Chronic Vulvar Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Vulvodynia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the severity of chronic vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia and its impact on their health-related quality of life (QL). The study group consisted of 76 women aged 19 to 58. The study was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, i.e., (1) the questionnaire technique, comprising (A) the author’s questionnaire (76 questions) and (B) the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and (2) the VAS. When analyzing the severity of vulvar pain on the VAS, the highest proportion of women rated it at level 6 (23.68%). This was significantly determined by certain personal characteristics (age < 25 years old) and sociodemographic characteristics (marital status: unmarried women, divorcees, widows; high school education), each at p < 0.05. Vulvodynia causes a significant deterioration (64.47%) in QL, which is mainly caused by a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living (27.63%) and a decrease in sexual satisfaction (27.63%). The level of stress significantly exacerbates pain (p < 0.05). The severity correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively (r < 0) with QL perception, which was rated worst in the physical domain. The use of treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the physical and psychological domains (p < 0.05), and the latter was particularly influenced by physiotherapy (p < 0.05).

Basic Characteristics and Demographic Data in Patients with Chronic Vulvar Discomfort: A Detailed Analysis of DATRIV Study

“…Some authors suggest that patients with vulvodynia are typically in stable, long-term relationships, and marriage may provide a protective factor against depression and anxiety [46,29]. Conversely, other studies have reported a higher prevalence of unmarried women among patients with vulvodynia [47].…”

Managing Vulvodynia with Central Sensitization: Challenges and Strategies

“…Despite the many unknown aspects of vulvodynia, its importance should not be underestimated. Recent studies have shown that it significantly affects quality of life, including the ability to perform basic activities and experience sexual satisfaction [25]. Some studies have indicated that treatment, especially physical therapy, can improve symptoms, while others have shown that a placebo can be as effective as conventional treatments [26].…”

Vulvodynia and Mental Health: Case Report

“…This significantly limits performance in daily functioning and contributes to mental issues, including severe depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. According to research by Patla et al [10], vulvodynia causes a 64.5% deterioration in the health-related quality of life. Our literature search revealed a few case studies on vulvodynia and related issues and only one on depression and vulvodynia [2,11,12].…”