Mechanically supporting uterosacral ligaments for the relief of provoked
vulvodynia: A randomised pilot trial
Abstract
Objective: Provoked vulvodynia (PV) is the main cause of vulvar pain and
dyspareunia. Although its cause is unknown, it is associated with
musculoskeletal dysfunction. The inability of lax uterosacral ligaments
(USLs) to support the adjoining T11/L2 and S2-4 nerve plexuses is
considered to cause PV. We aimed to determine whether mechanically
supporting the USLs would reduce PV. Design: Single-blind, randomized,
sham, control, prospective, pilot trial Setting: The Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Israel Population or
Sample: Seventeen women Methods: PV patients were randomly assigned to
two groups. Subjects in each group were exposed to sham manipulation
(inserting a wide swab in the vagina without applying pressure) and
trial manipulation (supporting the posterior fornix with a wide swab
sufficiently broad to mechanically support the USLs). The manipulation
order was alternated. Main Outcome Measures: Using a pain intensity
scale, the PV-associated pain level experienced by participants was
recorded during each manipulation and the results were compared with
baseline levels. Results: The pain level significantly reduced with USL
support compared with the baseline value and sham manipulation pain
level (P = .003). Pain during sham manipulation was not significantly
different from that recorded at baseline. The average reduction in pain
with USL support was 18.4% ± 2.2%. The manipulation order did not
impact changes in pain level during trial manipulation (P = .512).
Conclusions: PV is related to pain originating in the USL and
musculoskeletal dysfunction.