The chronically symptomatic vulva: prevalence in primary health care.

OBJECTIVES To examine within the primary health care setting, the frequency of chronic vulval disorders, their frequency, investigation, management and referral patterns. METHODS A questionnaire based survey at general practitioners surrounding a district general hospital. RESULTS A total of 79 (72%) GPs replied to the questionnaire. Thirty-six (45%) GPs saw more than one patient per month with recurrent vulval symptoms and ten (13%) GPs saw more than three patients per month. The predominant symptom amongst patients with recurrent vulval symptoms was itching (55%) followed by soreness (26%), burning (14%) and dyspareunia (5%). Topical-antifungals and steroid medications were the commonest treatments prescribed for all women with vulval symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Women who have vulval complaints commonly attend their GP for treatment. In many instances women with chronic vulval complaints are inadequately investigated and inappropriately managed.