The second aim was achieved by means of a statistical comparison between the patient's group before the operation and a control group of 82 women without any of the following signs: prolapse, anal incontinence, perineodynia, dyschesia and history of pelvi-perineal surgery. RESULTS: When bilateral PND was the only procedure done to treat the symptoms, the cure rates of perineodynia, anal incontinence and urinary incontinence were 8/14, 4/5 and 3/5, respectively. The frequency of the three clinical signs was significantly reduced. There was a significant reduction of anal and perineal PNTML and a significant increase of anal richness on EMG. The Odd Ratio of the three clinical signs in the diagnosis of PCS was 16,97 (95% CI = 4,68 - 61,51). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that bilateral PND can treat perineodynia, anal and urinary incontinence. The three clinical signs of PCS seem to be efficient to suspect this diagnosis. There is a need for further studies to confirm these preliminary results.

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Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2004;31(3):175-8.
Infections of the lower female genital tract during childhood and adolescence.
Deligeoroglou E, Salakos N, Makrakis E, Chassiakos D, Hassan EA, Christopoulos P.
Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens (Greece).

PURPOSE: To review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of lower female genital tract infections at a young age. METHODS: Review study. CONCLUSIONS: Lower female genital tract infections at a young age may involve the vulva, the vagina and, less frequently, the fallopian tubes. Good knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the respective areas plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginitis. Candida albicans is the most frequent cause of infection, while Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas vaginalis are rarer ones. The clinical presentation includes a variety of symptoms and signs, with vaginal discharge being the prominent one. Treatment should be causative after careful investigation while preventive advice is mandatory.

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Mycoses. 2004 Oct;47(9-10):422-7.
Clinical and mycological efficacy of single-day oral treatment with itraconazole (400 mg) in acute vulvovaginal candidosis.
Urunsak M, Ilkit M, Evruke C, Urunsak I.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single-day oral treatment with itraconazole in acute vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC). Vaginitis was demonstrated by both detection of yeast cells and pseudohyphae formation on microscopic examination of vaginal discharge and mycological culture as well as by the clinical signs and symptoms. Clinical and mycological examinations of the 52 patients were performed before, 1 week (short-term) and 4 weeks (long-term) after single-day oral treatment with itraconazole 200 mg b.i.d. The causative yeast fungi were: Candida albicans (76.9%), C. glabrata (9.6%), C. kefyr (9.6%) and C. krusei (3.9%), respectively. In short- and long-term examinations, clinical cure rates were found to be 61.5% and 90.4%, and mycological cure rates were 63.5% and 90.4%, respectively. Itraconazole was found to be 95.0% effective with C. albicans and 75.0% with other Candida species. It is concluded that treatment of acute VVC with itraconazole is safe and effective in the long-term.

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BMJ. 2004 Sep 4;329(7465):548. Epub 2004 Aug 27.
Effect of lactobacillus in preventing post-antibiotic vulvovaginal candidiasis: a randomised controlled trial.
Pirotta M, Gunn J, Chondros P, Grover S, O'Malley P, Hurley S, Garland S.
Department of General Practice, 200 Berkeley Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia, 3053. m.pirotta@unimelb.edu.au

OBJECTIVE: To test whether oral or vaginal lactobacillus can prevent vulvovaginitis after antibiotic treatment. DESIGN: Randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, factorial 2x2 trial. SETTING: Fifty general practices and 16 pharmacies in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Non-pregnant women aged 18-50 years who required a short course of oral antibiotics for a non-gynaecological infection: 278 were enrolled in the study, and results were available for 235. INTERVENTIONS: Lactobacillus preparations taken orally or vaginally, or both, from enrollment until four days after completion of their antibiotic course. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants' reports of symptoms of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis, with microbiological evidence of candidiasis provided by a self obtained vaginal swab. RESULTS: Overall, 55/235 (23% (95% confidence interval 18% to 29%)) women developed post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis. Compared with placebo, the odds ratio for developing post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis with oral lactobacillus was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.58 to 1.94) and with vaginal lactobacillus 1.38 (0.75 to 2.54). Compliance with antibiotics and interventions was high. The trial was terminated after the second interim analysis because of lack of effect of the interventions. Given the data at this time, the chances of detecting a significant reduction in vulvovaginitis with oral or vaginal lactobacillus treatment were less than 0.032 and 0.0006 respectively if the trial proceeded to full enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of oral or vaginal forms of lactobacillus to prevent post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis is not supported by these results. Further research on this subject is unlikely to be fruitful, unless new understandings about the pathogenesis of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis indicate a possible role for lactobacillus.

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ScientificWorldJournal. 2004 Aug 4;4:571-80.
Clinical holistic medicine: holistic sexology and treatment of vulvodynia through existential therapy and acceptance through touch.
Ventegodt S, Morad M, Hyam E, Merrick J.
The Quality of Life Research Center, Teglgardstraede 4-8, DK-1452 Copenhagen K, Denmark. ventegodt@livskvalitet.org

Sexual problems are found in four major forms: lack of libido, lack of arousal and potency, pain and discomfort during intercourse, and lack of orgasm. It is possible to work with a holistic approach to sexology in the clinic in order to find and repair the negative beliefs, repressions of love, and lack of purpose of life, which are the core to problems like arousal, potency, and pain with repression of gender and sexuality. It is important not to focus only on the gender and genitals in understanding the patient"s sexual problems. It is of equal importance not to neglect the body, its parts, and the feelings and emotions connected to them. Shame, guilt, helplessness, fear, disgust, anger, hatred, and other strong feelings are almost always an important part of a sexual problem and these feelings are often "held" by the tissue of the pelvis and sexual organs. The patient with sexual problems can be helped both by healing existence in general and by discharging old painful emotions from the tissues. The later process of local healing is often facilitated by a simple technique: accepting contact via touch. This is a very simple technique, where the self-acceptance of the patient is to be promoted, for example, asking the female patient to put her hand on her stomach (uterus) or vulva, after which the holistic physician puts his hand supportively around hers. When done with care and after obtaining the necessary trust of the patient, this aspect of holding often releases the old negative emotions of shame bound to the touched areas. Afterwards, the emotional problems become a subject for conversational therapy and further holistic processing. Primary vulvodynia seems to be one of the diseases that can be cured after only a few successful sessions of working with acceptance through touch. The technique can be used as an isolated procedure or as a part of a pelvic examination. When touching the genitals with the intention of sexual healing, a written therapeutic contract with the patient is highly recommended and a strict ethical code is necessary to avoid malpractice. As about one woman in three suffers from sexual problems, many of which seemingly can be efficiently alleviated by the simple holistic techniques of "holding and processing", it is very important that the holistic physician is also trained to work in the sexual sphere in order to be able to support his patients fully.

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Lancet. 2004 Mar 27;363(9414):1058-60.
Vulvodynia.
Lotery HE, McClure N, Galask RP.
Department of Dermatology, Royal South Hants Hospital, SouthamptonSO14 0YG, UK. hlotery@doctors.org.uk

CONTEXT: Vulvodynia is a term used to describe chronic burning and/or pain in the vulva without objective physical findings to explain the symptoms. The terminology and classification of vulvodynia continue to evolve, and much remains to be understood about the prevalence, pathogenesis, natural history, and management of this distressing condition. STARTING POINT: James Aikens and colleagues showed that chronic vulval pain (vulvodynia or vulvar dysaesthesia) is associated with worse depressive symptoms (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003; 189: 462-66). However, the increased scores for depression in this case-control study were attributed to sexual disinterest and experience of chronic pain rather than to features of depressive disorder. These results lend weight to the increasing need for better understanding of the pathogenesis of vulval pain and how to manage it appropriately. WHERE NEXT? The aetiology of vulvodynia and effectiveness of treatments need further study. Appraising the available literature, we have formulated a useful approach to patients with chronic vulval pain. There is a pressing need for further case-control studies of potential causes of vulvodynia and for randomised trials of interventions.

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Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):134-49.
Management of vulvar pain.
Fischer G.
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. gaylef@chw.edu.au

Vulvodynia is a frequently used medical term that literally means "vulvar pain". Therefore, vulvodynia is a symptom, not a disease. The term itself indicates a variety of unpleasant chronic vulvar sensations, including burning, rawness, soreness, irritation, sensitivity, and formication. This may or may not include dyspareunia. Primary vulvodynia occurs when these sensory disturbances occur in the absence of observable dermatologic disease or vulvovaginal infection. There are several causes for this, including neuropathy, referred pain, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. For the purist, it is the patient in whom there is no observable reason for vulvar pain who represents the true case of vulvodynia. However, vulvodynia can also occur secondarily as a symptom of vulvar skin disease. Restricting the present paper to patients without objective signs leaves out all the important conditions which come into the differential diagnosis of vulvar pain which should be ruled out first. The first step in managing vulvodynia is making an accurate diagnosis of its cause. The present review summarizes the diagnosis and management of the chronic dermatologic diseases which may cause primary and secondary vulvodynia. The etiology of primary vulvodynia is much more poorly understood than secondary vulvodynia, and treatment of some aspects remains controversial.

