A qualitative study of women with vulvodynia: I. The journey into treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate women's experiences of accessing help and treatment for vulvodynia.


METHODS
Women who had participated in a vulvar pain management program were evaluated in a retrospective, qualitative, in-depth interview study.


RESULTS
The women described their distressing symptoms of vulvodynia and their previous experiences of seeking help. The women thought that the delay to diagnosis contributed to the severity of their symptoms and that achieving a diagnosis was the first step on a path toward the acceptance of a chronic condition and a commitment to a management program.


CONCLUSIONS
Vulvodynia is poorly recognized, and the delay to diagnosis adversely affects patients, exacerbating the severity of their symptoms.
Buchan
Ann
A
Watford Sexual Health Centre and Department of Physiotherapy, West Hertfordshire Hospitals National Health Service Trust, and Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Watford, UK. ann.buchan@whht.nhs.uk
Munday
Pat
P
Ravenhill
Gill
G
Wiggs
Annie
A
Brooks
Fiona
F
D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D059408:Pain Management; D013997:Time Factors; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy