Capsaicin for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis.
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.


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that is treated with capsaicin significantly decreases discomfort and allows for more frequent sexual relations.
Steinberg
Adam C
AC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Camden, Cooper University Hospital, USA. steinberg-adam@cooperhealth.edu
Oyama
Ian A
IA
Rejba
Amy E
AE
Kellogg-Spadt
Susan
S
Whitmore
Kristene E
KE
D000328:Adult; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014847:Vulvitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D002211:Capsaicin