American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Feb 2021
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyMultimodal physical therapy versus topical lidocaine for provoked vestibulodynia: a multicenter, randomized trial.
Provoked vestibulodynia is the most common subtype of chronic vulvar pain. This highly prevalent and debilitating condition is characterized by acute recurrent pain located at the entry of the vagina in response to pressure application or attempted vaginal penetration. Although physical therapy is advocated as a first-line treatment for provoked vestibulodynia, evidence supporting its efficacy is scarce. ⋯ The findings provide strong evidence that physical therapy is effective for pain, sexual function, and sexual distress and support its recommendation as the first-line treatment of choice for provoked vestibulodynia.