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.