Long-term effects of a placebo-controlled trial of enoxaparin for treatment of severe provoked vulvodynia

Abstract

Patients complain that intercourse, as well as everyday activities such as sitting, tampon insertion or wearing tight clothing, become unbearable. Forty-two percent of afflicted women report significant suffering and feeling a loss of control over their lives, and they may develop secondary depression. Diagnosis relies on history and a physical exam and excluding conditions leading to vulvar pain. Symptoms include pain during vaginal penetration and vestibular sensitivity following localized pressure lasting at least 3 months. Eliciting pain or increased sensitivity by a cotton swab in the vestibule confirms the diagnosis.