Table of contents
Vulvodynia
Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of vulvodynia are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV 2017).
1
Screening and diagnosis
Clinical presentation: as per EADV 2017 guidelines, recognize that:
vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition lasting months or years before the diagnosis
B
intensity of the discomfort is often variable over time
B
significant improvement or complete remission may occur following treatment or spontaneously
B
candidiasis is frequently an initiating event
B
any acute painful vulvar, urinary or anal condition, such as infection or surgical procedure, may precede the occurrence of vulvodynia, especially if these physical events occur in a context of emotional stress.
B
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Differential diagnosis
Medical management
Lidocaine
As per EADV 2017 guidelines:
Prescribe local anesthetics such as lidocaine 5% ointment or 2% gel, applied 15-20 minutes before penetrative sex and washing off just before penetration, mostly in patients with introital dyspareunia resulting from provoked vestibulodynia.
B
Offer long-term daily use of lidocaine in patients with vulvodynia.
A
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Other topical analgesics
Antidepressants and anticonvulsants
Nonpharmacologic interventions
Vulval care
As per EADV 2017 guidelines:
Advise avoiding irritating factors in patients with vulvodynia.
B
Advise using emollient soap substitutes in patients with vulvodynia.
B
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CBT
Physiotherapy
Acupuncture
Therapeutic procedures
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: as per EADV 2017 guidelines, consider offering self-administered transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with vulvodynia.
C
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Nerve block
Botulinum toxin injections