Pilot study of sexual function and quality of life after excision for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia

Abstract

Objective: To compare sexualfunction and quality of life (QOL) in women with vulvar excision for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) with those in an age-matched, healthy comparison group.

Study design: This cross-sectional study contrasted women (n = 43) after vulvar excision for VIN with a healthy comparison group (n = 43). Participants were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 to provide an assessment of sexual function and quality of life. Medical records of the participants were reviewed for pathology results, operative reports and medication history. Women with VIN were age matched +/- 2 years with healthy women attending a breast screening clinic.

Results: Most participants were Caucasian (76.6%) and smoked (69.8%). Women after excision had poorer scores in sexual function (p = 0.015) and QOL (p = 0.003) than healthy women.

Conclusion: Impairment of sexual function after vulvar excision for VIN appears to be of the psychologic domain, providing hope that counseling can have a meaningful impact for these women.