Last update:
03-Jun-2018

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of consultation for vulvar diseases in the primary health care setting, and their investigation and management patterns, and to identify the training needs of general practitioners (GPs) in vulvar disease.

METHOD A survey was conducted using a 13-item questionnaire handed out to GPs during their regional post-graduate seminars in the area of Shropshire in the West Midlands in England.

RESULTS Of 120 questionnaires distributed, a total of 107 responses were received (response rate: 89.1%). Of the participants, 67.3% reported that they see more than 5 patients per month with vulvar symptoms, and 24.6% that they see more than 5 patients per month with recurrent vulvar symptoms. The predominant symptom was pruritus vulvae (77.5%), with 94.5% of practitioners considering lichen sclerosus as the most likely diagnosis. For recurrent pruritus vulvae a gynecological referral was made in most cases (86%). In contrast, when there was vulvar pain, only few practitioners would refer the patient to a gynecologist (8.4%) or a dermatologist (17.3%). Only 41.1% of GPs had ever received any kind of training, with all (100%) agreeing that formal training in the diagnosis and management of vulvar diseases would benefit their care of their patients.

CONCLUSIONS This survey showed that a substantial number of women consult their GP with vulvar symptoms. A variety of approaches were reported in the diagnosis and management of these cases. All the GPs agreed that there is a need for formal training in vulvar disease.

Key words: Primary health care, Pruritus vulvae, Vulvar disease, Vulvar pain.