THE CHRONICALLY SYMPTOMATIC VULVA - PREVALENCE IN PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE

Objectives: To examine within the primary health care setting, the fre quency of chronic vulval disorders, their frequency, investigation, ma nagement and referral patterns. Methods: A questionnaire based survey at general practitioners surrounding a district general hospital. Resu lts: A total of 79 (72%) GPs replied to the questionnaire. Thirty-six (45%) GPs saw more than one patient per month with recurrent vulval sy mptoms and ten (13%) GPs saw more than three patients per month. The p redominant symptom amongst patients with recurrent vulval symptoms was itching (55%) followed by soreness (26%), burning (14%) and dyspareun ia (5%). Topical-antifungals and steroid medications were the commones t treatments prescribed for all women with vulval symptoms. Conclusion s: Women who have vulval complaints commonly attend their GP for treat ment. In many instances women with chronic vulval complaints are inade quately investigated and inappropriately managed.