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J Chemother. 2004 Apr;16(2):179-86.
Fenticonazole nitrate for treatment of vulvovaginitis: efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 1-gram ovules, administered as ultra-short 2-day regimen.
Fernandez-Alba J, Valle-Gay A, Dibildox M, Vargas JA, Gonzalez J, Garcia M, Lopez LH; Fentimex Mexican Study Group.
Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Anahuac, Mexico. jufernan@anahuac.mx

Because of its potential as a low cost first-line monotherapy for the most common vulvovaginal infections, we evaluated fenticonazole nitrate in a prospective, open-label, multicenter pilot study with 101 sexually active women (per-protocol; 16 to 61 years of age) with vulvovaginitis involving single or mixed infections with Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis, and/or Gardnerella vaginalis. Fenticonazole nitrate (1 g) was administered as vaginal ovules, once daily on days 1 and 3. Eradication (direct phase-contrast microscopy of vaginal swabs and/or microbiological culture) on day 8 was 90% (C. albicans, 26/29, p < 0.001), 70% (T. vaginalis, 7/10, p = 0.161), 67% (G. vaginalis, 22/33, p < 0.009), and 45% (mixed infection, 13/29, p = 0.001). After 28 days, relapse was 0% for candidiasis and trichomoniasis, 27% (6/22) for G. vaginalis, and 23% (3/13) for mixed infection. Overall, eradication of all offending pathogens was achieved in 67% of the total per-protocol population, with a relapse rate of only 16%. Score sums for symptoms improved from 7.0 (baseline) to 1.7 (day 8), and 0.71 (day 28), (p < 0.001). Treatment was safe and well tolerated. The results of our pilot study suggest that application of fenticonazole nitrate 1 g intravaginal ovules on 2 alternate days is a suitable first-line treatment of vulvovaginitis with acceptable broad-spectrum efficacy against the most commonly involved pathogens and with a low rate of early relapse, reserving antibiotics for patients with treatment failure or relapse of infection. Our results should encourage further examination of this approach in larger and well controlled clinical trials.

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Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):134-49.
Management of vulvar pain.
Fischer G.
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. gaylef@chw.edu.au

Vulvodynia is a frequently used medical term that literally means "vulvar pain". Therefore, vulvodynia is a symptom, not a disease. The term itself indicates a variety of unpleasant chronic vulvar sensations, including burning, rawness, soreness, irritation, sensitivity, and formication. This may or may not include dyspareunia. Primary vulvodynia occurs when these sensory disturbances occur in the absence of observable dermatologic disease or vulvovaginal infection. There are several causes for this, including neuropathy, referred pain, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. For the purist, it is the patient in whom there is no observable reason for vulvar pain who represents the true case of vulvodynia. However, vulvodynia can also occur secondarily as a symptom of vulvar skin disease. Restricting the present paper to patients without objective signs leaves out all the important conditions which come into the differential diagnosis of vulvar pain which should be ruled out first. The first step in managing vulvodynia is making an accurate diagnosis of its cause. The present review summarizes the diagnosis and management of the chronic dermatologic diseases which may cause primary and secondary vulvodynia. The etiology of primary vulvodynia is much more poorly understood than secondary vulvodynia, and treatment of some aspects remains controversial.

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Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Dec;15(6):497-500.
Vulvodynia.
Smart OC, MacLean AB.

SUMMARY: PURPOSE OF REVIEW An increasing number of patients present with symptoms of vulvar pain, soreness, burning or irritation, which become chronic. Clinicians are often uncertain of the diagnosis. Terminology and an understanding of aetiology and therapy are evolving.RECENT FINDINGS Previous descriptions of vulvodynia have grouped patients according to whether pain is provoked by coitus (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome) or generalized and neuropathic pain (dysesthetic vulvodynia). Recent terminology debates have questioned whether 'vulvodynia' should be replaced by 'dysesthesia' and the term 'vestibulitis' avoided. Definitions of pain provocation, quality, duration, and distribution vary. Prevalence studies suggest one in six women may experience vulvodynia, although such a figure reflects clinic, patient or author reporting bias. Symptoms are as likely to be found in non-white as in white women. Although infection is often blamed, evidence for its role or that of inflammation is minimal. Immunohistochemistry has shown altered density of nerve endings and oestrogen receptors. There may be overlap with other pain syndromes. Several reviews have examined the many therapies available. Pharmacological alteration of nerve conduction (tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, local anaesthetics), biofeedback and sometimes surgery are helpful, but not always. Counselling and an understanding between patient and clinician/therapist are important for long-term results.SUMMARY Gynaecologists should be aware that they will encounter patients with vulvodynia who will need assessment and management. There are increasing numbers of clinics or clinicians with expertise to whom these patients can be referred.

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Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Dec;15(6):497-500.
Vulvodynia.
Smart OC, MacLean AB.

SUMMARY: PURPOSE OF REVIEW An increasing number of patients present with symptoms of vulvar pain, soreness, burning or irritation, which become chronic. Clinicians are often uncertain of the diagnosis. Terminology and an understanding of aetiology and therapy are evolving.RECENT FINDINGS Previous descriptions of vulvodynia have grouped patients according to whether pain is provoked by coitus (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome) or generalized and neuropathic pain (dysesthetic vulvodynia). Recent terminology debates have questioned whether 'vulvodynia' should be replaced by 'dysesthesia' and the term 'vestibulitis' avoided. Definitions of pain provocation, quality, duration, and distribution vary. Prevalence studies suggest one in six women may experience vulvodynia, although such a figure reflects clinic, patient or author reporting bias. Symptoms are as likely to be found in non-white as in white women. Although infection is often blamed, evidence for its role or that of inflammation is minimal. Immunohistochemistry has shown altered density of nerve endings and oestrogen receptors. There may be overlap with other pain syndromes. Several reviews have examined the many therapies available. Pharmacological alteration of nerve conduction (tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, local anaesthetics), biofeedback and sometimes surgery are helpful, but not always. Counselling and an understanding between patient and clinician/therapist are important for long-term results.SUMMARY Gynaecologists should be aware that they will encounter patients with vulvodynia who will need assessment and management. There are increasing numbers of clinics or clinicians with expertise to whom these patients can be referred.

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Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2003 Nov;31(11):948-53.
[Psychosomatic approach of vulvodynia]
[Article in French]
Consoli SG.
pascale.van-vaeck@hop.egp.ap-hop-paris.fr

Vulvodynia is considered as a "somatoform disorder", i.e. as a somatic complaint not fully explained by a general medical condition. As any other somatoform disorder, it may reveal a depression, associated or not with anxiety. These patients always apply first to general practitioners or gynecologists and not to psychiatrists. It is, therefore, very important that these physicians could perform the diagnosis of depression, when this mood disorder is present, either by themselves or relying on the help of psychiatrists, and implement an appropriate treatment for depression. Vulvodynia is often associated with two pathological conditions: hysterical personality or hypochondriasis. It is fundamental that the doctors recognize these conditions in order to avoid the relational pitfalls, which would hinder the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

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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.

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J Reprod Med. 2003 Jun;48(6):409-16.
Vulvar dysesthesia (vulvodynia). A follow-up study.
Reed BD, Haefner HK, Cantor L.
Departments of Family Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Literature, Science and Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. barbr@umich.edu

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term outcome in women treated for vulvar dysesthesia (vulvodynia). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey via mailed questionnaires of women with vulvar dysesthesia treated at the University of Michigan. Questionnaires addressed symptom characteristics and their predictors, pregnancy response and treatments used. Analysis included t tests, nonparametric tests and multivariate analyses to assess associations between the degree of improvement (in the amount of pain experienced) since diagnosis and potential predictors of that outcome. RESULTS: Of 234 questionnaires mailed, 104 were completed. Based on a 7-point pain scale (0-6, with 6 indicating excruciating pain), the level of pain at the time of the survey (1.6 +/- 1.3) was significantly lower than that at the time of diagnosis (4.5 +/- 1.5) (P < .0001). Of the 104 women, 56.8% reported > 50% improvement in their pain since diagnosis, and the pain had worsened in 1.9%. Greater improvement was noted with higher pain levels at baseline and with a shorter time since onset. The majority of women who had been pregnant since developing vulvar pain reported improvement (30%) or no change (40%) in symptoms during and after pregnancy. Treatments (nonrandom) rated as most effective included antidepressants (used for pain control) and anticonvulsant medications, biofeedback and counseling. CONCLUSION: Most women with vulvar dysesthesia reported markedly less pain at follow-up, although few reported a "cure." Pregnancy was not associated with worsening of vulvar symptoms for most women. Controlled clinical trials will be needed to elucidate treatments that are most effective.

