Abstract
Aim
The objective of this survey is to explore junior doctors’ understanding of vulvodynia using a questionnaire.
Method
Fifty-six copies of the questionnaire were handed out at three hospitals: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colchester University Hospital, and Royal Free Hospital in London. The questionnaire was anonymous, containing 11 questions asking about different aspects of diagnosis and management of vulvodynia. The doctors were asked to write their post or level of Obstetrics and Gynaecology speciality training e.g. ST1, ST2, ST3, etc.
Results
The results highlight the limited amount of awareness and understanding of vulval pain among junior doctors.
Conclusion
There is little understanding about vulvodynia among junior gynaecologists. Most of them did not have any form of basic training about the condition even after reaching the final stages of the speciality training. In view of the estimated prevalence, there is a need for including some form of local and/or regional teaching about the causes and management of vulvar pain, particularly for those who are about to finish their speciality training.
References
Moyal-Barraco M, Lynch PJ (2004) 2003 ISSVD terminology and classification of vulvodynia: a historical perspective. J Reprod Med 49:772–777
Harlow BL, Stewart EG (2003) A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia? J Am Med Womens Assoc 58:82–88
Reed B, Croawford S, Couper M et al (2004) Pain at the vulvar vestibule, a web based survey. J Low Genit Tract Dis 8:48–57
Dhar R, Nunns D (2009) Vulvodynia management. Obstet Gynaecol Reprod Med 19(7):175–177
Mandal D. Nunns D et al. British Society for the Study of Vulval Diseases (BSSVD) Guideline Group (2010) Guidelines for the management of vulvodynia. Br J Dermatol [in press]
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the following for their support and help in the study: Prof. Allan Maclean, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Medical School, and Miss Sandra Wright, PA, Colchester General Hospital.
Conflict of interest statement
None.
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Additional information
Dr. E. Toeima designed the questionnaire, analysed the results, and wrote the manuscript. Mr. J. Nieto supervised the study, and revised the manuscript.
Appendix
Appendix
Vulvodynia questionnaire (educational survey)
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Toeima, E., Nieto, J. Junior doctors’ understanding of vulval pain/Vulvodynia: a qualitative survey. Arch Gynecol Obstet 283 (Suppl 1), 101–104 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1513-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1513-2