Do Vulvodynia TCM Patterns Differ by Pain Types? Beginning Evidence Supporting the Concept

Schlaeger, Judith M.; Cai, Hui Yan; Xu, Nenggui; Steffens, Alana D.; Wang, Lin; Wilkie, Diana J.

doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0353

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“… 16 According to acupuncture theory, when the vital energy ( qi ) is blocked in vulvodynia, there is resultant pain and heat (felt as vulvar burning, stinging, and/or itching). 61 Acupuncture is applied to acupoints on the abdomen, suprapubically, and the extremities, but not directly to the vulva. Acupuncture moves blocked qi , relax pelvic floor muscles, and reduce pain and heat in the vulva.…”

Section: Treatments For Vulvar Pain and Dyspareuniamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Women often turn to acupuncture to relieve vulvodynia (Table 5). 16 According to acupuncture theory, when the vital energy ( qi ) is blocked in vulvodynia, there is resultant pain and heat (felt as vulvar burning, stinging, and/or itching) 61 . Acupuncture is applied to acupoints on the abdomen, suprapubically, and the extremities, but not directly to the vulva.…”

Section: Treatments For Vulvar Pain and Dyspareuniamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaluation and Treatment of Vulvodynia: State of the Science

Schlaeger

Glayzer

Villegas-Downs

et al. 2022

J Midwife Womens Health

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Vulvodynia affects 7% of American women, yet clinicians often lack awareness of its presentation. It is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as vaginitis. The etiology of vulvodynia remains unknown, making it difficult to identify or develop effective treatment methods. The purpose of this article is to (1) review the presentation and evaluation of vulvodynia, (2) review the research on vulvodynia treatments, and (3) aid the clinician in the selection of vulvodynia treatment methods. The level of evidence to support vulvodynia treatment varies from case series to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Oral desipramine with 5% lidocaine cream, intravaginal diazepam tablets with intravaginal transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), botulinum toxin type A 50 units, enoxaparin sodium subcutaneous injections, intravaginal TENS (as a single therapy), multimodal physical therapy, overnight 5% lidocaine ointment, and acupuncture had the highest level of evidence with at least one RCT or comparative effectiveness trial. Pre to posttest reduction in vulvar pain and/or dyspareunia in non‐RCT studies included studies of gabapentin cream, amitriptyline cream, amitriptyline with baclofen cream, up to 6 weeks’ oral itraconazole therapy, multimodal physical therapy, vaginal dilators, electromyography biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cold knife vestibulectomy, and laser therapy. There is a lack of rigorous RCTs with large sample sizes for the treatment of vulvodynia, rendering it difficult to determine efficacy of most treatment methods. Clinicians will be guided in the selection of best treatments for vulvodynia that have the highest level of evidence and are least invasive.

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Section: Treatments For Vulvar Pain and Dyspareuniamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Treatments For Vulvar Pain and Dyspareuniamentioning

confidence: 99%