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Int J Dermatol. 2003 Jun;42(6):491-5.
The role of gabapentin in treating diseases with cutaneous manifestations and pain.
Scheinfeld N.
Department of Dermatology, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025, USA. Scheinfeld@rcn.com

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin was first approved by the FDA in 1993 as an add-on treatment for partial epileptic seizures. In May of 2002, it was approved as treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia by the Food and Drug Administration. It appears to be a promising agent in the treatment of pain, alterations of sensation and pruritus associated with dermatological disease, but no review of these uses exists. METHODS: Medline and Google searches were performed for the words "Gabapentin" and "Neurontin." The articles found were reviewed. Article identified that contained references to the treatment of skin disease and neuropathic pain were examined and their contents surveyed. RESULTS: Approximately 1200 articles were located in Medline that referred to Garbapentin or Neurontin. Over 150 articles reviewed its use for neuropathic pain, neuritis or neuralgia of various sorts. Approximately 20 articles reviewed its use for a variety of dermatological conditions or diseases with dermatological manifestations that included: pain control associated with wound dressing changes, erythromelagia, piloleiomyoma related pain, brachioradial pruritus, Glossodynia, vulvodynia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Over 100 articles that related to Gabapentin side effects were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin is a very promising medication in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia and pain. Because dermatological patients suffer pain from painful tumors, after surgery, in conjunction with neuropathic ulcers, during dressing changes involving serious medical conditions, its applications seem manifold. Future studies must assess its role in the treatment of pruritus and other dermatological conditions involving pain or alteration of sensation.

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Med J Aust. 2003 Apr 21;178(8):391-5.
Management of common vulval conditions.
Welsh BM, Berzins KN, Cook KA, Fairley CK.
Vulval Clinic, Mercy Hospital for Women, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Community-based surveys indicate that about a fifth of women have significant vulval symptoms lasting over three months at some time in their lives. Common causes of itch or pain are dermatitis, recurrent candidiasis and the recently recognised pain syndromes--vulvar vestibular syndrome and dysaesthetic vulvodynia. Diagnosis is usually apparent after a thorough history and examination, although conditions commonly coexist and are complicated by prior treatment. Skin lesions not responding to treatment require biopsy. Treatment aims to control symptoms rather than to cure; avoiding soaps and other irritants is central to management. An early, accurate diagnosis should enhance management of vulval conditions, particularly pain syndromes.

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World J Urol. 2002 Nov;20(5):306-9. Epub 2002 Oct 24.
Hatha Yoga therapy management of urologic disorders.
Ripoll E, Mahowald D.

Hatha Yoga (often referred to as "yoga") is an ancient type of physical and mental exercise that has been used as a therapeutic modality in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Yoga as a complementary modality in western medicine is more recent and continues to grow. Chronic urologic disorders are often difficult to diagnose because their presentation mimic other medical conditions and are often a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment is also frustrating because the more traditional treatments are often unsuccessful in managing chronic disorders. Health care practitioners are often forced to look elsewhere for other modalities to provide pain relief and improve quality of life. Hatha Yoga is one of these modalities which has been extremely useful to many patients in reducing the suffering seen with chronic urologic conditions such as: prostatodynia, chronic orchitis, chronic epididymitis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, etc.

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J Gend Specif Med 2002 Jul-Aug;5(4):21-7
Safety and efficacy of topical nitroglycerin for treatment of vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia: a pilot study.
Walsh KE, Berman JR, Berman LA, Vierregger K.
Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. kwalsh@mednet.ucla.edu

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical nitroglycerin cream for the treatment of vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia. METHODS: A total of 34 women diagnosed with vulvodynia were included in this study. Patients were treated with 0.2% nitroglycerin cream in the clinic. The cream was applied directly to the skin at the genital/vulvar area where the pain was located. Patients who did not experience any adverse side effects were instructed to use the cream at home at least three times per week, 5-10 minutes prior to sexual relations. Patients completed a pretreatment pain scale at baseline and a posttreatment pain scale questionnaire 4-6 weeks later. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients completed both the pre- and posttreatment pain scale questionnaires, and 13 patients completed only the posttreatment pain questionnaire. Thirty-one patients (91.5%) stated that "overall" their pain had improved. Analysis of the pre- and posttreatment questionnaires revealed a significant decrease in pain intensity on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 5 (excruciating pain; 3.95-2.57; P < .000). There was also a significant decrease in the frequency of overall painful episodes on a scale of 0 (never) to 4 (always; 3.25-2.15, P < .006). All 21 patients reported "improvement" of pain during sexual activity (3.65-2.15; P < .005). CONCLUSION: Topical nitroglycerin is safe and effective in providing temporary relief of introital dyspareunia and vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia. Women who completed this study experienced significant improvement in their overall pain and pain with sexual activity after nitroglycerin use. A larger placebo-controlled study is necessary to establish the optimum dosage level and to minimize the side effects.

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J Reprod Med 2001 Aug;46(8):713-6
Treatment of vulvar vestibulitis with submucous infiltrations of methylprednisolone and lidocaine. An alternative approach.
Murina F, Tassan P, Roberti P, Bianco V.
Outpatient Department of Vulvar Disease, Center for the Early Diagnosis of Female Genital Cancer, Via Faravelli n. 31, Milan, Italy. murina@monrif.net

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of submucous infiltrations of methylprednisolone and lidocaine into the vulvar vestibule for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two patients were referred for vulvar vestibulitis. Methylprednisolone and lidocaine were injected into the vulvar vestibule once a week for three weeks at decreasing doses (1, 0.5, 0.3 mL). Follow-up was performed monthly for three months, then at six and nine months. Fourteen women have had 12 months and 5 women, 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen women (68%) responded favorably to the treatment, seven (32%) with absence of symptoms and eight (36%) with a marked improvement. Seven patients (32%) failed to respond in spite of a fourth dose (0.3 mL) given after 30 days. No relapse was observed at nine months' follow-up, while a further 0.5 mL infiltration followed by quick remission of symptoms was needed after one year in five patients. Five patients completed the 24 months' follow-up, with no need for further treatment. CONCLUSION: Submucous infiltration allows methylprednisolone to be deposited in the submucosa, the site of the inflammatory reaction, while the depot formulation allows gradual and prolonged release of the drug. Seven patients (32%) failed to respond, suggesting either that they had a kind of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome where inflammation is less remarkable or failure of the infiltrated drug to become adequately diffused.

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J Reprod Med 2002 Oct;47(10):854-60
Characteristics and initial diagnoses in women presenting to a referral center for vulvovaginal disorders in 1996-2000.
Hansen A, Carr K, Jensen JT.
School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics, presenting symptoms, physical examination and laboratory findings, and initial diagnoses in a cohort of women referred for evaluation of vulvovaginal problems. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive review of medical records of new patients referred for evaluation of vulvar problems between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 1999. Electronic medical records and other documents were manually abstracted. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-two women met the study criteria. The majority were Caucasian (93.8%) and married (63.9%). The mean age was 41 years, with a range of 13-88. The majority reported at least one vaginal delivery (72.9%) or cesarean section (10.6%). The most common symptoms were vulvar pain (86.3%), dyspareunia (70.8%), itching (36.0%) and skin changes (18.0%). Most patients received a diagnosis in more than one evaluation category. Prevalent diagnoses included Bartholin fossa pain (12.1%), vulvar vestibulitis (19.9%), restriction and fissuring of the posterior labial commissure (20.1%), dysesthetic vulvodynia (32.3%), pelvic floor dysfunction (39.8%) and dermatologic conditions (47.5%). CONCLUSION: Women presenting for evaluation of vulvar disorders represent a heterogeneous population. Among women with vulvar pain, abnormalities of the skin and pelvic floor are common and should be ruled out prior to making a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis or dysesthetic vulvodynia.

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Nurse Pract 2002 Jul;27(7):24-35; quiz 35-7
Managing vulvar vestibulitis.
Driver KA.
Premiere Care for Women, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Vulvar vestibulitis, a type of vulvodynia, affects many American women. Patients typically present with a history of intermittent or continuous, localized, vulvar pain and frequently can't tolerate sexual intercourse. Here, review the etiology, history and physical examination, and comprehensive treatment of vulvar vestibulitis, including nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, psychosocial, and surgical measures.

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Ostomy Wound Manage 2000 Dec;46(12):48-54
Pelvic disorders in women: chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia.
Newman DK.
DKN & Associates, Philadelphia, Pa., USA. dknewman@wellweb.com

Chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia are frustrating pelvic disorders seen in young adult women. In the medical literature, these two conditions are linked together under the category of "chronic pelvic pain syndromes." Underlying pathophysiology is not well understood, and relatively scant research is available on successful treatment options. Patients often seek the help of specialists who provide nonsurgical treatments for incontinence and related pelvic disorders. This article provides an overview of the clinical presentation of both chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia. Specific evaluation techniques, including abdominal, pelvic, bimanual rectal-vaginal, and neurologic examinations, are described. Several practical treatments, such as dietary interventions, vitamin supplementation, muscle relaxation training, biofeedback therapy, and electrical stimulation are discussed as options in a private practice setting.

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Int J STD AIDS 2002 Mar;13(3):210-2
Vulvodynia—new and more effective approaches to therapy.
Bates CM, Timmins DJ.
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.

Two cases are described of treatment-resistant vulvodynia that responded well to gabapentin. Gabapentin, an anti-epileptic drug, has been used in the treatment of neuropathic pain such as diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. However, there has been little experience of its use in the relief of symptoms in vulvodynia and we add our observations to the one report of its use in these circumstances that has been published so far.

