Department of Dermatology, Informatics and Documentation, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany. abau@derma.uni-jena.de
Background:
Vulval diseases are common, but their Frequency and importance are often underestimated.
Objectives:
The study intended to evaluate the number of patients with vulval diseases seen in medical practice. Furthermore, the acceptance of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic, managed by a dermatologist in cooperation with a gynaecologist and a psychologist, was evaluated.
Methods:
In April and Mai 1998, a mailing survey of all gynaecologists (n = 239), general practitioners (n = 244) and dermatologists (n = 96) in Thuringia, Germany, containing 7 questions concerning patients with vulval diseases was performed.
Results:
49% (n = 286) of the questionnaires were returned. On average, 97% of the physicians regularly treated females with genital diseases. The most common diseases mentioned by all specialities were local fungal and bacterial infections. The further ranking of diagnosis was different between the specialities. It was estimated that 83% of patients with chronic disorders would develop additional psychological problems. The necessity of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic in Thuringia was stated by 71% of the interviewed physicians. 76% of the gynaecologists and 75% of the general practitioners welcomed the introduction of the clinic. Interestingly, only 51% of the dermatologists felt that a vulval disease clinic was necessary.
Conclusion:
The majority of the physicians in Thuringia welcomed an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic to improve the conditions for women suffering from genital diseases.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What skin conditions may affect the vulva?
- 2 Which viral infections can affect the genitalia?
- 3 What problems can occur to people with herpes simplex?
- 4 What are genital warts?
- 5 What is lichen sclerosus?
- 6 How is lichen sclerosus treated?
- 7 What could be causing my vulval irritation?
- 8 How could my vulval irritation be treated?
- 9 What is a Bartholin's cyst / abscess?
- 10 How is a Bartholin's cyst / abscess treated?
- 11 What is vulvodynia?
- 12 How can my vulvodynia be treated?
- 13 What is vestibulitis?
- 14 How can my vestibulitis be treated?
- 15 Where can I obtain further information?
- 16 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
