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. 2023 Mar;35(2):157-163.
doi: 10.1038/s41443-022-00537-9. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Exclusive manual perineal rehabilitation with lidocaine 2% gel in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia: results from a single-arm interventional study

A Close  1   2 , M G Culha  3 , V Albert  4   5 , G Valancogne  6
Affiliations

Exclusive manual perineal rehabilitation with lidocaine 2% gel in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia: results from a single-arm interventional study

A Close et al. Int J Impot Res. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

As of now, there is no adequate therapeutic strategy for provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy (PFMT) is a widely used technique in general pelvic floor rehabilitation. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of exclusive manual perineal rehabilitation with lidocaine 2% gel on PVD. During the first session, recruited patients (n = 68; mean age 31 ± 8.6; range: 18-52) received a questionnaire (Q1) on general well-being and health, pain of the genital area, sexual function, and symptoms during vaginal penetration. This questionnaire was based on a generalised questionnaire on the quality of life, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item (SF-36), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A second identical questionnaire with an additional set of open-ended questions concerning the assessment of the treatment was collected after treatment (Q2). A total of 45 questionnaires were completed. Statistical results showed a significant improvement of all items before and after treatment (p < 0.001): perceived general well-being and health, perceived vulvar pain, perceived sexual function, and perceived vaginal penetration. In conclusion, exclusive manual perineal rehabilitation using lidocaine 2% gel seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for vulvodynia in women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Perceived global score per item before and after treatment.
The scores of perceived general well-being and health, perceived vulvar pain, perceived sexual function and perceived vaginal penetration were significantly improved after treatment. The means of each item are indicated for pre and posttreatment.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Representation of the practice and frequency of self-massage with lidocaine 2% gel.
84% of the sample practiced self-massage, out of which 38% applied it once a day.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Distribution of subjects’ responses on treatment effectiveness.
Physical therapy with lidocaine 2% gel improved 95% of the sample (24% extremely; 49% very much; 22% moderately). 5% felt it was a little bit helpful, and none of them stated that it did not help them at all.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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