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J Sex Marital Ther 2001 Oct-Dec;27(5):607-13
Multimodal sex therapy for the treatment of vulvodynia: a clinician's view.
Slowinski J.
Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Hospital, 700 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. JSLOW007@aol.com

Sex therapists are often challenged when treating women with the primary diagnosis of vulvodynia or subtypes of vulvar-vestibular pain. This article presents an overview of how a sex therapist can assess problem areas related to this diagnosis and approach treatment in a practical and comprehensive fashion. What follows is based on anecdotal clinical experience of the author. It outlines a multimodal approach that includes cognitive-behavioral techniques, both individual and conjoint therapy, as well as close cooperation with physicians who provide concurrent medical management.

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J Sex Marital Ther 2001 Oct-Dec;27(5):503-12
Vulvodynia: the challenge of "unexplained" genital pain.
Graziottin A, Castoldi E, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Maga T.
Department of Gynecology, Center of Medical Sexology, Hospital San Raffaele, EUR, Via Chianese 53, Rome, Italy.

Vulvodynia is a clinical syndrome that may include unexplained vulvar pain, sexual dysfunction, and psychological disability. It is a multifactorial syndrome that should be diagnosed, if possible, with an intradisciplinary approach. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia, starting with a summary of the complex nervous system within the pelvis. Different clinical pictures and different subtypes of the syndrome have been described in order to identify the etiologic aspects that are essential for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Clinical evaluation should stress attention to detailed "pain-mapping" and evaluation of past and present history. The gynecological examination should be an overall patient evaluation, incorporating global physical impression, change in posture due to pain and careful examination of the pelvic floor. Examination of the pelvic floor is frequently omitted. Leading to an incorrect diagnosis of psychogenic pain. Such a misdiagnosis can result in the dismissal of appropriate treatment. Proper evaluation requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, rehabilitative, and psychological issues.

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J Vasc Surg 2002 Nov;36(5):881-8
The pelvic venous syndromes: analysis of our experience with 57 patients.
Scultetus AH, Villavicencio JL, Gillespie DL, Kao TC, Rich NM.
Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

BACKGROUND: The pelvic venous syndromes comprise a group of poorly understood disorders of the pelvic and gonadal venous circulation. The objective of this paper was to review our experience with the pelvic venous syndromes and, in the light of the current literature, make management recommendations. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven female patients (age range, 24 to 48 years; mean, 34 years) with symptoms of pelvic pain, dysuria, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and the presence of vulval and pelvic varices were studied. Diagnosis included physical examination, Doppler scan, duplex ultrasound scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and retrograde cinevideoangiography. The symptoms were classified as: 1, mild (n = 15); 2, moderately severe (n = 19); and 3, severe (n = 23). Group 1 was treated with sclerotherapy/local excision of vulval varices. Group 2 had gonadal vein resection (GVR; n = 12) and sclerotherapy or gonadal vein coil embolization (GVE; n = 7) and sclerotherapy. Only the incompetent side was treated. Patients in group 3 with isolated hypogastric vein tributary reflux were treated either with hypogastric vein tributaries division (HVTD) or with embolization (HVTE) as the only procedure. Those with combined gonadal and hypogastric vein reflux were treated with HVTE followed by GVR. The follow-up period ranged from 2.5 to 24 years (mean GVR/HVTD, 12.4 years; mean GVE/HVTE, 2.3 years). Pain improvement was assessed with a visual analog scale and through mailed questionnaires (response rate, 100%). Patient results were classified as excellent (asymptomatic), moderate (mild discomfort), or no improvement. RESULTS: In group 1, 12 patients had excellent results and three had moderate results. In group 2, 10 patients treated with GVR had excellent results, one had moderate results, and one had no improvement. Three patients treated with GVE were asymptomatic, and four had no improvement. In group 3, three patients treated with HVTD were asymptomatic and two had no improvement. Five patients treated with HVTE were asymptomatic, and one had no improvement. Of the 12 patients treated with HVTE and GVR, 10 were asymptomatic, one had moderate results, and one had no improvement. CONCLUSION: Local excision of vulval varices and sclerotherapy were sufficient in patients with mild symptoms. Gonadal vein excision produced better results than GVE. In patients with isolated hypogastric vein reflux, embolization was a better option than surgical treatment. GVR preceded by embolization of the incompetent tributaries of the internal iliac vein was indicated in patients with combined reflux and severe symptoms. Supplemental sclerotherapy of vulval varices is recommended after control of the intrapelvic reflux.

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J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 2002 Nov;9(4):414-7
Pelvic pain scores in women without pelvic pathology.
Abbott J, Hawe J, Shaltoot N, Hunter D, Vancaillie T, Garry R.
Department of Endo-Gynaecology, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of and quantify pelvic pain in a group of women without demonstrable pelvic pathology as confirmed by laparoscopy. DESIGN: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task force classification II-2). SETTING: District general hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-three consecutive women undergoing laparoscopy for sterilization, infertility investigation, or assessment of pelvic pain. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Women were asked to complete a questionnaire including a visual analog score for four different types of pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, rectal pain) and three quality of life assessments. Forty-three women were excluded due to pelvic pathology. In the 100 remaining women, mean pain scores (maximum 10) were dysmenorrhea 3.77, pelvic pain 1.75, dyspareunia 1.54, and rectal pain 1.07. Quality of life assessment was no different from that in a healthy population in whom the instruments were validated. CONCLUSION: Pelvic pain, principally dysmenorrhea, is common in women of reproductive age. Pain scores may be used to compare treatments for pelvic pain and provide useful information for preoperative counseling.

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Arch Sex Behav 2002 Oct;31(5):445-50
Psychologic treatments for female sexual dysfunction: are they effective and do we need them?
Heiman JR.
University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA. jheiman@u.washington.edu

Most successful treatments for sexual dysfunction are psychophysiological, in that physiological change circularly interacts with a psychological change. The topic of this article is female sexual dysfunction treatments that are psychologic, defined as interventions whose primary vector of action is initiated through psychological mechanisms in contrast to physiologic treatments initiated through a physical act on the body. In the enthusiasm for new physiologic approaches, there has been a strong tendency to overlook or dismiss the evidence that does exist for efficacious or promising psychologic treatments. Each diagnostic category of desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders is briefly reviewed with respect to efficacious or effective criteria. The review shows there to be limited controlled research, with only orgasmic disorders meeting the more stringent "well established" criteria, promising but uncontrolled results for vaginismus and dyspareunia, minimal effectiveness data for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and no available efficacy data on female sexual arousal disorder and sexual aversion. It is concluded that (a) since a psychologic treatment can and does impact sexual physiology, we need to continue to develop and test psychologic approaches both out of intellectual interest and out of respect for the choices patients require or prefer, (b) the prescription of a physiologic treatment which ignores the fact that human sexuality is infused with individual meaning may invite further interference with sexual functioning, and (c) future research would do well to test the efficacy of the psychologic and physiologic treatments, both separately and in combination, for female sexual dysfunction.

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Arch Sex Behav 2002 Oct;31(5):425-9
The female sexual pain disorders: genital pain or sexual dysfunction?
Binik YM, Reissing E, Pukall C, Flory N, Payne KA, Khalife S.
Department of Psychology, McGill University and Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. binik@ego.psych.mcgill.ca

Vaginismus and dyspareunia have been typically classified as sexual dysfunctions. In practice and research, this conceptualization has led to a focus on sexual and interpersonal issues after biological causes were excluded. Although this approach has been very useful, it has not led to significant theoretical or therapeutic progress in the last 20 years. We propose a reconceptualization of vaginismus and dyspareunia as pain disorders that interfere with sexuality rather than as sexual disorders characterized by pain. This reconceptualization focuses the clinician and researcher on the central phenomenon-pain. It also suggests new approaches to research and treatment. Data from diagnostic, etiologic, and therapeutic studies will be presented to illustrate these points.

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Am J Epidemiol 2002 Aug 1;156(3):254-61
Use of oral contraceptive pills and vulvar vestibulitis: a case-control study.
Bouchard C, Brisson J, Fortier M, Morin C, Blanchette C.
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Hopital du Saint-Sacrement du Centre hospitalier affilie universitaire de Quebec, Quebec, QC, Canada. Bouc.Fort@sympatico.ca

Vulvar vestibulitis is characterized by superficial pain during intercourse. Exploratory studies have suggested that oral contraceptives (OCs) could be associated with occurrence of vulvar vestibulitis. This 1995-1998 case-control study in Quebec, Canada, sought to reassess this association. Included were 138 women with vulvar vestibulitis whose symptoms had appeared in the previous 2 years and 309 age-matched controls who were consulting their physicians for reasons other than gynecologic problems or contraception. Cases and controls were interviewed to obtain a detailed history of OC use and information on potential confounding factors. Relative risks were estimated by using logistic regression. The authors found that 4 percent of cases had never used OCs compared with 17 percent of controls. The relative risk of vulvar vestibulitis was 6.6 (95 percent confidence interval: 2.5, 17.4) for ever users compared with never users. When OCs were first used before age 16 years, the relative risk of vulvar vestibulitis reached 9.3 (95 percent confidence interval: 3.2, 27.2) and increased with duration of OC use up to 2-4 years. The relative risk was higher when the pill used was of high progestogenic, high androgenic, and low estrogenic potency. The possibility that OC use may contribute to the occurrence of vulvar vestibulitis needs to be evaluated carefully.

