Histologic and receptor analysis of primary and secondary vestibulodynia and controls: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the association between hormone receptor densities, pain nerves, and inflammation in vestibulodynia patients.

METHODS

In a prospective study, tender and nontender biopsies from 10 primary and 10 secondary vestibulodynia patients were compared with biopsies in 4 nontender controls. Hormone receptors were evaluated using immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta, androgen, and progesterone receptors. Inflammation, nerves, and mast cells were assessed histologically. Statistical analysis was by Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, paired Student t test, and Wilcoxon rank test.

RESULTS

Tender sites from primary vestibulodynia had increased nerve density compared with secondary and control biopsies (P = .01). Tender sites in secondary vestibulodynia had more lymphocytes than tender primary sites and control biopsies (P < .0001). Mast cells were increased in tender sites compared with nontender and controls. There were no differences in hormone receptor expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Markers of inflammation differed between primary and secondary vestibulodynia and controls.