Background:Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome(VVS) has been recognized as one of leading causes of genita pain in women. While controversy persists about the inflammatory/infectious/immunologic pathophysiology of VVS, there are limited data on the hormonal dependence of human minor vestibular glandular tissue, in contrast to the established hormonal dependence of other female genital tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of androgens in the management of VVS in women with androgen insufficiency.

Methods:This is an IRB approved retrospective single institution study of 13 women (mean age 38.3 ± 12.6) with female sexual dysfunction, VVS and androgen insufficiency who underwent androgen replacement therapy (ART). Subjects underwent a detail multidisciplinary evaluation and completed validated questionnaires before and after ART. McGill Pain questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Sexual Distress Scale (SDS), Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State (GRIMS). Androgen levels (total testosterone, calculated free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone, Free Androgen Index (FAI), SHBG, DHEA-S) were also measure at base line and at every follow up visit.
Results: Patients had genital pain 4.3 ± 3.6 years prior to presentation. Mean scores for questionnaires and androgen levels before and after ART are presented in table 1.
Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, the results of this study show for the first time that ART may be an effective therapy in women with VVS, FSD and androgen insufficiency.
Table 1. Mean scores for questionnaires and androgen levels before and after ART. P<0.05.

Back to Final Program