An Evaluation of Provoked Vulvodynia, Pelvic Floor Muscles and Sexual Functions in Female Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate the genital origin of pain, particularly provoked vulvodynia (PVD) in female patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), to reveal the relationship between PVD and pelvic floor muscle functions and to evaluate patients’ sexual functions. Materials and Methods: Twenty four female patients who were diagnosed with FMS and who had not yet been treated, sexually active and 24 control cases were included to study. Severity of dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea was evaluated with a visual analogue scale, PVD was assessed using the cotton swab exam of vulva and sexual functions were evaluated with using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Additionally, pelvic floor muscles were graded using Brink scoring. Results: The severity means of menstrual term pain and dyspareunia severity were significantly higher in the patients than the control group (p=0.003, p=0.006). Significant differences were observed between the patient and control group in terms of vulvar pain in cotton swab exam and total Brink scores (both p<0.001). FSFI score was lower in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.001). A powerful correlation in the negative direction was determined between the result of cotton swab exam and Brink score (p<0.001, r=-0.575). Conclusion: The result of our study showed that dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and PVD were significantly high in the FMS patients than in the control group. Pelvic floor muscle functions were affected in the FMS patients, and PVD was closely associated with the pelvic floor muscle functions.

Keywords

• Fibromyalgia syndrome
• provoked vulvodynia
• pelvic floor muscle functions