Capsaicin for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of local capsaicin cream as an effective treatment for patients with documented vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN:

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that was treated with capsaicin. Patients performed local application of capsaicin 0.025% cream for 20 minutes daily for 12 weeks. A comparison was made between the pre- and posttreatment Kaufman touch test to evaluate discomfort. The Marinoff dyspareunia scale was also used to assess pre- and posttreatment.

RESULTS:

The sum of the Kaufman touch test scores before the treatment (13.2 +/- 4.9) compared with the scores after treatment (4.8 +/- 3.8) was statistically improved (P < .001). A significant improvement was also observed at each individual site (P < .001). The Marinoff dyspareunia scale also showed a significant improvement (P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that is treated with capsaicin significantly decreases discomfort and allows for more frequent sexual relations.

• Authors: Adam C Steinberg, Ian A Oyama, Amy E Rejba, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, Kristene E Whitmore
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 192 Issue 5 Pg. 1549-53 (May 2005) ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15902156 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Capsaicin

Topics

• Adult
• Capsaicin (therapeutic use)
• Dyspareunia (etiology, physiopathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Pain (physiopathology)
• Physical Stimulation
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Vulvitis (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)