title: Vulvar vestibulitis--subgroup with Bartholin gland duct inflammation.
abstract: Some women with vulvar vestibulitis have tenderness at the Bartholin gland duct opening and associated dyspareunia. Forty-four patients with severe incapacitating dyspareunia of up to 5 years' duration were studied. Microscopic examination revealed a chronic inflammation located near the Bartholin gland duct opening. No etiologic agent was evident. Of 30 women treated initially with laser vaporization of inflamed areas, 13 (43%) showed significant improvement. Sixteen patients were treated with perineoplasty and all improved significantly; all became functional sexually although eight had previously failed laser therapy. Women with vulvar vestibulitis can be identified easily with a simple Q-tip touch technique directed at the duct opening. This diagnosis should be considered in the evaluation of women with obscure etiologies of dyspareunia.
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Michlewitz
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Kennison
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Turksoy
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Fertitta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery; D014847:Vulvitis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery