Prevalence of vulvar pain in an urban, minority population

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of vulvar pain in a large, urban, minority population. STUDY DESIGN: Women who presented to the University of Texas Southwest-ern 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.