Vulval diseases need an interdisciplinary approach

Background: Vulval diseases are common, but their frequency and importance are often underestimated. Objective: The study intended to evaluate the num ber of patients with vulval diseases seen in medical practice. Furthermore, the acceptance of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic, managed by a dermatologist in cooperation with a gynaecologist and a psychologist, was evaluated. Methods: In April and Mai 1998, a mailing survey of all gynaecol ogists (n = 239), general practitioners (n = 244) and dermatologists (n = 9 6) in Thuringia, Germany, containing 7 questions concerning patients with v ulval diseases was performed. Results: 49% (n = 286) of the questionnaires were returned. On average, 97% of the physicians regularly treated females with genital diseases. The most common diseases mentioned by all specialiti es were local fungal and bacterial infections. The further ranking of diagn osis was different between the specialities. It was estimated that 83% of p atients with chronic disorders would develop additional psychological probl ems. The necessity of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic in Thuring ia was stated by 71% of the interviewed physicians. 76% of the gynaecologis ts and 75% of the general practitioners welcomed the introduction of the cl inic. Interestingly, only 51% of the dermatologists felt that a vulval dise ase clinic was necessary, Conclusion: The majority of the physicians in Thu ringia welcomed an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic to improve the c onditions for women suffering from genital diseases.