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Mayo Clin Proc 2002 Jul;77(7):698-702
Female sexual dysfunction.
Lightner DJ.
Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. lightner.deborah@mayo.edu

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was recently recognized as arising from multiple organic etiologies; it is not primarily a psychological symptom as believed previously. A symptom-related complex resulting in physiologic changes, FSD can respond to either treatment of the underlying condition or supportive measures. A new diagnostic classification allows physicians to perform a clinical evaluation of women with FSD, and recently validated FSD question naires allow monitoring of treatment efficacy. This article details the clinical evaluation and physical examination of women with FSD and outlines the fledgling research and treatment options.

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J Sex Marital Ther 2002 Jul-Sep;28(4):289-300
Are our definitions of women's desire, arousal and sexual pain disorders too broad and our definition of orgasmic disorder too narrow?
Basson R.
UBC Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology, British Columbia Centre for Sexuality, Echelon Building, 5th Floor, 855 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada. sexmed@interchange.ubc.ca

Since each individual female sexual dysfunction is complex, it is necessary to subtype them in addition to dividing them into life-long or acquired disorder. The complexity of women's sexual arousal necessitates appreciation of a number of different types of arousal disorders that vary not only in etiology but also in management. The coexistence of sexual arousal and sexual desire, which develops during a sexual experience, explains the frequent comorbidity of arousal and desire disorders. Subtyping of hypoactive sexual desire disorder allows analysis of lack of receptivity and of any marked loss of the traditional markers of sexual desire over and beyond a normative lessening with relationship duration. Dyspareunia and vaginismus require further analysis prior to any definitive therapy. The definition of orgasmic disorder needs to include loss of orgasmic intensity and the possibility of coincident arousal disorder.

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Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2002 Jul 10;103(2):173-8
Questionnaire as diagnostic tool in chronic pelvic pain (CPP): a pilot study.
van Os-Bossagh P, Pols T, Hop WC, Nelemans T, Erdmann W, Drogendijk AC, Bohnen AM.
Research Group Social Health (OMG/GAK), P.O. Box 213, 3000 AE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. purana.bossagh@gak.nl

OBJECTIVES: No standard screening instrument is available enabling physicians to assign the diagnosis chronic pelvic pain (CPP) to women with lower abdominal pain. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate an easy-to-use questionnaire, which can be applied as a validated primary screening test for diagnosing CPP. STUDY DESIGN: From the general female population, 577 women completed a questionnaire addressing chronic symptoms in the pelvic region. Included were (amongst others) questions on lower abdominal pain, low back pain, voiding symptoms, dyspareunia, pelveo-perineal dysesthetic feelings and evacuation problems. Serious chronic lower abdominal pain of unknown origin was considered as CPP. Three criteria were applied to validate the questionnaire: construct validity, comparison with results of a previous study and content validity. In addition, the internal consistency was checked to ascertain the reliability of the questionnaire. RESULTS: All items, with the exception of those concerning voiding symptoms and dyspareunia, withstood the validity tests applied, were interrelated and occurred significantly more often in women with CPP than those without. There were no significant differences in the frequency of the occurrence of low back pain, dyspareunia and evacuation problems between CPP women in the current community study and outpatients diagnosed with CPP in an earlier study performed at the University Hospital Rotterdam. Compared to our current study group, pelveo-perineal dysesthesia (PPD) and voiding symptoms were significantly more often reported by the CPP outpatients. CONCLUSION: The CPP questionnaire can be considered as a validated tool for primary screening of CPP.

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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2002 May 11;146(19):881-5
[Vulvovaginal complaints, dyspareunia and oral mucosa abnormalities: erosive lichen planus]
[Article in Dutch]
Mous HV, Helmerhorst TJ, den Hollander JC, van der Meijden WI.
Afd. Verloskunde en Vrouwenziekten, Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam. h.mous@freeler.nl

Three women, aged 46, 48 and 73 years respectively, suffered from erosive genital lichen planus. Vulvar irritation, dyspareunia and vaginal discharge are the prominent signs of this disease. Lichen planus is an inflammatory dermatosis, which can involve skin and oral and genital mucosa. Diagnosis and treatment are difficult. Prolonged local application of a corticosteroid cream, e.g. clobetasol, is usually warranted. Narrowing of the vagina and painful mucosal lesions often prevent sexual intercourse. The combination of oral and genital complaints can help in the diagnosis of lichen planus. Strict follow-up is necessary because of the possible malignant degeneration of the disease.

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J Sex Marital Ther 2002 May-Jun;28(3):183-92
Physical therapy for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: a retrospective study.
Bergeron S, Brown C, Lord MJ, Oala M, Binik YM, Khalife S.
Department of Sexology, Universite du Quebec a Montreal, C. P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3P8. bergeron.sophie@uqam.ca

This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy in relieving painful intercourse and improving sexual function in women diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis. This syndrome is a frequent cause of premenopausal dyspareunia and is characterized by a sharp, burning pain located within and limited to the vulvar vestibule (vaginal entry) and elicited primarily via pressure applied to the area. Participants were 35 women with vulvar vestibulitis who took part in physical therapy treatment for an average of 7 sessions. We conducted telephone interviews to assess whether physical therapy or other subsequent treatments impacted on pain during intercourse and sexual functioning. Length of treatment follow up ranged from 2 to 44 months, with a mean of 16 months. Physical therapy yielded a complete or great improvement for 51.4% of participants, a moderate improvement for 20.0% of participants, and little to no improvement for the other 28.6%. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pain experienced both during intercourse and gynecological examinations; it also resulted in a significant increase in intercourse frequency and levels of sexual desire and arousal. Successful patients were significantly less educated than nonsuccessful patients. Findings demonstrate that physical therapy is a promising treatment modality for dyspareunia associated with vulvar vestibulitis.

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Obstet Gynecol 2002 May;99(5 Pt 2):937-9
Celiac disease as a cause of chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and deep dyspareunia.
Porpora MG, Picarelli A, Prosperi Porta R, Di Tola M, D'Elia C, Cosmi EV.
Second Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome "La Sapienza,", Rome, Italy. mgporpor@tin.it

BACKGROUND:Celiac disease may be subclinical and difficult to diagnose in adults. It has been associated with infertility and miscarriage but rarely with other gynecologic symptoms.CASE:A 43-year-old woman complaining of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, and a 5-kg weight loss during the last 6 months was referred to our institution. Laboratory and clinical examinations were negative. At laparoscopy, numerous small leiomyomata were seen. A few filmy adhesions between the small bowel and the abdominal wall were lysed. With the exception of deep dyspareunia, all symptoms remitted after surgery, only to recur at 6 months of follow-up. A diagnostic work-up for celiac disease revealed the presence of antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies. The diagnosis was confirmed at gastroduodenoscopy including biopsy. A gluten-free diet was prescribed, and the patient is now free of symptoms.CONCLUSION:Celiac disease should be considered in women presenting with unexplained chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and deep dyspareunia.

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Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2001;9(4):221-5
Differentiation between women with vulvovaginal symptoms who are positive or negative for Candida species by culture.
Linhares LM, Witkin SS, Miranda SD, Fonseca AM, Pinotti JA, Ledger WJ.
Department of Gynecology, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether clinical criteria could differentiate between women with vulvovaginitis who were culture positive or negative for vaginal Candida species. METHODS: Vulvovaginal specimens were obtained from 501 women with a vaginal discharge and/or pruritis. Clinical information and wet mount microscopy findings were obtained. All specimens were sent to a central laboratory for species identification. RESULTS: A positive culture for Candida species was obtained from 364 (72.7%) of the specimens. C. albicans was identified in 86.4% of the positive cultures, followed by C. glabrata in 4.5%, C parapsilosis in 3.9%, C. tropicalis in 2.7% and other Candida species in 1.4%. Women with a positive Candida culture had an increased utilization of oral contraceptives (26.1% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.02) and antibiotics (8.2% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.001), and were more likely to be pregnant (9.1% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.04) than the culture-negative women. Dyspareunia was more frequent in women without Candida (38.0% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.03) while vaginal erythema (p = 0.01) was more common in women with a positive Candida culture. CONCLUSIONS: Although quantitative differences were observed, the presence of vaginal Candida vulvovaginitis cannot be definitively identified by clinical criteria.

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Ceska Gynekol 2002 Jan;67(1):38-46
[Laparoscopy in chronic pelvic pain—a retrospective clinical study]
[Article in Czech]
Mara M, Fucikova Z, Kuzel D, Dohnalova A, Haakova L, Zivny J.
michal.mara@quick.cz

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the laparoscopic findings in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). To verify the possible predictive value of the anamnestic factors for the laparoscopically established diagnosis. DESIGN: A retrospective clinical trial. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: We realized a detailed analysis of laparoscopies for CPP performed in our clinic in the last 5 years. With the help of statistical analysis (chi 2) the possible influence of age, previous surgical intervention, history of PID, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and some other factors on endoscopic finding was verified. RESULTS: 480 laparoscopies for CPP were performed from the year 1995 to 1999. The most frequent findings were adhesions (22.3%), endometriosis (20.4%), PID (17.7%), and normal finding (17.7%). In 53% of all cases the operative laparoscopic procedure was done, most frequently the adhesiolysis (62.2%). Only one serious complication during laparoscopy was recorded (0.21%). In women younger than 30 years endometriosis was the most frequent finding (22.8%), in women older than 30 pelvic adhesions were the most often (31.9%). Diversity of findings between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In patients with previous operation in pelvis the adhesions were found most frequently (46.2%). Diversity of findings in women with and without previous operation was also significant (P < 0.0001). In women treated for PID, pelvic inflammation was found in 25.8%, but in 22.5% the finding was negative and in 20.2% the endometriosis was diagnosed. In these subgroups (women after and without treatment of PID) the diversity of findings was not significant (P < 0.1). In infertile women, suffering from CPP, PID was found most frequently (41.2%). A suspicion of chronic appendicitis was verified in 64.3%. In patients with dysmenorrhea, as well as in women suffering from dyspareunia, endometriosis was dominant finding (30.4%, resp. 29.1%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy for CPP is a safe and effective method for verifying and adequate therapy of as yet hidden pathological findings. With the help of anamnestic factors some laparoscopic findings are predictable; although the sensitivity and specificity is very poor.

