Role of vulvar care guidelines in the initial management of vulvar complaints.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of vulvar care guidelines as the initial treatment of vulvar complaints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review was conducted at the Saint Louis University Vulvar and Vaginal Disease Center. Women with vulvar symptoms in the absence of specific identifiable causes were evaluated and given guidelines for vulvar care. An 11-point Likert scale was used to rate symptoms at the initial and follow-up visits. Compliance level was determined. RESULTS: A decrease in mean scores was shown for dyspareunia (7.5 ± 2.0 to 4.6 ± 3.1, p < .001), burning after intercourse (6.8 ± 2.7 to 3.4 ± 2.4, p = .10), vulvar burning (5.7 ± 2.6 to 2.1 ± 1.9, p < .001), vulvar itching (4.9 ± 2.8 to 2.5 ± 2.6, p < .001), and vulvar pain (5.8 ± 2.8 to 2.2 ± 3.0, p < .01). The mean dyspareunia difference scores were significant between the low- and high-compliance groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vulvar care guidelines are successful for the management of vulvar complaints.