Vulvar Ulcers: An Algorithm to Assist With Diagnosis and Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Vulvar ulcers can be challenging to diagnose, manage, and treat. Ulcers can be nonspecific in appearance and have many etiologies. Description of the lesion is very important. METHODS: An interactive vulvar ulcer algorithm was created to aid in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvar ulcers. RESULTS: The algorithm flowchart begins with careful history and physical examination. Pending these, specific tests can be obtained to aid in diagnosis. The algorithm also links to appropriate treatments. The algorithm can be accessed on the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease Web site ( issvd.org ). Each underlined word in the algorithm is a hyperlink that leads to a wealth of information on the topic that providers can use to direct testing and aid in diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The vulvar ulcer algorithm can help clinicians with diagnosis and treatment plans.

Relationship Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Obesity, and Vulvodynia in Adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between childhood sexual abuse, obesity, and vulvodynia among adult women participating in a population-based longitudinal vulvodynia study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys assessed health status, diagnoses, risk factors, and screening test outcomes for women with vulvodynia. Associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and obesity, CSA and vulvodynia, and obesity and vulvodynia were investigated. A multivariate model was used to determine if obesity mediates and/or modifies the relationship between CSA and vulvodynia. RESULTS: Of 2,277 women participating in the study, 1,647 completed survey data on CSA at 18 months, body mass index at 24 months, and vulvodynia over the first 54 months of the survey. Mean age was 50.9 ± 15.8 years. Overall, race and ethnicity were 77.4% White, 15.7% Black, 2.4% Hispanic, and 4.5% other. Five hundred thirty-nine participants (32.7%) were obese (body mass index >30) and 468 (28.4%) were overweight. Physical CSA before age of 18 years was reported by 20.0% ( n = 329). During the study, 22.0% ( n = 362) screened positive for vulvodynia on one or more surveys. After controlling for demographic variables, both obesity and screening positive for vulvodynia were associated with a history of CSA before age of 18 years ( p = .013 and p < .001, respectively), but obesity was not associated with screening positive for vulvodynia ( p = .865). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated no mediation of the CSA/vulvodynia relationship by obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Although obesity and vulvodynia were independently associated with a history of CSA, obesity did not mediate or modify the relationship between CSA and vulvodynia in adulthood.

Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: What oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Sexual concerns are prevalent in women with cancer or cancer history and are a factor in patient decision making about cancer treatment and risk-reduction options. Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns, regardless of the type or site of her cancer, is an essential and early component of a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment plan. Specialized practices are emerging that focus specifically on evaluation and treatment of women with cancer and sexual function problems. As part of a specialized evaluation, oncologists and their patients should expect a thorough physical examination to identify or rule out physical causes of sexual problems or dysfunction. This review provides oncology professionals with a description of the physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual function concerns. This description aims to inform anticipatory guidance for the patient and to assist in interpreting specialists' findings and recommendations. In centers or regions where specialized care is not yet available, this review can also be used by oncology practices to educate and support health care providers interested in expanding their practices to treat women with cancer and sexual function concerns. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:241-263. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Outcomes After Lysis of Adhesions and Dilator Placement for Treatment of Vulvovaginal Agglutination Due to Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes for the treatment of vulvovaginal agglutination secondary to lichen planus (LP) following a standard protocol using intraoperative dilator placement and postoperative intravaginal steroid use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical management of vulvovaginal agglutination due to LP following a protocol that included surgical lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions, intraoperative dilator placement and removal 48 hours later, and high-potency intravaginal corticosteroid and regular dilator use thereafter. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical record and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients, with mean age 51.2 ± 11 years and body mass index 32.8 ± 8.5 kg/m 2 , underwent lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions between 1999 and 2021 with 8 different surgeons at a single institution. The mean preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6-week postoperative vaginal lengths were 2.8 ± 1.8 cm ( n = 18), 8.0 ± 1.9 cm ( n = 21), and 7.9 ± 2.2 cm ( n = 16), respectively. The mean estimated blood loss intraoperatively was 16 ± 15 mL. No patients had a documented surgical site infection or reoperation within 30 days after surgery. Of patients who had it documented ( n = 26), 70% (18/26) reported postoperative sexual activity. Where documented, 100% (18/18) reported preoperative dyspareunia, while 17% (3/18) did postoperatively. Six percent (2/34) had recurrent severe agglutination and 3% (1/34) underwent reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions, intraoperative dilator placement, and postoperative intravaginal corticosteroids with dilator use is a safe and effective treatment option to restore vaginal length for those with vulvovaginal LP.

