Genital Complaints Research Articles

The strength of correlation between female genital self-image and sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mounting evidence indicates that female genital aesthetic complaints impact sexual relationships. The study sought to determine the strength of the correlation between genital self-image and sexual function. Electronic databases were comprehensively searched including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to December 2022. After duplicate removal, 146 articles were retrieved by searching keywords in titles and abstracts. A positive correlation is noted between genital self-image and sexual function; the strength of this correlation was 0.375. By omitting irrelevant articles according to the eligibility criteria, 16 articles remained for a total of 13 505 participants. All but 1 of them indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between genital self-image and sexual function. For a more accurate result, a meta-analysis was conducted noting a considerable heterogeneity. The results of this study may be used in counseling women with sexual dysfunction who are dissatisfied with their genital appearance. This study is the first systematic review to reveal the strength of the correlation between genital self-image and sexual function. The most important limitation of this study is the heterogeneity of the studies reported. This systematic review indicates a positive correlation between genital self-image and sexual function. The results are restricted by inconsistency of the articles considered. Using different tools in different cultural contexts without considering confounding factors leads to a wide range of correlation sizes and significant heterogeneity is evident.

Evaluation of Dermatology Life Quality Index, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scores of Patients with Genital Dermatoses.

Genital dermatoses contain a group of diseases that affect the skin of the genital area. Genital dermatoses are classified as venereal and nonvenereal. They can affect a patient's life quality and can cause depression, anxiety and stress. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of life index, depression, stress and anxiety in patients with genital dermatoses. Patients admitted to the dermatology outpatient clinic with genital skin complaints between October 2020 and March 2021 were included. A questionnaire including demographic information, a 10-item dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and a 21-item depression anxiety stress score (DASS-21) was filled out by the patients and was calculated. A total of 103 patients were included in this study. Seventy-seven (74.8%) were male and 26 (25.2%) were female. A total of 48.5% (n = 50) patients had venereal genital dermatoses, and 51.5% (n = 53) of the patients had nonvenereal genital dermatoses. In the venereal diseases, syphilis had the highest DLQI, depression, anxiety and stress score while in the nonvenereal diseases, scabies had the highest DLQI, depression, anxiety and stress score. In the nonvenereal group, the mean DLQI score, depression, anxiety and stress scores were statistically significantly higher than the venereal genital dermatoses group (P < 0.01, P = 0.04, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02). The quality of life of patients with genital dermatoses is often poor, with significant levels of depression, anxiety and stress. We believe that screening these patients with DLQI and DASS-21 scores at their first admission and follow-up will benefit dermatologists and patients.

Menopause management for transgender and genderdiverse people

For most transgender and genderdiverse people terms like the menopause and andropause only apply in a figurative sense. Under well-adjusted gender affirmative treatment it is unlikely to get climacteric’ symptoms. More frequently dosage adaptation in elderly transpersons due to concurrent chronic diseases leads to problems and may wrongly be considered ‘menopausal’. If complaints remain for a longer period a laboratory check of the sex steroids involved may be indicated. In case lab results do not show conspicious features, it is recommendable to consider absorption problems as transfemale persons are more prone to skin irritation caused by transdermal hormone patches compared to cisgender women. A switch to estrogen gels or sprays is recommended, but not oral administration. There is robust evidence that oral estrogen in elderly transfemale persons significantly increases the risks for CVD, and in particular for VTE. That is why guidelines from authoritative societies like WPATH or the Endocrine Society recommend to refrain from oral estrogen treatment, at least from the age of 50 or even earlier in case of concurrent chronic diseases or risky lifestyle habits. Some transfemales embrace complaints with a strong female connotation, e.g. PMS or some perimenopausal symptoms, to accentuate their femininity. This may be seen as a desperate attempt to overcome gender bounderies and should not be subjected to ridicule but regarded a last cry for help. Also transmale persons may suffer from climacteric complaints but it would be more appropriate to use the term ‘andropause’. Globally, the majority of transmale persons does not undergo genital surgery and are in need of adequate care in case of complaints irrespective of a male outer appearance. This situation may be challenging for healthcare providers not used to encounter transpeople. Even worse is the fact that transmale persons without gender-affirmative surgery often ignore genital complaints, potentially worsening the situation only because the genital organs left in situ are not regarded part of oneself. Healthcare providers need to proactively address possible complaints rather than waiting for the patient expressing his suffering. Medical management of elderly transpeople is a time-consuming challenge as social, emotional and physical well-being are tightly interwoven and also needs an understanding for life concepts beyond the traditional binary.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the genitalia (NSTIG) is a problem familiar to most urologists. The spectrum of presentation of NSTIG is quite broad and, if not diagnosed and surgically debrided in an urgent fashion, can be lethal. NSTIG, especially when presenting early, can be difficult to differentiate from cellulitis. Oftentimes the overlying skin has not reached the point of necrosis, but there can be significant tissue ischemia beneath the surface. As pointed out by the authors, CT scanning is the most sensitive imaging test available and most would agree that it would be a waste of time, resources, and radiation exposure to scan every man with common genital complaints (redness, swelling, etc.).

