Prevalence of vulvar pain in an urban, minority population

To determine the prevalence of vulvar pain in a large, urban, minority population.

Women who presented to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center neighborhood clinic system for family planning services or gynecologic care were asked to complete a confidential questionnaire on the signs and symptoms of chronic vulvar pain. Responses were analyzed by ethnic group for the presence of vulvar pain.

Three hundred twenty questionnaires were distributed, and 242 were completed,for a response rate of 75.6%. The population that completed the questionnaire (74% Hispanic, 20% African American, 5% Caucasian and 0.8% other) was similar in racial/ethnic distribution to the total population served in our health care system (66% Hispanic, 25% African American, 8% Caucasian and 1% other). Twenty-six (11%) women indicated they experienced vulvar pain. Sixteen women reported the start dates for the pain. Ten (63%) reported vulvar pain for more than 1 month. Of the 26 women reporting pain, the racial distribution was similar to that of our surveyed population (85% Hispanic, 11% African American, 4% Caucasian and 0% other).

The prevalence of vulvar pain in this urban minority population was 11%. The prevalence of vulvar pain was similar among women of different racial/ethnic groups.