https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3354-2230
Abstract
Introduction
Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is a prevalent sexual health condition with significant negative impacts on quality of life. There is a lack of consensus regarding effective management.
Methods
We used Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step method to identify, collate, and evaluate literature published between 2010 and 2023. The scoping review investigated the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions in the management of LPV. The aim of this paper is to map the literature on the efficacy or effectiveness of physical interventions.
Results
The review produced 19 primary studies of physical interventions for LPV. These include acupuncture, laser therapy, physiotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, low-intensity shockwave therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, and vestibulectomy.
Conclusion
Published studies that investigated a range of physical treatments for LPV showed some positive effects, except for transcranial direct-current stimulation. The remaining modalities demonstrated improved sexual pain and treatment satisfaction, when measured. Findings were mixed for non-sexual pain. There was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding other outcomes. Researchers are encouraged to conduct larger, high-quality studies that sample more diverse patient populations and use patient-oriented outcomes to assess effectiveness of physical modalities.
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Katherine Iannuzzelli, medical student at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL, US, and Liam Jackman, medical student at University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, who contributed to the early stages of this project.
Disclosure
Dr Krisztina Bajzak reports being the Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee of the International Pelvic Pain Society. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.