Early identification of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care: data-driven and theory-driven predictive modelling based on electronic medical records of Dutch general practices

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to early identify patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) in primary care by exploring routine care data-based approaches.Design/settingA cohort study based on routine primary care data...

Cervical Pap Smear Abnormalities among Women with Diabetics Versus Non Diabetics Women at Omdurman Military Hospital, Sudan

Background: Cervical cancer is a common cancer in the world, Pap smear and human papilloma virus test are used for early detection and follow up of cervical cellular changes and cervical cancer, but here in Sudan they are still poorly used. Diabetes and cancer share some risk factors and they have both been found to happen in the same patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate abnormal pap smears from diabetics and non-diabetics.Methods: this is a case-control hospital base study, (109) cases and (109) controls, the patients who requested pap smear during study period and who matched the characteristics of the study. Controls are diabetes-free, but they have another complains because of which the pap smear is requested like genital infection complaints or gynecological complaints, cases have diabetes plus the infection or gynecological complaints because of which the pap smear is requested.Results:(74.3%) of the cases showed abnormal results (positive), (47.6%) of them Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance and Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance, (26.7%) of them inflammation and infection. (22.9%) of the controls showed positive results (4.6%) of them Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance and Atypical Glandular cells of Undetermined Significance, (18.3%) of them signs of inflammation and infection signs. (25.7%) of the cases have had negative pap results for intraepithelial lesion, malignancy, or infections while (77.1%) of control.Conclusions: there is association between diabetes mellitus and abnormal finding of pap smear test and controlling of diabetes mellitus is important issue affecting pap smear findings. also, diabetes increases liability of diabetic women to get infections and cervical cellular changes.

Genital Examination of the Prepubertal Female: Essentials for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Genital Examination of the Prepubertal Female: Essentials for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Evaluation of the Genital Hygiene Behavior and Related Factors of Women Aged 15-49

Aim: Approximately one million people in the world are exposed to urogenital tract infections every year and at least 75% of women have a history of genital infection. The frequency of vaginal infections in women aged 15-49 in Turkey is known to be 35-68%. Genital infections can be asymptomatic and can cause negativity in sexual and family life. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures. Mentioning correct genital hygiene behaviors in the training and consultancy services provided by healthcare professionals helps people to increase their awareness. In our study, we aimed to evaluate women's genital hygiene behaviors and related factors. Methods: Our study was carried out with 457 women between the ages of 15-49 in the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Nisa Hospital. The socio-demographic characteristics and gynecological characteristics of the subjects were collected by face-to-face interviews using the questionnaire form that consisted of 20 questions and the “Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory”. The IBM SPSS version 22 program was used for statistical analysis. Results: This study was conducted with 457 women. A significant negative correlation was found between the Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory score and the number of pregnancies and number of children (p=0.028, r=-0.128, p=0.037, r=-0.128, respectively), and a significant positive correlation was found between education status, income status, and having children (p=0.010, p=0.000, p=0.007, respectively). Participants who stated that they had the knowledge and received this information from doctors and/or nurses had higher Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory scores. Conclusion: Questioning genital complaints of women by all healthcare professionals, determining hygiene behaviors, and correcting erroneous practices will positively affect urogenital health. Keywords: hygiene, education, genital infection, reproductive health, family practice

