Vestibular hyaluronic acid injection in provoked vestibulodynia patients and its effect on pain and sexual function: A preliminary report

Eserdag S., Akdag Özkok B., Süphan Ersahin S., Zeynep Yilmaz E.

European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, vol.280, pp.64-67, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 280
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.027
  • Journal Name: European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.64-67
  • Keywords: Provoked Vestibulodynia, Hyaluronic Acid, Female Sexual Function Index, Visual Analogue Scale
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a challenging and distressing problem for women. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the management of this condition. Method: This is a retrospective review of 12 women diagnosed with PVD and treated with HA (19 mg/mL) applied, point-by-point, to the vestibular region at 2 mm intervals and at a depth of 0.5 mm. Women completed a pain VAS and a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and 45 days after treatment. Results: An improvement was observed both in mean FSFI scores (17.8 to 23.3; p = 0.003) and mean VAS scores (7.2 to 4.1; p = 0.002) after HA application respectively. However, on a telephone interview 3 months post treatment, five women (41.7 %) complained of recurrence of their dyspareunia. Conclusion: HA is a promising management option in provoked vestibulodynia. However, further larger studies with possible alternative regimens and longer follow-up are required.