Expanding the Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, and HPV Genotypic Features of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Vulva With Morphology Mimicking Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia and/or Lichen Sclerosus.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva can arise through 2 pathways: human papillomavirus (HPV)-dependent high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (previously termed usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) or HPV-independent (differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, dVIN). Distinguishing between the 2 types can be clinically and histologically difficult. A subset of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions with superimposed chronic inflammation mimicking dVIN has recently been reported; p53 shows characteristic mid-epithelial staining (with basal sparing) in such cases. The pathology databases of 2 academic institutions were searched for vulva specimens with corresponding p53 and p16 immunohistochemical stains, yielding 38 specimens (from 27 patients). In situ hybridization and multiplex polymerase chain reaction-MassArray for high-risk HPV were performed on at least 1 block from each patient. All cases resembled dVIN or lichen sclerosus morphologically, but with a higher degree of atypia. All but 1 case demonstrated mid-epithelial p53 staining with basal sparing by immunohistochemistry. All cases showed block positivity for p16 and at least patchy positivity by HPV in situ hybridization. Of the 23 cases with valid HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction results, 15 were positive and 8 were negative. Of the positive cases, HPV16 was identified in 10 cases, with other high-risk types in the remaining 5. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions mimicking dVIN reported to date. Prior studies reported positivity for HPV16 in all cases tested, however, we found HPV16 in only 67% of HPV positive cases. This case series highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry, and occasionally HPV in situ hybridization, for accurate diagnosis, and expands the spectrum of associated HPV types.

Association Between Vulvar Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and Psychiatric Illness.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to describe and to compare demographics and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with low- and high-grade vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients presenting to a vulvar diseases clinic between 1996 and 2019 (N = 2,462). Intake questionnaire data were entered into a deidentified database. Results were compared between 80 patients with biopsy-confirmed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and 48 patients with biopsy-confirmed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs). Bivariate analysis was performed to compare demographics and psychiatric treatment and outcomes across HSIL and LSIL groups. RESULTS: Among 128 patients with vulvar disease, 80 (62.5%) had HSILs and 48 (37.5%) had LSILs. Patients with HSILs were significantly older (HSIL median [interquartile range] = 49.0 (39.0-61.0) vs LSIL = 36.0 [29.0-53.0], p = .006). There were no significant differences between groups across race/ethnicity, education, marital status, or self-reported household income categories. Forty percent of HSIL patients reported depression compared with 20.8% of LSIL patients (p = .03), whereas 31.3% of HSIL patients and 8.3% of LSIL patients reported anxiety (p = .002). Bipolar disorder was reported in 3.8% of HSIL patients and no LSIL patients (p = .29). There were no differences in the proportion of patients receiving psychiatric counseling, medications, or hospitalizations between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Squamous intraepithelial lesions of the vulva are associated with psychiatric disorders above age-matched national averages; these disorders are more prominent in the HSIL group. Combining mental health services with ongoing disease treatment seem to be part of a comprehensive approach to caring for this patient population.

Comparison of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Relation to Bowel and Bladder Symptoms in Women with Vulvar Diseases.

Objectives: We sought to investigate associations between vitamin D levels and bowel and bladder disorders in women with vulvar diseases. Methods: This is a planned sub-analysis of a cross-sectional study comparing the prevalence of bowel and bladder symptoms in women with biopsy-proven vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) to a control group of women with non-lichenoid vulvar diseases. All subjects were recruited from a tertiary referral vulvar care clinic in a university-based practice. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and subjects self-completed questionnaires during study recruitment. Pelvic floor disorders were determined from the following questionnaires: Rome III Functional Bowel Disorders Questionnaire, the Bristol stool scale, the Medical, Social and Epidemiologic Aspects of Aging Questionnaire, and the Overactive Bladder-8 Question Version. Results: 181 women with vulvar diseases were included: 88 with LS and 93 with non-LS vulvar diseases. The mean age was 52.5 ± 15.3 years, and 94.5% were Caucasian. Vitamin D levels (26.8 ± 13.1 vs 29.5 ± 19.0 ng/mL), prevalence of low vitamin D levels (51.1% vs 45.2%), and vitamin D supplementation (42.0% vs 47.8%) were similar in women with and without LS (p ≥ 0.27). These factors did not differ between women with and without overactive bladder (OAB) (vitamin D levels 30.1 ± 17.8 vs 26.3 ± 14.8 ng/mL), urinary incontinence (27.9 ± 15.2 vs 26.4 ± 11.0 ng/mL), constipation (26.7 ± 14.8 vs 28.5 ± 16.8 ng/mL), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (30.8 ± 22.1 vs 27.6 ± 13.4 ng/mL). Conclusions: In this cohort of women with vulvar diseases, vitamin D levels and supplementation were not significantly different amongst women with vulvar lichen sclerosus or other non-lichenoid vulvar diseases. Furthermore, vitamin D levels are not serum biomarkers for OAB, urinary incontinence, constipation, or IBS.

