title: Longstanding vulval problems and entry dyspareunia among STD-clinic visitors in Oslo-results from a cross-sectional study.
abstract: An increasing number of women with vulval problems and pain attend Olafiaklinikken, the centre for sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Oslo. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of long-standing vulval problems and entry dyspareunia in a consecutive sample of STI-clinic visitors in Oslo. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed before and independent of the consultation. Response rate was 89.6% (502/560). Mean and median age were 25.9 and 24.0 years respectively, range 16-65 years. Vulval soreness, burning, dryness and fissures present for at least three months were reported by 23.1% (116/502), entry dyspareunia by 6.9% (34/494). Independent risk factors for dyspareunia were a history of >/=4 treatments for vulvovaginal candidiasis during the last year, reported by 34.6%, odds ratio (OR) 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81-11.0, and a history of bacterial vaginosis, reported by 42.4%, OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.11-4.92. Contraceptive methods, hygienic habits, a history of STIs, depression or sexual abuse were factors unrelated to longstanding symptoms. Investigation with regard to longstanding vulval problems and entry dyspareunia is required for a certain group of sexually transmitted disease-clinic visitors in Oslo, and referral to a special service for vulva patients would be beneficial for selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Olafiaklinikken, Grensen 5-7, NO-0159 Oslo, Norway. karin.edgardh@rikshospitalet.no
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edgardh
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdelnoor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents