Vulvar Vestibulitis: Response to Hypocontactant Vulvar Therapy

OBJECTIVES: To determine clinical response of women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) to a hypocontactant vulvar skin regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted with 85 patients who met Friedrich's criteria for VVS. Pretreatment average duration of vulvar pain was 24 months. Of the 53 sexually active patients, 62% had Level II to III and 38% had Level I dyspareunia. All patients were treated with a hypocontactant vulvar skin regimen for a minimum of four months. Follow-up ranged 6 to 36 months. Follow-up clinical visits and questionnaires were used to determine the clinical effects. RESULTS: Six months following initiation of therapy, the response rate for reduction in vulvar pain was 77%-20% complete response, 57% partial response-and 23% no response. Additionally, 60% reported greater than or equal to one level of dyspareunia improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Contact irritants may be a factor causing vestibular pain in VVS patients.