Acupuncture for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to obtain a preliminary indication of the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis but also to obtain information how well the women tolerate the treatment. METHODS: Fourteen young women with vulvar vestibulitis according to Friedrich's criteria were enrolled in the study and 13 fulfilled the acupuncture treatment a total of 10 times. For evaluation quality of life (QOL) assessments were made before starting the treatment and then at one week and at three months after it was completed. RESULTS: The treatment was well tolerated and the QOL measurements were all significantly higher after both the last acupuncture and three months later, compared to before the treatment was started. CONCLUSION: The results seem promising, but a larger controlled randomized study should be carried out before the treatment can be recommended for use in clinical practice.