A search for Helicobacter pyloriin localized vulvodynia.
BACKGROUND
We noted that several patients presenting with both localized vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis) and peptic symptoms reported a resolution of dyspareunia after receiving a full treatment course for Helicobacter pylori.


METHODS
Women with localized vulvodynia were interviewed regarding symptoms of peptic disease. Those with peptic symptoms underwent a blood test for the presence of antibodies to H. pylori and were referred to a gastroenterology consultation. In all women, vestibular biopsies were obtained and stained for H. pylori. Healthy vestibular tissues as well as archival negative and positive gastric tissues served as controls.


RESULTS
Of the blood antibody tests, 12 (80%) were positive. None of the patients had evidence of H. pylori in the vestibule. Eleven women received triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori. Eight (73%) reported complete relief of dyspareunia and of gastric symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study found no immunohistochemical evidence of H. pylori infection in the vestibule but suggested a possible role for anti-H. pylori treatment in localized vulvodynia.
Women's Health Center, Lin Clinic, Haifa, Israel.
Adam
A
Geva
Edmond
E
Sabo
Josef
J
Levy
Monique
M
Blumenthal
Ella
E
Ophir
Hana
H
Geva
Jacob
J
Bornstein
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D017291:Clarithromycin; D009853:Omeprazole