Effects of vulvodynia on quality of life

BackgroundThe experiences of women with vulvodynia are poorly understood.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the effects of vulvodynia on quality of life.MethodsWe conducted a survey of 280 patients in a university-based vulvar disorders clinic. Skin-related quality of life was measured with a vulvar-specific version of Skindex-29.ResultsThe response rate was 95%; 101 patients (36%) had vulvodynia, and 179 patients (64%) had other vulvar conditions. Women with vulvodynia had significantly worse quality of life than patients with many other dermatologic conditions, and worse functioning than women with other vulvar conditions (mean functioning scores [±SD] of patients with psoriasis, other vulvar conditions, and vulvodynia were 23 ± 27, 34 ± 24, and 44 ± 22, respectively, P = .05). A diagnosis of vulvodynia was the strongest independent correlate of poor quality of life (eg, for poor functioning, odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.0-3.1).LimitationsLimitations are single academic medical center and comorbid illnesses determined by self-report.ConclusionVulvodynia has broad and substantial effects on quality of life.