Background: The frequency and importance of pruritus vulvae and vulvodynia are frequently underestimated. We conducted a survey to examine the prevalence and characteristics of these complaints. Methods: Using a questionnaire which we developed, patients hospitalized at the University Dermatology Clinic Halle were questioned about any vulvar complaints and their characteristics. Results:108 questionnaires were evaluated. Of the respondents, 27 (25.2%) had current or past genital problems. Vulvodynia was present in 3, pruritus vulvae in 16, and both symptoms (pain and itching) in 8 patients of this group. Pain was described as burning or stabbing. Dyspareunia was, however, only reported by 7 patients. While the symptoms disappeared within a week in 10 patients, the duration of complaints in 10 other cases was 1–6 months, and even longer than 6 months in another 3 cases. The patients showed a surprising willingness to talk about their problems. Only 4 patients did not talk about their complaints. Conclusion: Current and chronic vulvar complaints are apparently frequent in hospitalized patients in a dermatological clinic. The assumption that such complaints are taboo does not appear to be confirmed. However, in taking a patient’s history, specific questions about genital problems should be asked.

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© 2001 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
2001
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