Chronic Vulvar Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Vulvodynia

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Vulvodynia is defined as chronic vulvar pain in the perineal area. It affects women around the world and is a significant health problem. The authors of this study examined the intensity of vulvar pain and the impact of vulvodynia on quality of life in a group of Polish women. It was observed that vulvodynia mainly occurs in young people with a high level of education, and predominantly in unmarried women, divorcees, and widows. In addition, the disease reduces quality of life, which is mainly due to difficulties in performing activities of daily living and a decrease in sexual satisfaction. The more pain a woman feels, the worse her quality of life. It was concluded that vulvodynia is a major problem among the Polish female population. Thus, research in this regard should be continued by scientists and health care professionals. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the severity of chronic vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia and its impact on their health-related quality of life (QL). The study group consisted of 76 women aged 19 to 58. The study was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, i.e., (1) the questionnaire technique, comprising (A) the author’s questionnaire (76 questions) and (B) the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and (2) the VAS. When analyzing the severity of vulvar pain on the VAS, the highest proportion of women rated it at level 6 (23.68%). This was significantly determined by certain personal characteristics (age < 25 years old) and sociodemographic characteristics (marital status: unmarried women, divorcees, widows; high school education), each at p < 0.05. Vulvodynia causes a significant deterioration (64.47%) in QL, which is mainly caused by a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living (27.63%) and a decrease in sexual satisfaction (27.63%). The level of stress significantly exacerbates pain (p < 0.05). The severity correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively (r < 0) with QL perception, which was rated worst in the physical domain. The use of treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the physical and psychological domains (p < 0.05), and the latter was particularly influenced by physiotherapy (p < 0.05).