Estimulação nervosa elétrica transcutânea (TENS) no tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada: revisão sistemática / Transcutaneous nervous electric stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia: systematic review

Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia da TENS no tratamento de mulheres com vulvodínia localizada provocada. Métodos: Buscou-se, nas bases de dados SciELO, PEDro e PubMed, por estudos que utilizaram a TENS como tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada. Resultados: Dos 50 artigos recuperados, três foram analisados: dois ECRs e um estudo de coorte longitudinal não controlado. Conclusão: A TENS pode ser eficaz como uma opção de tratamento na melhora da dor vulvar, sendo uma opção de baixo custo, não invasivo e de fácil manejo; assim como outras terapias combinadas, parece ter um efeito positivo e benéfico no tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada. (AU)

Objective: To verify the efficacy of TENS in the treatment of women with localized provoked vulvodynia. Methods: Searched the databases SciELO, PEDro, PubMed, for studies that used TENS as a treatment of localized vulvodynia. Results: Of the 50 articles retrieved, 3 articles were analyzed: 2 RCTs, 1 uncontrolled longitudinal cohort study. Conclusion: The TENS can be effective as a treatment option in improving vulvar pain and is a low-cost, non-invasive and easy to use option, as well as other combined therapies, which appears to have a positive and beneficial effect in the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia.(AU)

Female genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder: review of the related factors and overall approach / Perturbação de dor Gênito-pélvica e da penetração: revisão dos fatores associados e abordagem geral

Abstract Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) can be an extremely bothersome condition for patients, and a tough challenge for professionals regarding its assessment and treatment. The goal of the present paper is to review the etiology, assessment, and treatment of GPPPD, especially focusing on the cognitive aspects of the disease and cognitive-behavioral treatment options, through a non-systematic review of articles indexed to the Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the following MeSH queries: pelvic pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; and cognitive therapy. Altogether, 36 articles discussing the etiology, diagnosis and management of GPPPD were selected. We provide an overview of GPPPD based on biological, psychological and relational factors, emphasizing the last two. We also summarize the available medical treatments and provide strategies to approach the psychological trigger and persisting factors for the patient and the partner. Professionals should be familiarized with the factors underlining the problem, and should be able to provide helpful suggestions to guide the couple out of the GPPPD fear-avoidance circle.

Resumo A perturbação de dor gênito-pélvica e da penetração (PDGPP) é uma patologia com elevado impacto no bem-estar das pacientes, e traduz-se num desafio diagnóstico e de tratamento para os profissionais que as acompanham. O objetivo deste artigo é rever a etiologia e o tratamento da PDGPP, tendo em conta, principalmente, os aspetos cognitivos e as abordagens de inspiração psicoterapêutica cognitivo-comportamental. Para tal, foi efetuada uma revisão não sistemática dos artigos indexados às bases de dados Medline, Scopus e Web of Science, usando os termos: dor pélvica; dispareunia; vaginismo; vulvodinia; e terapia cognitiva. No total, foram incluídos 36 artigos discutindo a etiologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da PDGPP. Neste artigo, proporcionamos uma revisão do tratamento da PDGPP baseado em fatores biológicos, psicológicos e relacionais, enfatizando os últimos dois. Também resumimos as opções de tratamento

A fisioterapia pélvica melhora a dor genitopélvica/desordens da penetração? / Does the pelvic physical therapy improves genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder?

Muitas vezes, as Disfunções Sexuais Femininas (DSF) são subdiagnosticadas, têm causas multifatoriais e não recebem devida atenção para o tratamento. Estas disfunções podem se manifestar em qualquer idade, sobretudo em mulheres adultas e idosas, e de diferentes formas. Para ajudar essa mulher na resolução do seu problema, o ideal é que profissionais especializados em saúde sexual a aborde, cada um em sua área de atuação. Além de apoio médico e psicológico, a fisioterapia tem papel fundamental na reabilitação sexual da dor genitopélvica/desordens da penetração (vulvodínea, vestibulodínea, dispareunia e vaginismo). O fisioterapeuta utiliza recursos como terapia manual, cinesioterapia, eletroestimulação, biofeedback, eletromiografia, cones vaginais e dilatadores na conduta terapêutica para essas disfunções. A literatura ainda apresenta-se restrita neste tema, mas é possível afirmar que a fisioterapia pélvica, se bem conduzida, é resolutiva, proporcionando satisfação e melhora da qualidade de vida da mulher.(AU)

