Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 23, 2009
Concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia: prevalence, associations, and outcomes in a multidisciplinary vulvodynia
Paul J Yong1, Leslie Sadownik, Lori A Brotto
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Introduction:
Little is known about women with concurrent diagnoses of deep dyspareunia and superficial dyspareunia.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, associations, and outcome of women with concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia.
Methods:
This is a prospective study of a multidisciplinary vulvodynia program (n = 150; mean age 28.7 ± 6.4 years). Women with superficial dyspareunia due to provoked vestibulodynia were divided into two groups: those also having deep dyspareunia (i.e., concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia) and those with only superficial dyspareunia due to provoked vestibulodynia. Demographics, dyspareunia-related factors, other pain conditions, and psychological variables at pretreatment were tested for an association with concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia. Outcome in both groups was assessed to 6 months posttreatment.
Main Outcome Measures:
Level of dyspareunia pain (0-10) and Female Sexual Distress Scale were the main outcome measures.
Results:
The prevalence of concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia was 44% (66/150) among women with superficial dyspareunia due to provoked vestibulodynia. At pretreatment, on multiple logistic regression, concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia was independently associated with a higher level of dyspareunia pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19 [1.01-1.39], P = 0.030), diagnosis of endometriosis (OR = 4.30 [1.16-15.90], P = 0.022), history of bladder problems (OR = 3.84 [1.37-10.76], P = 0.008), and more depression symptoms (OR = 1.07 [1.02-1.12], P = 0.007), with no difference in the Female Sexual Distress Scale. At 6 months posttreatment, women with concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia improved in the level of dyspareunia pain and in the Female Sexual Distress Scale to the same degree as women with only superficial dyspareunia due to provoked vestibulodynia.
Conclusions:
Concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia is reported by almost half of women in a multidisciplinary vulvodynia program. In women with provoked vestibulodynia, concurrent deep-superficial dyspareunia may be related to endometriosis or interstitial cystitis, and is associated with depression and more severe dyspareunia symptoms. Standardized multidisciplinary care is effective for women with concurrent dyspareunia.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:26Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:43Sex Linked Disorders
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.