Alpha 2.0
Login Register
» Articles » PMID: 21963307

Prevalence and Demographic Characteristics of Vulvodynia in a Population-based Sample

Overview
Journal Am J Obstet Gynecol
Publisher Elsevier
Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics
Date 2011 Oct 4
PMID 21963307
Citations 86
Authors
Barbara Diane Reed
Sioban Denise Harlow
Ananda Sen
Laurie Jo Legocki
Rayna Monique Edwards
Nora Arato
Hope Katharine Haefner
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of vulvodynia among women in southeast Michigan.

Study Design: A population-based study of adult women was conducted, using telephone recruitment and completion of a self-administered survey. Weighted estimates of vulvodynia prevalence and characteristics were determined.

Results: Over a year, 2542 women were recruited and 2269 (89.3%) completed the self-administered survey. The weighted prevalence of vulvodynia was 8.3% (95% confidence interval, 7.0-9.8) or approximately 101,000 women in the targeted population. Prevalence remained stable through age 70 years and declined thereafter. Among sexually active women, the prevalence was similar at all ages. Of 208 women meeting vulvodynia criteria, 101 (48.6%) had sought treatment, and only 3 (1.4%) had been diagnosed with vulvodynia (unweighted values). Previous vulvodynia symptoms had resolved in 384 women (16.9%) after a mean duration of 12.5 years.

Conclusion: Vulvodynia is common, although rarely diagnosed. Prevalence remains high among sexually active women of any age.

Citing Articles

Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for vulvodynia: A case series.

Sullender R, Silverstein R, Goodwin D, McClurg A, Carey E Case Rep Womens Health. 2025; 45():e00677.

PMID: 39802731 PMC: 11719202. DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2024.e00677.

Vulvodynia - A contemporary understanding and practical approach in primary care settings.

Amirthalingam S, Nalliah S Malays Fam Physician. 2025; 19():72.

PMID: 39780915 PMC: 11708824. DOI: 10.51866/rv.620.

Gap in Sexual Dysfunction Management Between Male and Female Patients Seen in Primary Care: An Observational Study.

Stanley E, Pfoh E, Lipold L, Martinez K J Gen Intern Med. 2024; .

PMID: 39231849 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09004-1.

Vulvodynia, Genital Eczema and Lichen Sclerosus: What are the Successful Treatments from a Patient's Perspective?.

Berger V, Fierz R, Kolm I, Leeners B, Betschart C Int J Womens Health. 2024; 16:1337-1347.

PMID: 39108592 PMC: 11302425. DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S448861.

A survey of patient tolerance and satisfaction with capsaicin for neuroproliferative vestibulodynia.

Kopits I, Krapf J, Moss C, Mautz T, Holloway J, Starsiak L Sex Med. 2024; 12(1):qfae012.

PMID: 38545420 PMC: 10971571. DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae012.

References
1.
Reed B, Haefner H, Punch M, Roth R, Gorenflo D, Gillespie B . Psychosocial and sexual functioning in women with vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain. A comparative evaluation. J Reprod Med. 2000; 45(8):624-32. View
2.
Harlow B, Stewart E . A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia?. J Am Med Womens Assoc (1972). 2003; 58(2):82-8. View
3.
Moyal-Barracco M, Lynch P . 2003 ISSVD terminology and classification of vulvodynia: a historical perspective. J Reprod Med. 2004; 49(10):772-7. View
4.
Lavy R, Hynan L, Haley R . Prevalence of vulvar pain in an urban, minority population. J Reprod Med. 2007; 52(1):59-62. View
5.
Wu E, Birnbaum H, Kang Y, Parece A, Mallett D, Taitel H . A retrospective claims database analysis to assess patterns of interstitial cystitis diagnosis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006; 22(3):495-500. DOI: 10.1185/030079906X80431. View