Genomic Profiling of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Patients Shows Possible Pathogenetic Disease Mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is known to occur in families, suggesting a genetic link. Genomic profiling of patients with vulvar LS was investigated to find underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, with the hope that targeted therapies and future clinical research will arise. METHODS: Two unrelated families with vulvar LS were investigated using whole-exome sequencing. Five affected sisters from 1 family were compared with their unaffected paternal aunt (unaffected control). A mother-daughter pair from a second affected family was compared with the first family. The results of the sequencing were compared with population-specific allele frequency databases to prioritize potential variants contributing to vulvar LS development. RESULTS: Recurrent germ-line variants in 4 genes were identified as likely to be deleterious to proper protein function in all of the 7 affected patients, but not in the unaffected control. The genes with variants included CD177 (neutrophil activation), CD200 (inhibitory signal to macrophages), ANKRD18A (ankyrin repeat protein, epigenetic regulation), and LATS2 (co-repressor of androgen signaling). CONCLUSIONS: Although many providers may see a mother and daughter with vulvar LS, this condition is rarely seen in multiple family members who are available for genetic testing. This is the first report to detail genomic profiling related to a familial association of vulvar LS.

Nerve Growth Factor and Selected Cytokines in Women With and Without Vulvodynia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the association between cytokines/neurokines after in vitro stimulation with Candida antigen or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in blood samples among women with and without vulvodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with vulvodynia and asymptomatic controls at three offices at the University of Michigan were examined clinically and completed a comprehensive survey in this cross-sectional study. Cytokine/neurokine levels were determined on blood samples using established ELISA protocols. Analysis of 48 cases and 42 ethnically matched controls included descriptive statistics (median, minimal, and maximal levels of cytokines/neurokines), overall and in cases and controls. Because of left-censored measurements, interval censored survival analysis was used to assess the association between case/control status and pain characteristics with cytokine/neurokine levels. RESULTS: Participants ranged in age from 19 to 60 years. Levels of IL1ß, IL1-RA, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 increased substantially after LPS stimulation, whereas no response was seen on IFNγ or nerve growth factor (NGF). Each increased after Candida antigen stimulation, although responses to Candida antigen stimulation of IL1ß, IL-6, and TNFα were less robust than after LPS. Only NGF was significantly increased in vulvodynia cases compared with controls (Exp ß (95% CI) = 2.08 [1.08-3.98]) after 24-hour Candida antigen stimulation and persisted when controlled for age, use of oral contraceptives, or history of Candida vulvovaginitis. No association between cytokine/neurokine levels and pain characteristics was found. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with that of control women, whole blood from women with vulvodynia demonstrates an enhanced production of NGF, but not of a set of inflammation-related cytokines, in response to Candida antigen stimulation.

Plexiform schwannoma: an unusual clitoral mass.

Acquired clitoral enlargement is a rare condition resulting from a variety of etiologies, including tumors and excess androgens. Few cases of nonmalignant schwannoma, a benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath, have been reported in the literature as causes of clitoral enlargement in patients without known neurofibromatosis. These painless, slow-growing tumors rarely recur once excised. We present the initial investigation of a patient with a large clitoral schwannoma and subsequent treatment with partial vulvectomy. The workup, including advanced pelvic imaging for diagnosis and surgical planning, as well as removal of the clitoral tumor with preservation of functional tissue and restoration of normal vulvar anatomy despite a large excision, is demonstrated.

Deconstructing the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

The concept of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) was recently introduced and has been gaining widespread use. While some justifications for its introduction are straightforward, others may be questionable. Numerous unspecific symptoms and signs were included in the definition of the syndrome, but the minimum number required for diagnosis was not established. While the GSM definition is designed to facilitate identifying vulvovaginal and urinary estrogen-deprivation-associated symptoms and signs, several concerns have evolved: (1) the syndrome may result in the underdiagnosis of vulvar and urinary pathology; and (2) serious conditions (e.g., high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the vulva or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, differentiated type) may be missed while others may not receive appropriate treatment (e.g., lichen sclerosus, overactive bladder). In addition, the transformation of urogenital symptoms and signs into a syndrome may create an iatrogenization of menopause, which, consequently, can lead to demand for (and offer of) a panacea of treatments. This can be detrimental to the care of women who require focused therapy rather than global treatment addressing a variety of genitourinary conditions, not all of which even require any form of intervention. Women's needs may be better served by having a more precise urogenital diagnosis.