Often, Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is underdiagnosed, have multifactorial causes and do not receive adequate attention for treatment. These dysfunctions may appear at any age, especially in adult and elderly women, and in different ways. To help this woman in the resolution of her problem, the ideal is that professionals specialized in sexual health address her, each one in its area of operation. In addition to medical and psychological support, physiotherapy plays a key role in sexual rehabilitation genito-p-elvic pain/penetration disorders (vulvodynea, vestibulodynea, dyspareunia and vaginismus). The physical therapist works with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, electromyography, vaginal cones and dilators in the therapeutic approach. The literature also presents restricted in this area, but we can say that the pelvic physical therapy, if well conducted, is resolute, providing satisfaction and improving quality of life of women.(AU)

Treatment of radiation-induced cystitis and vulvodynia via a ganglion impar block using a lateral approach under computed tomography guidance: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) after colorectal cancer surgery can prevent local recurrence, but has several side effects. Precise injection of drugs into the affected areas is complicated by radiation-induced fibrosis of soft or connective tissue. A 48-year-old woman experienced severe intractable perineal pain, dysuria, urinary urgency, and frequent urination after rectal cancer surgery and adjuvant RT, and was diagnosed with radiation-induced cystitis and vulvodynia. Her symptoms persisted despite two fluoroscopy-guided ganglion impar blocks. Fluoroscopy revealed atypical needle tip positioning and radiolucent dye distribution, presumably due to radiation-induced fibrosis in the target region. We performed two computed tomography (CT)-guided ganglion impar blocks by using a lateral approach, which allowed more accurate po-sitioning of the needle tip. Her pain visual analog score decreased from 9 to 3, and she recently resumed sexual intimacy. CT guidance is a viable alternative to fluoroscopy guidance when performing ganglion impar blocks in fibrotic areas.

A fisioterapia pélvica no tratamento da vulvodínia: revisão sistemática / Pelvic physiotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia: systematic review

A Vulvodínia Localizada Provocada (VLP) é um tipo de dor crônica limitante e de interesse clínico, cuja etiologia ainda é obscura e para a qual parece não haver consenso a respeito da terapêutica. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever o papel da fisioterapia pélvica no tratamento da VLP. Para tanto, foi realizada uma Revisão sistemática das bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, PEDro e SciELO a partir das palavras-chave vulvodínia, vestibulodínia e dor vulvar, bem como suas variáveis em inglês, em busca de ensaios clínicos que tratassem de técnicas fisioterapêuticas para esse fim. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos e estudos observacionais e excluídos os que tratassem de estudos em homens ou cobaias e os que versavam unicamente de tratamento cirúrgico ou medicamentoso. Todos foram analisados e qualificados pelos graus de evidência da Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB). Os resultados mostraram que de um um total de 14 artigos, quatro foram estudos de caso, cinco, ensaios randomizados controlados e os demais, estudos observacionais de coorte, transversais e retrospectivos. Foram descritos tratamentos por eletroestimulação, terapia comportamental e fisioterapia pélvica focada nos exercícios do assoalho pélvico, particularmente de propriocepção e coordenação motora visando à recuperação da capacidade ativa de relaxamento. Houve forte evidência suportando a eficácia da fisioterapia pélvica no alívio do quadro clínico da VLP. Não houve consenso a respeito de qual técnica, dentro do arsenal fisioterapêutico, é a mais eficiente para essas pacientes. Concluiu-se que a fisioterapia pélvica é segura e eficiente no tratamento da VLP e deve encabeçar o algoritmo terapêutico desse tipo de paciente.(AU)

Localized Provoked Vulvodynia (LPV) is a limiting chronic pain of clinical interest, whose etiology is still unclear and for which there is no consensus on the therapy. The aim of this paper was to describe the role of pelvic physiotherapy in the treatment of VLP. It was necessary a systematic review of databases PubMed, LILACS, PEDro and SciELO with the keywords vulvodynia, vestibulodínia and vulvar pain in Portuguese and in English, searching for clinical trials upon the physical therapy techniques for this purpose. It was included clinical trials and excluded those that concerned men or mice or only surgical or drug treatment. All of them were analyzed and qualified by the Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB) evidence scale. The results showed that on a total of 14 articles, four were case reports, five, randomized controlled trials, and the others, retrospective study and cross-sectional study studies. They described electrical stimulation treatments, behavioral therapy and pelvic physical therapy focused on pelvic floor exercises, particularly of proprioception and coordination aimed the recovery of active capacity of relaxation. There was strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of pelvic physiotherapy in relieving the clinical symptoms of LPV. There was no consensus about which technique on the physical therapy arsenal is the most effective. Concludes that pelvic physical therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of LPV, and should be considered as first line therapeutic in the algorithm of this kind of patient.(AU)

