Chapter 82 Vulvar Vestibulitis
INTRODUCTION
Description: Vulvar vestibulitis is an uncommon syndrome of intense sensitivity of the skin of the posterior vaginal introitus and vulvar vestibule, with progressive worsening, which leads to loss of function.
Prevalence: Some estimates place it at 15% of all women, but significant, disabling symptoms are much less common.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Unknown. High degree of association with human papillomavirus but no causal link established. Despite the implication of the term, true inflammation is not a characteristic of this process.
Risk Factors: None known. It has been postulated that the use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk or severity of vulvar vestibulitis and that users who experience symptoms should switch to other methods of contraception. Strong evidence for either causation or significant improvement is lacking.