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Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2002 Mar 10;101(2):109-12
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: an overview of non-surgical treatment.
Mariani L.
Deptartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute of Rome, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144, Rome, Italy. luciorm@libero.it

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, which represents one of the major cause of dyspareunia, is a puzzling clinical entity. Although many treatment options have been employed, a rationale therapeutic strategy is still not stated. The present article reviews the most popular medical approaches of such entity (biofeedback, tricyclic antidepressants, interferon psychologic-behavioural therapy, diet modification), as well as those to avoid.Tricyclic antidepressants and biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles represents the first line effective therapy. Moreover, psychological counselling must support any treatment options.

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BJOG 2002 Jan;109(1):34-43
Definition of a type of abnormal vaginal flora that is distinct from bacterial vaginosis: aerobic vaginitis.
Donder GG, Vereecken A, Bosmans E, Dekeersmaecker A, Salembier G, Spitz B.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: To define an entity of abnormal vaginal flora: aerobic vaginitis. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. SAMPLE: 631 women attending for routine prenatal care or attending vaginitis clinic. METHODS: Samples were taken for fresh wet mount microscopy of vaginal fluid, vaginal cultures and measurement of lactate, succinate and cytokine levels in vaginal fluid. Smears deficient in lactobacilli and positive for clue cells were considered to indicate a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Aerobic vaginitis was diagnosed if smears were deficient in lactobacilli, positive for cocci or coarse bacilli, positive for parabasal epithelial cells, and/or positive for vaginal leucocytes (plus their granular aspect). RESULTS: Genital complaints include red inflammation, yellow discharge, vaginal dyspareunia. Group B streptococci, escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and trichomonas vaginalis are frequently cultured. Vaginal lactate concentration is severely depressed in women with aerobic vaginitis, as in bacterial vaginosis, but vaginal succinate is not produced. Also in contrast to bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis produces a host immune response that leads to high production of interleukin-6, interleukin-1-beta and leukaemia inhibitory factor in the vaginal fluid. CONCLUSION: Aerobic vaginitis is associated with aerobic micro-organisms, mainly group B streptococci and E. coli. Its characteristics are different from those of bacterial vaginosis and elicit an important host response. The most severe form of aerobic vaginitis equals desquamative inflammatory vaginitis. In theory, aerobic vaginitis may be a better candidate than bacterial vaginosis as the cause of pregnancy complications, such as ascending chorioamnionitis, preterm rupture of the membranes and preterm delivery.

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Obstet Gynecol Surv 2001 Dec;56(12):757-64
Focus on primary care: chronic pelvic pain in women.
Gelbaya TA, El-Halwagy HE.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jahra Hospital, Hawalli, Kuwait. gelbaya@hotmail.com

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a major health problem. It is the reason for 10% of all outpatient visits to gynecologist as well as being responsible for approximately 40% of laparoscopies and 10% to 15% of hysterectomies. A significant number of patients have no obvious etiology for their pain at the time of laparoscopy. The condition may not be cured in a large number of patients. This is ultimately unsatisfying for both the patient and physician. Although CPP may not be curable, it can be managed so those patients attain normal or near-normal levels of functions. To identify and review the methods used for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women, a MEDLINE and Cochrane systematic review search from 1980 to 2000 was performed to collect information and evidence on diagnosis and treatment of women suffering from chronic pelvic pain.

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Pain 2001 Nov;94(2):177-83
Psychophysical evidence of nociceptor sensitization in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Bohm-Starke N, Hilliges M, Brodda-Jansen G, Rylander E, Torebjork E.
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, S-182 88 Danderyd, Sweden. nina.bohm-starke@kvk.ds.sll.se

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a long lasting disorder of superficial dyspareunia in young women. Quantitative sensory testing, including mechanical and temperature pain thresholds and warm/cold difference limen (WCL), was performed in the vestibular mucosa in 22 women (mean age 25.0 years) with vestibulitis and 20 control subjects (mean age 25.6 years). The tests were carried out on days 7-11 of the menstrual cycle. Patients had allodynia to mechanical testing with von Frey filaments, 14.3+/-3.1mN in the symptomatic posterior area as compared with 158+/-33.5mN in healthy subjects, P<0.0001. The pain threshold to heat was 38.6+/-0.6 degrees C in patients and 43.8+/-0.8 degrees C in controls, P<0.0001. In addition, pain threshold to cold was 21.6+/-1.2 degrees C in patients whereas cooling down to 6 degrees C was usually not painful in controls. WCL was 4.9+/-0.5 degrees C in patients and 9.6+/-1.5 degrees C in healthy subjects, P<0.01. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that patients with VVS have an increased innervation and/or sensitization of thermoreceptors and nociceptors in their vestibular mucosa.

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J Sex Marital Ther 2001 Oct-Dec;27(5):489-501
Clinical approach to dyspareunia.
Graziottin A.
Department of Gynecology, Center of Medical Sexology, Hospital San Raffaele, EUR, Via Chianesi 53, Rome, Italy. graziott@tin.it

Dyspareunia needs to be addressed from an integrated patient-centered perspective. This review analyzes the organic causes of pain during intercourse. Factors that are often underevaluated in the clinical setting include hormonal, inflammatory, muscular, iatrogenic, neurologic, vascular, connective, and immunitary causes. Psychosexual factors, such as vaginismus, loss of libido, arousal disorders and sexual pain-related disorders, often overlap. A preliminary clinical approach aimed at integrating different biological and psychosexual etiologies in a comprehensive manner is discussed in this article.

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Conn Med 2002 Oct;66(10):589-93
Vulvar vestibulitis: a reappraisal.
Rosenman SD.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecology, Bridgeport Hospital, USA.

Vulvar vestibulitis is still an enigma. There is much confusion concerning the terminology, symptoms, etiology, and treatment of the syndrome. A medline search on Vulvar Vestibulitis was completed from 1989 to 2001. Twenty-six different treatment modalities are listed. Some studies have shown a significant increase in intraepithelial nerve endings in vulvar vestibulitis. The most successful curative treatment seems to be surgery, which would postulate that removal of the nerve fibers eradicates the discomfort and symptoms of the disease. Randomized control trials need to be undertaken to ascertain the efficacy of treatments of this debilitating disease.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002 Nov;187(5):1395-400
The prevalence of interstitial cystitis in gynecologic patients with pelvic pain, as detected by intravesical potassium sensitivity.
Parsons CL, Dell J, Stanford EJ, Bullen M, Kahn BS, Willems JJ.
Division of Urology, University of California San Diego Medical Center, 92103-8897, USA. jpoehling@ucsd.edu

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of interstitial cystitis in a large number of gynecologic patients with pelvic pain versus control subjects, as indicated by a positive result on a potassium sensitivity test. STUDY DESIGN: Gynecologists at four US medical centers administered the potassium sensitivity test to consecutive unselected patients with pelvic pain and control subjects. Before testing, each patient with pelvic pain was given an initial clinical diagnosis on the basis of the chief symptomatic complaint(s) and was surveyed for urologic symptoms. RESULTS: Of 244 patients with pelvic pain, 197 patients (81 %) had a positive result from a potassium sensitivity test. Positive potassium sensitivity test rates were comparable across all four sites and all clinical diagnoses that included endometriosis, vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis), and pelvic pain. Urologic symptoms were reported by 84% of patients, but only 1.6% of the patients had received an initial diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. None of the 47 control subjects were tested positive with the potassium sensitivity test. CONCLUSION: Interstitial cystitis may be a common unrecognized cause of pelvic pain in gynecologic patients and deserves greater, if not primary, consideration in the differential diagnosis of pelvic pain.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002 Sep;187(3):589-94
Differential characterization of women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Witkin SS, Gerber S, Ledger WJ.
Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA. switkin@mail.med.cornell.edu

OBJECTIVE: We differentiated women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome into subgroups on the basis of the time of symptom onset, a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, and the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred sixty-two consecutive patients with strictly defined vulvar vestibulitis syndrome were asked to fill out a questionnaire with the assistance of their gynecologist. A buccal sample was collected from each subject for the analysis of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism; vaginal and vestibular microbial investigations were performed. RESULTS: Symptoms began with the first act of coitus in 20.4% of patients. A history of a recurrent Candida vulvovaginal infection was reported in 42.6% of patients; 25.9% of the patients were positive for the homozygous interleukin-1 receptor antagonist 2,2 genotype. Women with primary vulvar vestibulitis syndrome differed from women with secondary vulvar vestibulitis syndrome; women with primary vulvar vestibulitis syndrome were younger at the time of the onset of the symptoms (23.8 vs 31.2 years, P <.0001) and had never been pregnant (84.8% vs 61.2%, P <.0001). Women with a history of recurrent Candida vulvovaginitis differed from the other subjects by having a higher frequency of constant vestibular pain (40.6% vs 20.4%, P =.005), a vaginal discharge (79.7% vs 45.2%, P <.0001), and dysuria (62.3% vs 29.0%, P =.0001). Women who were homozygous for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist 2,2 genotype had an earlier onset of symptoms (26 years) than did women who were allele 1 homozygotes (31.3 years, P <.05). They also had a shorter duration of symptoms (4.1 vs 5.9 years, P <.05) and a higher frequency of allergy (47.6% vs 23.4%, P =.002). Human papillomavirus in the vaginal vestibule occurred at a greater frequency in women who were homozygous for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist 2,2 genotype. CONCLUSION: Subgroups of women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome may be differentiated by symptomatic and genetic variables.

