Assessment of response to treatment in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome by means of the vulvar algesiometer

OBJECTIVE: A pilot study was undertaken to investigate the utility of the v ulvar algesiometer in correlating symptom improvement with treatment respon se. STUDY DESIGN: Women with a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome attend ing a specialist vulvar clinic were assessed with the vulvar algesiometer b efore and after treatment. RESULTS: The conditions of 25 patients had improved to the point of dischar ge, and readings from before and after treatment were compared. There was a statistically significant difference in the vulvar algesiometer readings b efore and after treatment and this improvement was reflected in patient res ponse. Nine patients had no response to treatment and also no significant i mprovement in vulvar algesiometer score. CONCLUSION: The vulvar algesiometer provides an easy noninvasive means of a ssessing vestibular tenderness in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that is well tolerated by the patients and provides a degree of biofeedback for them.