The treatment of vestibulodynia with topical estradiol and testosterone

Introduction: Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) use is becoming an increasingly recognized causes of vestibulodynia.

Aim: This study aims to describe pre- and posttreatment vestibular pain, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and calculated free testosterone levels in women undergoing treatment for vestibulodynia.

Methods: This was a chart review of 50 premenopausal women who presented with vestibular pain while currently using CHCs. Pre- and posttreatment vestibular pain, SHBG, and calculated free testosterone levels were assessed.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in posttreatment vestibular pain scores (P = 0.001), SHBG (P = 0.001), and calculated free testosterone (P = 0.001) levels from baseline.

Conclusion: Women with vestibulodynia that began while on CHC may effectively be treated by discontinuing the CHC combined with the application topical hormone therapy. Symptomatic improvement is accompanied by normalization of calculated free testosterone and SHBG values. Burrows LJ and Goldstein AT. The treatment of vestibulodynia with topical estradiol and testosterone. Sex Med 2013;1:30-33.