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BJOG 2002 Aug;109(8):863-6
Enhancement of the perception of systemic pain in women with vulvar vestibulitis.
Granot M, Friedman M, Yarnitsky D, Zimmer EZ.
Faculty of Health and Welfare Studies, University of Haifa, Department of Neurology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the characteristics of systemic pain perception and anxiety differ between women with vulvar vestibulitis and healthy women. DESIGN: Case control study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. POPULATION: Forty-four women with vulvar vestibulitis and 41 healthy women participated in the study. METHODS: First, the women's state and trait anxiety was evaluated. Thereafer, heat pain stimuli were applied to the women's forearm and the pain and unpleasantness thresholds, as well as magnitude estimation of perceived intensity and unpleasantness of suprathreshold stimuli, were assessed. Finally, blood pressure was measured before, during and after a heat stimulus of 46 degrees C. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain threshold and suprathreshold, and anxiety levels of women with vulvar vestibulitis. RESULTS: Women with vulvar vestibulitis had a higher anxiety state (40.0 [12.8] vs 34.1 [10.8], P = 0.044), a higher anxiety trait (42.1 [10.2] vs 35.6 [7.5], P = 0.005), a lower pain threshold (42.2 degrees C [2.5] vs 43.6 degrees C [1.9], P = 0.006), a lower unpleasantness threshold (40.2 degrees C [2.9] vs 41.7 degrees C [2.3], P = 0.023), a higher magnitude estimation of suprathreshold pain at 47 degrees C (88.3 [14.9] vs 70.8 [14.9], P = 0.0001) and at 48 degrees C (96.1 [7.3] vs 84.6 [14.8], P < 0.0001), a higher scoring of tonic pain perception (65.2 [17.3] vs 53.0 [18.6], P = 0.006) and a higher increase in systolic blood pressure during tonic pain stimuli (4.6 [9.6] vs -2.1 [8.7] mmHg, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Women with vulvar vestibulitis have an enhanced systemic pain perception and are more anxious.

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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2002 Aug;81(8):738-42
Vulvar pain, sexual behavior and genital infections in a young population: a pilot study.
Berglund AL, Nigaard L, Rylander E.
Centre for Gerontology and Health Economics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Anna-Lena.Berglund@Neurotec.ki.se

BACKGROUND: To study the prevalence of pain during intercourse in a young population and analyze factors that may be associated with vulvar pain. METHODS: During a 2-month period, 172 women (aged 12-26 years) consulting four different adolescent health centres in Stockholm, Sweden, responded to a questionnaire concerning sexual habits, history of infections, and genital symptoms a priori vulvar pain. Multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the independent effects of the variables associated with vulvar pain. RESULTS: One-third of the women reported regular pain during and/or after intercourse. Having regular sexual intercourse before the age of 16 years and using oral contraception for more than 2 years were independent variables increasing the risk of vulvar pain. There was a correlation trend between vulvar pain and lack of sexual desire, recurrent candida infections, and urinary tract infections. However, there was no correlation to sexually transmitted diseases. More than 4 years of regular intercourse and coitus at least 4 times a week were factors that inversely correlated to vulvar pain. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of young women answering a questionnaire at adolescent health centres reported regular pain during and/or after intercourse. Early regular coitus and long-time use of oral contraceptives were factors associated with vulvar pain. Frequently rubbing a vulnerable mucosa may result in irreversible damage and vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002 Apr;186(4):696-700
Defective regulation of the proinflammatory immune response in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Gerber S, Bongiovanni AM, Ledger WJ, Witkin SS.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The cause of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is unknown. To determine a possible role for defective immune regulation in this chronic condition, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses to the 70-kd heat shock protein and to lipopolysaccharide were compared in women with and without vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Whole blood cultures from 62 women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and 48 control subjects were incubated in the presence or absence of 5 microg/mL human recombinant 70-kd heat shock protein or 0.1 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide for 18 hours. The culture supernatants were then assayed for interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Median levels of interleukin-1 beta were higher in response to heat shock protein in cultures from patients with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (median, 1.07 ng/mL) as opposed to control subjects (median, 0.40 ng/mL; P =.006). Conversely, levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were higher in response to heat shock protein in control subjects (median, 39.21 ng/mL) than in patients (median, 29.25 ng/mL; P =.009).In response to lipopolysaccharide, median levels of interleukin-1 beta were similar in patients (1.00 ng/mL) and control subjects (1.15 ng/mL); median interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations were higher in control subjects (70.0 ng/mL) than in patients (44.3 ng/mL; P <.0001). The ratio of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist to interleukin-1 beta was higher in control subjects than in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome in response to both heat shock protein (P =.0002) and lipopolysaccharide (P =.01). In uninduced cultures, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels were also higher in control subjects (median, 1.60 ng/mL) than in patients with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (median, 0.62 ng/mL; P <.0001). CONCLUSION: A relative inability to down-regulate proinflammatory interleukin-1 beta activity by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist may contribute to the pathophysiologic features of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

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Pain 2002 Mar;96(1-2):163-75
Vestibular tactile and pain thresholds in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Pukall CF, Binik YM, Khalife S, Amsel R, Abbott FV.
Department of Psychology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Canada. caroline.pukall@mail.mcgill.ca

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a common cause of dyspareunia in pre-menopausal women. Little is known about sensory function in the vulvar vestibule, despite Kinsey's assertion that it is important for sexual sensation. We examined punctate tactile and pain thresholds to modified von Frey filaments in the genital region of women with VVS and age- and contraceptive-matched pain-free controls. Women with VVS had lower tactile and pain thresholds around the vulvar vestibule and on the labium minus than controls, and these results were reliable over time. Women with VVS also had lower tactile, punctate pain, and pressure-pain tolerance over the deltoid muscle on the upper arm, suggesting that generalized systemic hypersensitivity may contribute to VVS in some women. In testing tactile thresholds, 20% of trials were blank, and there was no group difference in the false positive rate, indicating that response bias cannot account for the lower thresholds. Women with VVS reported significantly more catastrophizing thoughts related to intercourse pain, but there was no difference between groups in catastrophizing for unrelated pains. Pain intensity ratings for stimuli above the pain threshold increased in a parallel fashion with log stimulus intensity in both groups, but the ratings of distress were substantially greater in the VVS group than in controls at equivalent levels of pain intensity. The data imply that VVS may reflect a specific pathological process in the vestibular region, superimposed on systemic hypersensitivity to tactile and pain stimuli.

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Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002 Mar;186(3):361-4
A deficiency in interferon-alpha production in women with vulvar vestibulitis.
Gerber S, Bongiovanni AM, Ledger WJ, Witkin SS.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that interferon-alpha may be an effective treatment for some women with vulvar vestibulitis. We evaluated whether women with this syndrome had a deficiency in endogenous and induced interferon-alpha production. STUDY DESIGN: Blood was collected in heparinized tubes from 62 women with vulvar vestibulitis and 47 control women of similar age and ethnicity. Whole blood cultures were incubated in the presence of 0.1 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (induced) or culture medium (uninduced) for 18 to 20 hours. Aliquots were tested for interferon-alpha levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vestibular samples were tested for human papillomavirus by polymerase chain reaction. Aliquots were also characterized for alleles of the polymorphic gene, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In uninduced cultures, interferon-gamma was present in 68.1% of control subjects as opposed to 33.9% of vulvar vestibulitis patients ( P =.0005). Similarly, after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, 70.2% of control subjects and only 48.4% of patients produced interferon-alpha ( P =.03). Among the positive samples, however, there were no differences in the interferon-alpha levels between patients and control subjects. In contrast, induction of interferon gamma in response to lipopolysaccharide was similar in control subjects (78.0%) and vulvar vestibulitis patients (82.1%). Women who have a deficiency in interferon-alpha production did not have an increased prevalence of human papillomavirus infection. There was no relation between interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genotype and interferon-alpha production. CONCLUSION: An inability to produce interferon-alpha may contribute to chronic vestibular inflammation in some women.