Comparison of prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer before and after COVID 19 pandemic: a retrospective study

Aim: We aimed to compare prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer before and after COVID 19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) pandemic.&#x0D; Material and Method: This study was conducted in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine. After the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the COVID 19 pandemic on March 11, 2020, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey made an urgent decision on health services. The surgical cases diagnosed with endometrial cancer were divided into two groups based on the date when the pandemic was announced on March 11, 2020 and described group 1: 19 months before the pandemic, group 2: 19 months after the pandemic. Demographics, prognostic variables (stage, histologic type, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, stromal involvement, and tumor size), endometrial cancer histological types, and treatment phases were all statistically assessed (early stage, advanced stage). &#x0D; Results: A total of 194 cases were included, 96 cases in the first group and 98 cases in the second group. The mean age of the first group was 60.9±9.8 (40-86) years, the second group was 60.9±9.4 (36-82) years. There was statistically significant difference in clinicopathologic of endometrial cancer between group 1 and group 2, histologic type and grade (p=0.02; p=0.009 and p=0.018, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age, stage, lymphatic and vascular space infiltration, muscular layer infiltration, interstitial infiltration and tumor size. &#x0D; Conclusion: In the post-COVID 19 pandemic, more detection of type 2 of endometrial cancer, poor histological type and high grade, which have bad prognostic factors are found to be which may be due to the early admission of extra genital complaints. More randomized multicenter studies are needed on this subject.

Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Vaginitis among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Vaginitis is an important public health problem globally. It is associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are mainly responsible for vaginitis. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending Primary Health Care centres in Lagos Nigeria. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 258 women with genital complaints after obtaining their informed written consent between May 2017 and March 2018. Structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs were collected for laboratory examination. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and simple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 210 (81.4%) of the women with one or more vaginal infections, 105 (50.0%), 26 (12.4%) had bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis respectively while 78 (37.1%) had both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 1 (0.5%) participant had trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. History of abortion and age below 25 years were associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis while pregnancy, history of miscarriage, age at first sexual activity and discharge were associated with bacterial vaginosis. Itching was associated with both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study revealed vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis as important cause of genital complaints among reproductive age women in Lagos. Health education, robust diagnosis and early treatment are needed in order to reduce the associated risk factors, disease burden and complications.

Epidermoid cyst of the clitoris

An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst resulting of implantation of superficial epidermal tissue into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. They are commonly found on the scalp, face, neck, trunk and extremities; and rarely seen in the clitoral or vulvar region, most often associated with prior trauma or surgery to the area, particularly female genital mutilation. Epidermoid cyst of the clitoris is a very uncommon pathological entity, it can be spontaneous present at birth or develop later in life, or often secondary to surgery or trauma at the clitoral region. Herein, we report a case of 33-year-old multiparous woman, without past medical history of vulvar trauma or genital surgery, presented to the emergency department with a history of slowly growing clitoral mass over 11 months, which recently became responsible of sexual discomfort and difficulty in urination, without fever, vaginal discharge or other complaints. On perineal examination a painless midline cystic mass of 5 A— 3 cm was noted; it extended from the clitoral region up to the labia minora; the mass was mobile, nontender, well-circumscribed and with a smooth surface (A, B). The labia minora and majora were normal, and both the urethral and vaginal openings were normal in position and shape (B). There was no associated bleeding or discharge. The remainder of the physical examination was otherwise unremarkable. Ultrasound testing revealed normal internal genital and urinary tract without communication between the cystic structure and the urethra. The patient underwent a complete surgical excision of clitoral cyst under spinal anesthesia, without compromising the clitoral neurovascular bundle or hood. Histopathological examination revealed an epidermoid cyst lined with stratified squamous epithelium and filled with keratinous material. The final pathologic diagnosis was of a spontaneous nontraumatic epidermoid cyst of the clitoris. The patient´s postoperative course was completely uneventful and she was discharged from the hospital on the 2nd postoperative day without any complication. No recurrence of the cyst was noted 6 months later at a follow-up visit, and she had a normal cosmetic appearance of the external genitalia, with complete disappearance of genital and urinary complaints.

