ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age, menopause, and comorbidities on neurological function of the female genitalia using a noninvasive, validated technique. In all, 58 consecutive women were enrolled in the study. Biothesiometry was performed at five genital sites and one peripheral site with S2 dermatome distribution. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks was used to evaluate the relationship between age and vibratory sensation. Bivariate and regressional analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of age, menopause and comorbidities on genital sensation. The mean age was 44.6+14.8 y (range 20-78 y). Vibration thresholds increased with advancing age at all six sites. Multilinear regression analysis indicated that menopause and increasing age negatively affect sensation. History of herniated lumbar disc, vaginal delivery, and diabetes variably affected genital sensation. There is a significant increase in vibration thresholds (indicating worsening neurological function) in women as they age and undergo menopause. Biothesiometry is a technique for evaluating genital neurological function in women with coexisting morbidities.
Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Genital Diseases, Female/epidemiology , Genital Diseases, Female/physiopathology , Genitalia, Female/innervation , Genitalia, Female/physiopathology , Menopause/physiology , Adult , Aged , Comorbidity , Delivery, Obstetric , Diabetes Mellitus/metabolism , Female , Genital Diseases, Female/complications , Humans , Middle Aged , Nervous System Diseases/complications , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Sensation , Sensory Thresholds/physiology , VibrationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vulvar arteriovenous hemangioma is a rare pathologic lesion that can have a unique clinical presentation. One manifestation of this lesion has not previously been described in the literature. CASE: A painful vulvar mass occurred in a healthy woman, with cyclic perineal discomfort and enlargement of the mass with menses. There was no obvious lesion on the skin. Excisional biopsy and groin exploration revealed a vascular lesion in the subcutaneous layer, consistent with arteriovenous hemangioma. The mass was successfully treated by excision, and the patient was asymptomatic 12 months later. CONCLUSION: Surgical exploration should be considered when a definitive diagnosis of a symptomatic vulvar mass is uncertain. In this case, excision of the mass allowed diagnosis and definitive treatment.