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J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2001 Dec;22(4):221-8
Psychological and sexual functioning in women with vulvar vestibulitis.
Gates EA, Galask RP.
Department of Psychology, Warner 228, 1 University Plaza, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI 53818, USA. GATESE@am.uwplatt.edu

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare psychological and sexual functioning in women with vestibulitis with healthy controls. It was hypothesized that women with vestibulitis would experience greater psychological stress and sexual dissatisfaction than controls. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-two women with vestibulitis recruited from a vulvovaginal disease clinic and 46 healthy controls recruited from an outpatient gynecology clinic completed five standardized measures of psychological and sexual functioning. Multivariate analyses of variance and covariance were used to examine group differences. RESULTS: Women with vestibulitis reported significantly higher scores than controls on the measures of depression (p < or = 0.001), psychological distress (p < or = 0.001) and sexual depression (p < or = 0.001). They reported significantly lower scores on the measures of sexual satisfaction (p < or = 0.001), sexual behavior (p < or = 0.001) and sexual self-esteem (p < or = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight the importance of addressing psychological distress and sexual dissatisfaction in women with vestibulitis.

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Obstet Gynecol 2001 Dec;98(6):1067-74
Increased blood flow and erythema in the posterior vestibular mucosa in vulvar vestibulitis(1).
Bohm-Starke N, Hilliges M, Blomgren B, Falconer C, Rylander E.
Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Danderyd, Sweden. nina.bohm-starke@kvs.ds.sll.se

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vascular changes as a possible underlying cause of mucosal erythema in women with vulvar vestibulitis. METHODS: Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to map the superficial blood flow in the vestibular mucosa in 20 women with vestibulitis and in 21 healthy control subjects. A possible correlation between perfusion values and graded erythema (1-5) around the vaginal introitus was analyzed. Changes in microvascular density in the posterior part of the mucosa were investigated in sections from ten patients and ten controls by a computer-assisted image-processing program. Induced vasoconstriction of terminal arterioles in the same posterior area was also studied. RESULTS: Significant increases in perfusion values were registered in the posterior parts of the vestibular mucosa in patients compared with controls. The highest blood flow was registered in the posterior fourchette. The most pronounced erythema was also located in the posterior vestibule in the patients. However, there was no significant correlation between perfusion values and degree of erythema in the same individual. The microvascular density or the ability of vestibular arterioles to constrict did not differ between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Women with vestibulitis have an increased superficial blood flow and erythema in the posterior parts of the vestibular mucosa. The increased perfusion, most probably caused by a neurogenic vasodilatation contributes to, but does not fully explain the erythema. Atrophic changes of the surface epithelium should also be considered in the evaluation of an erythema.

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Pain 2001 Nov;94(2):177-83
Psychophysical evidence of nociceptor sensitization in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Bohm-Starke N, Hilliges M, Brodda-Jansen G, Rylander E, Torebjork E.
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, S-182 88 Danderyd, Sweden. nina.bohm-starke@kvk.ds.sll.se

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a long lasting disorder of superficial dyspareunia in young women. Quantitative sensory testing, including mechanical and temperature pain thresholds and warm/cold difference limen (WCL), was performed in the vestibular mucosa in 22 women (mean age 25.0 years) with vestibulitis and 20 control subjects (mean age 25.6 years). The tests were carried out on days 7-11 of the menstrual cycle. Patients had allodynia to mechanical testing with von Frey filaments, 14.3+/-3.1mN in the symptomatic posterior area as compared with 158+/-33.5mN in healthy subjects, P<0.0001. The pain threshold to heat was 38.6+/-0.6 degrees C in patients and 43.8+/-0.8 degrees C in controls, P<0.0001. In addition, pain threshold to cold was 21.6+/-1.2 degrees C in patients whereas cooling down to 6 degrees C was usually not painful in controls. WCL was 4.9+/-0.5 degrees C in patients and 9.6+/-1.5 degrees C in healthy subjects, P<0.01. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that patients with VVS have an increased innervation and/or sensitization of thermoreceptors and nociceptors in their vestibular mucosa.

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Int J STD AIDS 2001 Nov;12(11):705-9
A review of physical and psychological factors in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Green J, Christmas P, Goldmeier D, Byrne M, Kocsis A.
Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Clarence Wing, St Mary's Hospital, London W2 1PD, UK.

This review is based on a MEDLINE search of all papers on vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) published 1995-2000. The causation, natural history and prevalence of VVS are unknown. There is no convincing evidence that VVS is the result of an infection or of an allergy. It has been proposed that it is an atypical pain syndrome but there is currently no clear evidence that this is so. The usual diagnostic criteria used in VVS are of doubtful discriminative value. Findings from biopsies of women with VVS are inconsistent. While there is some evidence to suggest that women with VVS attending clinics differ psychologically from normal controls, it is not clear whether these differences reflect the effects of VVS, are the result of patient selection or influence the development of the disease. Several treatments, including biofeedback, psychosexual treatment and surgery have been reported to be successful in some patients but there is a lack of proper placebo-controlled trials on which to base estimates of efficacy. There is a vital need for further, high-quality, research in this area.

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World J Urol 2001 Jun;19(3):180-5
Neurogenic inflammation and chronic pelvic pain.
Wesselmann U.
Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Blaustein Pain Treatment Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. pain@jhmi.edu

Chronic pelvic pain is a puzzling disease entity. The pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic pelvic pain are not clear and current treatment strategies are often not successful, leaving patients as well as health care providers frustrated. In a subgroup of patients with chronic pelvic pain (e.g., interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, vulvar vestibulitis, prostatodynia/prostatitis, and loin pain/hematuria syndrome) inflammatory changes are observed, for which no etiology has been identified. These inflammatory changes might be due to neurogenic inflammation. Applying the concept of neurogenic inflammation to chronic pelvic pain provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of these pain syndromes, makes it possible to account for the heterogeneity and variability observed in the clinical presentation, and might lead to the development of novel therapies.

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Obstet Gynecol 2001 Jul;98(1):45-51
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: reliability of diagnosis and evaluation of current diagnostic criteria.
Bergeron S, Binik YM, Khalife S, Pagidas K, Glazer HI.
Department of Psychology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis as defined by Friedrich and to evaluate the usefulness of Friedrich's criteria in the diagnostic process. METHODS: In a university hospital, 146 women with dyspareunia had two sets of gynecologic examinations involving vulvar pain ratings, took part in structured interviews, and completed the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: Kappa values for the vulvar vestibulitis diagnosis ranged from 0.66 to 0.68 for inter-rater agreement and from 0.49 to 0.54 for test-retest reliability. Mean vestibular pain ratings ranged from 2.45 at the 12 o'clock site to 7.58 at the 9-12 o'clock site; ratings for all sites correlated significantly between gynecologists. Pain in the labia majora and labia minora was minimal for both sets of examinations, with mean participant pain ratings ranging from 0 to 1.49. Gynecologists' erythema ratings did not correlate significantly with respect to either inter-rater agreement or test-retest reliability. Of Friedrich's three diagnostic criteria, only tenderness to pressure within the vulvar vestibule differentiated dyspareunia patients with and without vulvar vestibulitis. In reference to their coital pain, 88.1% of women with vulvar vestibulitis chose adjectives from the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire describing a thermal quality, and 86.6% chose adjectives describing an incisive pressure sensation. CONCLUSION: Vulvar vestibulitis can be reliably diagnosed in women with dyspareunia. Pain is limited to the vulvar vestibule and can be rated and described in a consistent fashion by these women. Erythema does not appear to be a useful diagnostic criterion.

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BJOG 2001 May;108(5):456-61
Vulvar vestibulitis: a multi-factorial condition.
Danielsson I, Eisemann M, Sjoberg I, Wikman M.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sundsvall Hospital, Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: To study differences in somatic symptoms and personality dimensions between women with vulvar vestibulitis and a non-symptomatic control group. DESIGN: A case-control study conducted in 1998. SETTING: Two clinics in northern Sweden. SAMPLE: Thirty-eight women, 18-25 years of age, suffering from vulvar vestibulitis, and 70 healthy controls. METHODS: The women completed two questionnaires: the temperament and character inventory to study personality aspects, and the Giessen subjective complaints list, which is a checklist of subjective bodily complaints. RESULTS: Regarding personality aspects the women with vulvar vestibulitis scored significantly higher than the control group, on exclusively one out of seven subscales of the temperament and character inventory (i.e. harm avoidance). This trait is considered to be partly inherited and stable throughout life, and to give the person a tendency to react to problems with pessimistic thoughts, increased anxiety and fatigue. On the Giessen subjective complaints list the women with vestibulitis reported a significantly higher number of somatic complaints in several areas. CONCLUSIONS: The findings that women suffering from vulvar vestibulitis have more bodily complaints than the controls is interpreted as an indication of a psychosomatic element in their illness, which could be primary or secondary. Furthermore, these women are characterised by a particular personality trait, and it is suggested that this trait might influence their experience and management of pain and stress. A multi-factorial origin of vulvar vestibulitis is advocated and a multimodal interdisciplinary treatment approach is suggested. To elucidate further the mechanisms behind this health problem, prospective controlled studies are urgently needed.

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