Multimodal Vulvar and Peripheral Sensitivity Among Women With Vulvodynia: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in vulvar and peripheral sensitivity between women with and without vulvodynia. METHODS: Women with vulvodynia (n = 41) and age-matched controls (n = 43) seen in the outpatient setting were evaluated via surveys, clinical examination, and multimodal sensory testing (pressure, heat, cold, vibration, and electrical stimulation). The relationships between sensitivity to various sensory modalities and case/control status, as well as by vulvodynia subgroups, were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Women with vulvodynia were more sensitive to pressure and to electrical stimuli than were control women at the vulva (median, 22 vs 230 g and 0.495 vs 0.769 mA, respectively; P < 0.001 for each) and at the thumb (median, 2500 vs 4250 g and 0.578 vs 0.764 mA, respectively; P = 0.006 for pressure, P < 0.001 for electrical stimulation). Heat, cold, and vibration detection thresholds did not differ significantly between these groups (P > 0.025). Those reporting spontaneous pain versus provoked pain had greater pressure sensitivity to the thumb (median, 1850 vs 2690 g; P = 0.020) and greater electrical sensitivity at the introitus (0.450 vs 0.608 mA; P = 0.011), and those with primary versus secondary vulvodynia had substantially greater pressure sensitivity to the thumb (median, 2438 vs 3125 g, P = 0.004). However, having localized versus generalized vulvodynia was not associated with differences in pressure or electrical sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivities to pressure and electrical stimuli are greater among vulvodynia cases than among controls and support 2 previously defined subgroups-those reporting spontaneous pain versus those whose pain only occurred when provoked, and those with primary versus secondary vulvodynia.

Surgical management of vulvovaginal agglutination due to lichen planus.

Lichen planus is a rare dermatological disorder that is often associated with painful and disfiguring vulvovaginal effects. At the University of Michigan Center for Vulvar Diseases, we see many women with vulvovaginal lichen planus each year, with marked scarring and vulvovaginal agglutination that precludes vaginal intercourse and causes difficulty with urination. Through our experience, we developed a protocol for the operative management and postoperative care for severe vulvovaginal agglutination. Our objective is to share this protocol with a wider audience so that providers who see patients with these devastating effects of lichen planus can benefit from our experience to better serve this patient population. The figure represents a case of erosive lichen planus with early vaginal agglutination. The video reviews the pathophysiology and presentation of lichen planus. We then present a case of scarring and agglutination in a young woman, including our surgical management and postoperative care recommendations.

Vestibular Mast Cell Density in Vulvodynia: A Case-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify whether mast cell densities in vulvar biopsies from the vestibule are associated with vulvodynia. METHODS: We enrolled 100 women aged 19 to 59 years with confirmed vulvodynia cases, 100 racially matched controls, and 100 black control women. All had vulvar biopsies performed at the 7 o'clock position of the vestibule, which were then immunostained to detect c-KIT protein. The numbers of c-KIT positive mast cells per ×400 magnification field were manually counted, and t tests and logistic regression were used to assess the association with case-control status. RESULTS: Of the biopsies, 235 were adequate samples for c-KIT testing for mast cells. The mast cell density was substantially lower in black control women (13.9 ± 10.9) in comparison to white control women (22.5 ± 13.2 p < 0.001): hence the analysis was confined to white cases and racially matched control women. Compared with racially matched controls, cases were younger, more likely to be married, and reported a higher household income. The average number of mast cells per ×400 magnification field overall was 19.1 ± 13.2 (range, 0-62). There was no difference in the mast cell count between racially matched cases (22.4 ± 13.9 per ×400 field) and controls (22.5 ± 13.2) in either the univariate or multivariable analyses. Within the group of cases, there was no difference in mast cell density based on the presence or absence of a variety of urogenital symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: No difference in mast cell density in biopsies of the vestibule was found between white cases and racially matched controls. Black control women have a lower mast cell density compared with white control women.

The 2015 International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) Terminology of Vulvar Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of terminology for vulvar intraepithelial lesions has been significant over the years, because it has affected diagnosis, treatment, and research. The introduction of the Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) in 2012 raised 2 concerns in relation to vulvar lesions: firstly, the absence of reference to "differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia" (differentiated VIN) could lead to its being overlooked by health care providers, despite its malignant potential. Secondly, including the term "low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion" (LSIL) in LAST recreated the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment for benign, self-limiting lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) assigned the terminology committee the task of developing a terminology to take these issues into consideration. The committee reviewed the development of terminology for vulvar SILs with the previous 2 concerns in mind and reviewed several new terminology options. RESULTS: The final version accepted by the ISSVD contains the following:•Low-grade SIL of the vulva or vulvar LSIL, encompassing flat condyloma or human papillomavirus effect.•High-grade SIL or vulvar HSIL (which was termed "vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia usual type" in the 2004 ISSVD terminology).•Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, differentiated type. CONCLUSIONS: The advantage of the new terminology is that it includes all types of vulvar SILs, it provides a solution to the concerns in relation to the application of LAST to vulvar lesion, and it is in accordance with the World Health Organization classification as well as the LAST, creating unity among clinicians and pathologists.

Responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire predict neuropathic pain medication use in women in with vulvar lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire are predictive of adjunctive neuropathic pain medication use by women with lichen sclerosus (LS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of 430 women with vulvar LS treated at a tertiary referral vulvar care clinic. Demographics, responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and use of neuropathic pain medications were collected. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors significantly associated with use of neuropathic pain medications. RESULTS: Of the 430 subjects, 119 (27.7%) used neuropathic pain medications for vulvar pain. Factors significantly associated with use of these medications include lower body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, p = .02), non-White race (OR = 2.97, p = .05), and total McGill Pain Questionnaire score (OR = 1.05, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Vulvar pain is a common presenting symptom in women with LS. Responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire may be helpful in the long-term management of women with LS as a screen to identify those patients who might benefit from adjunctive neuropathic pain medication use.

History of Abuse in Women With Vulvar Pruritus, Vulvodynia, and Asymptomatic Controls.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic vulvar pruritus and vulvodynia are common vulvar diseases. The aim of this study was to compare gynecologic and sexual and physical abuse histories from patients with these diagnoses and from healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were self-completed by patients diagnosed with vulvar itch-scratch (n = 93), patients diagnosed with vulvodynia (n = 232), and patients presenting for annual gynecologic examinations (n = 104) at the University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI. RESULTS: Patients who came for annual examinations were less likely to report past gynecologic infections (p < .05) and indicated higher interest in and more frequent sexual activity than the other 2 groups (p = .003). Vulvodynia patients had the highest scores on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (p < .001). Subjects with either vulvar disorder were more likely to self-report a history of gynecologic infections than annual examination controls. Rates of sexual (p = .78) and physical abuse (p = .12) were similar for all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with vulvar pruritus and vulvodynia report similar rates of sexual and physical abuse.

Vulvar ulcer causing osteomyelitis of the pubic bone.

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis of the pubic bone is a rare entity. Risk factors for infection of the symphysis pubis and osteomyelitis of the pubic bone include direct trauma, previous urogynecologic procedures, extreme physical exercise, and immunocompromised state. The treatment modalities range from conservative antibiotic treatment to extensive surgery. CASE: A 49-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis and borderline diabetes mellitus presented with bloody vulvovaginal discharge. The source was found out to be an ulcer located above the urethra with exposure of the underlying symphysis pubis. Intraoperative debridement of the ulcer followed by bone biopsies demonstrated osteomyelitis of the pubic bone. Prolonged intravenous antibiotics and 4 operative debridements were needed before the osteomyelitis was adequately addressed and the defect could be closed with a bulbocavernosus flap. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a severe case of osteomyelitis of the pubic bone arising from a vulvar ulcer.

Postoperative sexual concerns and functioning in patients who underwent lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine satisfaction and functioning before and after surgery among women with lichen planus, who have undergone lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions, and to compare their sexual functioning with those of women without this disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the University of Michigan Internal Review Board. A retrospective self-administered survey was completed by 22 women (50-76 years). Eleven women who had undergone surgery to release vulvovaginal adhesions from lichen planus answered a mailed, 75-item questionnaire about health, sexual functioning (using the Female Sexual Function Index), and satisfaction with surgical outcomes 6 months to 6 years after their lysis of vulvovaginal adhesions followed by long-term vaginal dilation. They were compared with 11 age-matched normal controls. We used descriptive statistics such as mean and SDs to describe the population and χ and t tests to determine significant differences between groups. RESULTS: Surgery in women with lichen planus scarring allowed intercourse in 55% and decreased urination difficulties in 75%. Of the patients, 91% stated they were happy with the surgery and would recommend it to others. However, sexual difficulties may persist even after surgery. Approximately 50% of the patients continue to fear pain. There continues to be differences between cases and controls in sexual discomfort and sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: After surgery for lichen planus, women tend to be more likely to have intercourse, to have less urinary symptoms or infections, and to have fewer genital symptoms. However, for some, sexual difficulties persisted. It may be wise to consider sexual counseling for this population. Nevertheless, most of the patients stated that they were happy with the surgery and would recommend it to others.