Capsaicin for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of local capsaicin cream as an effective treatment for patients with documented vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Study design A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that was treated with capsaicin. Patients performed local application of capsaicin 0.025% cream for 20 minutes daily for 12 weeks. A comparison was made between the pre- and posttreatment Kaufman touch test to evaluate discomfort. The Marinoff dyspareunia scale was also used to assess pre- and posttreatment. Results The sum of the Kaufman touch test scores before the treatment (13.2 ± 4.9) compared with the scores after treatment (4.8 ± 3.8) was statistically improved (P< .001). A significant improvement was also observed at each individual site (P< .001). The Marinoff dyspareunia scale also showed a significant improvement (P< .001). Conclusion Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that is treated with capsaicin significantly decreases discomfort and allows for more frequent sexual relations.