A multidimensional, case-control study of women with self-identified chronic vulvar pain

Abstract

Objettive. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a multidimensional evaluation of women with chronic vulvar pain. Design. Fifty-seven women with self-identified vulvar pain were contrasted with 74 healthy control women. Measures were selected based on a multidimensional perspective and included questionnaires related to the core aspects of chronic pain: Pain severity, physical disability, affective distress, and marital satisfaction. Results. In comparison with controls, women with vulvar pain reported significantly greater physical disability and affective distress. In women with vulvar pain, pain severity was not related to physical disability and affective distress. While women with vulvar pain scored in the normal range for marital satisfaction, they reported significantly less marital satisfaction than controls. Conclusions. Findings suggest that the experience of persistent vulvar pain in general, rather than the level of intensity of the pain, accounts for disturbances in functioning and emotional well-being. In comparison with their peers, but not with norms, women with vulvar pain reported less marital satisfaction. A multidimensional approach to the assessment of chronic vulvar pain will lead to a greater understanding of the psychosocial functioning of women with this condition.