Vulvodínia: diagnóstico e tratamento / Vulvodynia: diagnosis and treatment

A vulvodínia é uma condição de desconforto vulvar crônico que afeta milhares de mulheres a cada ano. Trata-se de síndrome multifatorial com grande impacto na qualidade de vida das mulheres afetadas. Seu tratamento representa atualmente um desafio para o médico assistente que, apesar de estar mais atento ao seu diagnóstico, ainda não encontra evidências científicas para tratamento dessas pacientes. Ainda não é possível encontrar revisões sistemáticas ou metanálises pela heterogeneidade dos artigos. A abordagem multidisciplinar parece trazer melhores resultados. Habitualmente essas mulheres passam por vários especialistas à procura de alívio dos seus sintomas, na maioria das vezes sem sucesso. Este artigo objetiva fazer uma revisão atualizada do diagnóstico e tratamento da vulvodínia para orientar a prática clínica.(AU)

Vulvodynia is a vulvar discomfort and chronic condition that affects millions of women each year. It is a multifactorial syndrome with great impact on the quality of life of women affected by it. Its treatment is currently a challenge for the physician. Despite being closer to the diagnosis, scientific evidence for treating these patients has not yet been found. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis cannot be found due to the heterogeneity of the articles. A multidisciplinary approach seems to bring the best results. Usually these women consult several specialists seeking relief of their symptoms, most of the time without success. The aim of this article is to review the current diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia to guide clinical practice.(AU)

Manejo da dor vulvar: vulvodínia / Management of vulvar pain: vulvodynia

Vulvodínia é a dor crônica vulvar, geralmente em queimação, que não pode ser explicada por outras causas orgânicas, prejudicando a qualidade de vida da mulher. Sua etiologia é multifatorial e o diagnóstico é clínico, de exclusão. O tratamento é multidisciplinar, empregando abordagem farmacológica, comportamental, fisioterápica e, excepcionalmente, cirúrgica.

Vulvodynya is the cronic vulvar pain, generally described as burning, that is not explained by other organic causes, impacting on woman's quality of life. Cause is considered to be multifactorial and the diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is multidisciplinar, therapies include self-management and nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical treatment.

Dor genital feminina / Female genital pain

A dor genital feminina tem sido objeto de estudos, o que resultou em mudança na sua classificação pelo Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM). A noção da dispareunia ser desordem unitária identificada como disfunção sexual não tem sido confirmada. Há síndromes de dispareunia, sendo a superficial muito semelhante ao vaginismo. A definição do vaginismo, baseada principalmente na ocorrência do espasmo vaginal, também não tem sido confirmada. O DSM-V engloba os dois transtornos, classificando-os como desordem da dor genitopélvica, cuja definição baseia-se em cinco dimensões: índice de sucesso da penetração vaginal, dor com a penetração vaginal, medo da penetração vaginal ou dor genitopélvica durante a penetração vaginal, disfunção da musculatura do assoalho pélvico e comorbidades médicas. Com o envelhecimento da mulher, a prevalência de queixa de dor sexual aumenta. Deficiência de estrogênio é a principal causa de alterações urogenitais atróficas, sendo, portanto, a terapia estrogênica a melhor escolha terapêutica para essa população. Essa condição pode afetar o relacionamento com o parceiro, impactando negativamente a atividade sexual. O parceiro pode evitar o contato com receio de causar dor, podendo diminuir sua iniciativa para a atividade sexual ou até mesmo diminuir seu interesse. Também a preocupação com a dor pode distrair ambos, podendo levá-los a outras disfunções sexuais. Mulheres com dor genital superficial tendem a apresentar baixas autoestima e estima corporal, imagem corporal alterada, insegurança, preocupações excessivas e comportamentos de evitação. Dada a causalidade multidimensional, o diagnóstico e o tratamento devem ser conduzidos por equipe multidisciplinar e incluir uma cuidadosa avaliação da etiologia do quadro.

