Ann Buchan1, Pat Munday, Gill Ravenhill, Annie Wiggs, Fiona Brooks. 1. Watford Sexual Health Centre and Department of Physiotherapy, West Hertfordshire Hospitals National Health Service Trust, and Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Watford, UK. ann.buchan@whht.nhs.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women's experiences of accessing help and treatment for vulvodynia. STUDY DESIGN: Women who had participated in a vulvar pain management program were evaluated in a retrospective, qualitative, in-depth interview study. RESULTS: The women described their distressing symptoms of vulvodynia and their previous experiences of seeking help. The women thought that the delay to diagnosis contributed to the severity of their symptoms and that achieving a diagnosis was the first step on a path toward the acceptance of a chronic condition and a commitment to a management program. CONCLUSION: Vulvodynia is poorly recognized, and the delay to diagnosis adversely affects patients, exacerbating the severity of their symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women's experiences of accessing help and treatment for vulvodynia. STUDY DESIGN:Women who had participated in a vulvar pain management program were evaluated in a retrospective, qualitative, in-depth interview study. RESULTS: The women described their distressing symptoms of vulvodynia and their previous experiences of seeking help. The women thought that the delay to diagnosis contributed to the severity of their symptoms and that achieving a diagnosis was the first step on a path toward the acceptance of a chronic condition and a commitment to a management program. CONCLUSION:Vulvodynia is poorly recognized, and the delay to diagnosis adversely affects patients, exacerbating the severity of their symptoms.
Authors: Peter Leusink; Doreth Teunissen; Peter L Lucassen; Ellen T Laan; Antoine L Lagro-Janssen Journal: Eur J Gen Pract Date: 2018-12 Impact factor: 1.904
Authors: Peter Leusink; Renee Steinmann; Merel Makker; Peter L Lucassen; Doreth Teunissen; Antoine L Lagro-Janssen; Ellen T Laan Journal: Fam Pract Date: 2019-11-18 Impact factor: 2.267