Provoked Vestibulodynia and Topical Treatment: A New Option

Abstract

Background: Provoked vestibulodynia is commonly associated with dyspareunia and affects 7% to 15% of women. This pathology has major implications on sexual function and quality of life, and several types of treatments are available for its management. However, a consensus has not been reached concerning the best treatment of vulvar pain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a brand-new product, the vulvar emulgel Meclon® Lenex, for the management of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis. Methods: This was a monocentric, prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. We enrolled 40 women with provoked vestibulodynia; 20 patients received Meclon® Lenex, whereas the remaining received a placebo. Each woman was assessed subjectively (through questionnaires) and objectively by evaluating vaginal and vulvar symptoms (Friedrichs criteria and Marinoff dyspareunia grade). We evaluated efficacy, safety, compliance and tolerability of the brand-new product vulvar gel Meclon® Lenex in provoked vestibulodynia. Results: After administration of Meclon® Lenex, we evaluated all parameters of the Friedrichs criteria (burning, dyspareunia, erythema, vulvar pain at the 5 o’clock position and 7 o’clock position), as well as the levels of Marinoff dyspareunia. The active treatment showed to be statistically significantly effective (p value ≤ 0.05) in reducing all symptoms of Friedrichs criteria, vulvar pain and Marinoff dyspareunia. Conclusion: This prospective study showed that Meclon® Lenex vulvar emulgel revealed an excellent tolerability and compliance, demonstrating to be a safe and effective option in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis.

Keywords

• vulvodynia
• topical treatment
• new therapy
• vulvar vestibulitis syndrome
• provoked vestibulodynia