A Retrospective Study of the Management of Vulvodynia

PURPOSE: Vulvodynia is characterized by chronic vulvar pain caused by sexual intercourse and often results in female sexual dysfunction. Because the causes of vulvodynia are not clear, many patients do not receive optimal treatment. Recently, gabapentin and botulinum toxin A have both been shown to be effective treatments for vulvodynia. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of botulinum toxin A and gabapentin treatment for chronic pain in women with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three women with vulvar pain were administered either gabapentin (n=62) or botulinum toxin A (n=11) injections. Effectiveness was measured by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS). We analyzed the treatment method, treatment duration, success of treatment, and side effects or adverse reactions. RESULTS: Pain levels in both groups significantly decreased after treatment. In the gabapentin group, the VAS score decreased from 8.6 before treatment to 3.2 after treatment (p<0.001). The VAS score in the botulinum toxin A group was reduced from 8.1 to 2.5 (p<0.001). Side effects for both therapies were few and subsided with treatment with general antibiotics and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin and botulinum toxin A are safe and effective treatments for vulvodynia. This condition can cause sexual dysfunction and affect quality of life. However, with proper management, satisfactory outcomes for women with vulvodynia can be achieved.

Successful treatment of vulvodynia with dry needling using a specially designed needle: A case report

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome in female genitalia in the absence of visible infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic findings or a clinically identifiable neurological disorder. We report a case of vulvodynia successfully treated with dry needling using a specially designed round needle (Ahn's needle). A 50-year-old woman was seen with 20-year-history of left-sided vulvar pain in the absence of infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, or neurological disorder. We diagnosed her condition as vulvodynia and conducted dry needling using an Ahn's needle. Dry needling was performed along left upper and middle labiocrural fold. She reported 50% improvement of vulvodynia after the first treatment and 100% improvement after the second treatment. She remained symptom free 9 months after treatment. Our report suggests that dry needling using an Ahn's needle have clinical significance in managing vulvodynia.

Vulvodinia: un diagnóstico olvidado frente al dolor vulvar / Vulvodynia: unknown etiology of vulvar pain

La vulvodinia es una patología compleja y de difícil tratamiento. Se define como un dolor crónico de la vulva, que puede ser generalizado o localizado. La primera vez que se escribe sobre esta fue en 1889, por Skene. Sin embargo, es sólo hasta 1976, que los miembros de la International Society for Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases, reconocieron el dolor vulvar como una entidad patológica. Se estima una prevalencia de un 15 por ciento, con unas 14 millones de mujeres que lo padecen en EEUU. Generalmente consultan múltiples veces y a diferentes médicos, antes de llegar a un diagnóstico. No existen pruebas específicas, por lo que la clínica y el examen físico son las principales herramientas. Se deben excluir todas aquellas patologías que explican este dolor crónico vulvar. Su etiología es multifactorial, involucrando cambios a nivel de nociceptores, alteraciones de la inervación y la presencia de factores inflamatorios. Sin embargo, no podemos dejar de lado los aspectos psicosexuales, que pueden modular o desencadenar el dolor vulvar, al encontrar un sustrato alterado a nivel de estos tejidos. Basándose en estos aspectos, hoy existen diferentes tratamientos, que son efectivos si los utilizamos asociados y en forma gradual, ya que se potencian entre ellos.

Vulvodynia is a complex pathology and difficult to treat. In 1889 Skene was the first who write about this. However, only until 1976 the members of the International Society for Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases, recognized the vulvar pain as a disease entity. Prevalence estimated at 15 percent with an estimated 14 million women who suffer in the USA. A high number of gynaecologists do not know this diagnosis. For this reason women consult multiple times and to different doctors to reach a diagnosis. There are no specific tests for diagnosis. Finding in the clinical and physical examination are the main tools for this diagnosis. The different pathologies that could explain the presence of a chronic vulvar pain must be excluded. Undoubtedly its aetiology is multifactorial, involving changes in the number of nociceptors and alterations in the innervations, and the presence of inflammatory factors that may be the starting point of this pathology, as it seeks to explain the neuropathic theory. However we can not ignore the psychosomatic theory in explaining the psychosexual disorders as a trigger vulvar pain, in these altered tissues. Based on these aspects there are now treatments that are more or less effective when are gradually associated for better results.

