OBJECTIVES
We used validated sensitive and specific questions associated with clinically-confirmed diagnoses of unexplained vulvar pain (Vulvodynia) to compare the cumulative incidence of vulvar pain and prevalence of care seeking behavior in Boston, Massachusetts metropolitan area (BMA) and in Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Minnesota, between 2001–2005 using census-based data, and 2010–2012, using outpatient community-clinic data, respectively.
STUDY DESIGN
We received self-administered questionnaires from 5,440 women in BMA and 13,681 in MSP, 18–40 years of age, describing their history of vulvar burning or pain on contact that persisted >3 months that limited/prevented intercourse.
RESULTS
By age 40, 7–8% in BMA and MSP reported vulvar pain consistent with Vulvodynia. Women of Hispanic/Latina origin compared to Caucasians were 1.4 times more likely to develop vulvar pain symptoms (95%CI: 1.1–1.8). Many women in MSP (48%) and BMA (30%) never sought treatment, and >50% who sought care with known health care access received no diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Using identical screening methods, we report high prevalence of vulvar pain in two geographical regions, and that access to health care does not increase the likelihood of seeking care for chronic vulvar pain.
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