Topical Therapy for Vulvodynia: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

average of 5 health care providers before even receiving a diagnosis. 5 Based on studies in the United States, at least 16% of women suffer from vulvodynia. 2 There is a substantial economic burden due to costs of medical care, medications and other therapy, and time missed from work. A study by Xie et al 6 estimated the annual cost of vulvodynia to be $31 billion to 72 billion in the United States. Vulvodynia is defined as vulvar pain lasting at least 3 months without a clear identifiable cause but potential associated factors. This definition is a result of a multisocietal (International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and International Pelvic Pain Society [IPPS]) consensus published in 2015. 1 As it has been studied over time, this condition has also been referred to as “vulvar dysesthe-sia,” “vulvar vestibulitis,” and “vestibulodynia.” 1,2 Patients with vulvodynia may experience vulvovestibular burning, stinging, itching, irritation, tenderness, or any combination of these. 2 The 2015 consensus guidelines for vulvodynia