Correlations of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome with Female Sexual Activity

PURPOSE: We investigated how the symptoms of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) are correlated with the sexual activity of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 87 patients were included in this study; 18 patients were diagnosed with IC and the other 69 had PBS. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the concept of IC/PBS proposed by the ICS in 2002. Patients were asked to fill in a Bristol female lower urinary tract symptom questionnaire, and symptoms were rated on a scale of from 1 to 4 or 5. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation of pain and urinary symptoms with quality of life and sexual activity. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 51+/-14.7 years (range, 28-74 years). Age and vulvodynia were positively correlated with one another (r=0.232), and there was a negative correlation between age and dyspareunia (r=-0.302). Among the items regarding IC/PBS and sexual activity, frequency showed a positive correlation with vulvodynia (r=0.258) in addition to an inhibited sex life (r=0.403). Urgency showed a positive correlation with an inhibited sex life (r=0.346). Vulvodynia showed a positive correlation with an inhibited sex life (r=0.259) and dyspareunia (r=0.401). The main symptoms of IC/PBS (frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain) showed a positive correlation with almost all items related to quality of life (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency, urgency, and various types of pain are negatively correlated with the sexual activity of patients. This suggests that physicians should consider sexual function in the management of patients with IC/PBS.

Perineal Pain due to Bladder Stones after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A case report / 대한통증학회지

Perineal pain is a significant diagnostic challenge to the pain practitioner, and accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential. We report a case of 42-years old female patient suffering from excruciating vulvodynia for 5 years. Her pain on the visual analogue scale was 10 out of 10 and her pain was associated with sleep disturbance, dyspareunia, and chronic fatigue. She was diagnosed with a bladder stone by imaging, and The pain was relieved by cystolitholapaxy.

A Case of Vulvar Denervation Operation in an Old Patient with Intractable Dysesthetic Vulvodynia / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Vulvodynia is the term used to describe unexplained vulvar pain, sexual dysfunction, and the resultant psychological disability. In vulvar vestibulitis, surgery is carried out on patients who have failed conservative therapy. Surgical procedures which is removal of all sensitive vestibular tissue are most effective in patients with pure vestibulitis, but effective surgery is not known in patient with dysesthetic vulvodynia. We experienced one case of vulvar denervation operation in patients with intractable dysesthetic vulvodynia, which have failed conservative therapy. So we report one case with a brief review of literature.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Treatment Modalities about Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome: A study of 30 Cases / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate and introduce the clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment modalities of vulvar vestibulitis, a subset of vulvodynia, may cause physical disabilities, phycological or emotional distress, sexual dysfunction and limitation of daily activities. But its etiologies and treatments are not defined yet. We want to summarize the diagnostic methods and treatments patients of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, could be easily overlooked in your offices. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on medical records including pathologic reports of 30 patients who underwent skin biopsy among the patients who were diagnosed as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome from August 1999 to February 2002 at Kyung-Hee University Medical Center. Skin biopsy was taken at a most painful area of vestibule in Dermatology Department to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. We evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients RESULTS: The mean age of these patients was 53.4+/-10.4 years and the mean parity was 3.13+/-1.4 times. The mean duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 26.2+/-24.1 months. The skin biopsies showed chronic inflammation in 21 cases (70.0%), chronic inflammation with koilocytosis in 5 cases (16.7%), subacute inflammation in 3 cases (10.0%), and acute inflammation in 1 case (3.3%). The most predominant painful area is right posterior vestibular site and all patients felt pain on that site with swab test. There were 70% improvement among 30 patients with non-surgical modalities. CONCLUSION: Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is a syndrome of severe pain, burning, stinging, irritative or raw sensation within the vestibular area by vestibular touch or attempted vaginal entry such as tampon use or intercourse. It also has vestibular redness, urge to urinate frequently or suddenly and is confirmed by history, moistened cotton-tipped swab test and gentian violet staining on the lesions. Its prevalence is 15% and it is frequently accompanied by physical disabilities, limitation of daily activities, sexual dysfunction and psychologic distress. Even though it could be seen frequently in our offices and has a tendency to become a chronic disease requiring long-term treatments, it has been being overlooked in offices due to lack of understanding of its etiologies, diagnostic criteria and treatments. Here we need more concerns and studies of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.