Depression and anxiety as risk factors for female sexual pain

BackgroundFemale sexual pain is a complex multifactorial condition. Most of researches have focused on underlying biomedical factors. Although psychological, psychiatric, and relational factors have been studied as possible correlates, limited research has been made in this area about the Egyptian population. The present study aimed to evaluate prevalence of female sexual pain among a sample of Egyptian females and detect its correlation with depression and anxiety. Female sexual function index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual pain in 450 women calculating their pain domain scores. Their scores were correlated to demographic data, genital health complaints, depression, and anxiety symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of marked severe sexual pain was 31.6% and that of trivial pain was 68.4% in the studied group. In the study group, 75 (16.7%) females had depressive symptoms, and 40 (8.9%) females had anxiety symptoms. Patients with severe depression had significantly marked severe pain than patients with minimal depression (p < 0.001 respectively). Patients with severe anxiety had significantly lower pain score than patients without (p < 0.001). Pain score had significant negative correlation with each of the depression score (r − 0.524, p < 0.001) and the anxiety score (r − 0.305, p < 0.001). Patients with gynecological causes especially fungal infection had significantly severe marked pain than patients without any other physical causes (< 0.001).ConclusionsAnxiety, depression, and the presence of gynecological causes especially fungal infection were significantly independent risk factors for more sexual pain.

Explorative Prospective Evaluation of Short-Term Subjective Effects of Hormonal Treatment in Trans People—Results from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence

IntroductionAlthough many studies on the short- and long-term effects of hormonal treatment (HT) in trans people focus on objective changes such as body composition or bone density, few studies have evaluated self-reported effects of HT. AimTo evaluate self-reported symptoms during the first year of HT in trans people. MethodsThis study is part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence, a multicenter prospective cohort study. For this study, 205 trans women and 193 trans men from the gender clinics of Amsterdam, Ghent, and Florence, who were >18 years of age and started hormonal treatment were included. Questionnaires, self-developed based on the Menopause Rating scale and clinical experiences, were completed, and changes in symptom scores were analyzed using linear mixed models. Main Outcome MeasuresSelf-reported psycho vegetative symptoms, as well as physical, cognitive, emotional, sexual and genital complaints, and pain were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of HT using a 4-point Likert scale (no, mild, moderate, or severe complaints). ResultsIn trans men, with a median age of 23, transient increases were reported in night sweats, weight gain, and clitoral pain. Persistent increases were reported for hot flashes, balding, voice instability, acne, and increase in sexual desire, whereas emotional instability, fear, and menses decreased. For trans women, with a median age of 29, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, weight gain, changes in olfactory sense, brittle nails, emotional instability, mood swings, and breast tenderness increased persistently during 12 months of HT, whereas a decrease was observed for balding and sexual desire. Sleeping difficulties decreased temporarily. No changes were observed in palpitations, dizziness, abdominal complaints, anxiety, panic attacks, cognition, and pain, except for clitoral and breast pain. Clinical ImplicationsKnowledge on the occurrence of these self-reported, subjective effects and their course over time may help physicians informing trans people starting with and during HT. Strengths & LimitationsThis study was performed in a large cohort of trans people. The follow-up period was limited to 12 months. ConclusionChanges in self-reported symptoms were mentioned in all investigated areas, except cognition. Most symptoms were as expected and even desired, whereas others may be considered unpleasant by some trans people.van Dijk D, Dekker MJHJ, Conemans EB, et al. Explorative Prospective Evaluation of Short-Term Subjective Effects of Hormonal Treatment in Trans People—Results from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence. J Sex Med 2019;16:1297–1309.

Attitudes, Behavior, and Comfort of Emergency Medicine Residents in Caring for LGBT Patients: What Do We Know?

Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are ubiquitous in emergency medicine (EM), little education is provided to EM physicians on LGBT health care needs and disparities. There is also limited information on EM physician behavior, comfort, and attitudes toward LGBT patients. The objective of this study was to assess EM residents behavior, comfort, and attitudes in LGBT health. An anonymous survey link was sent to EM programs via the Council of Residency Director listserv. The primary outcome of the 24-item descriptive survey was the self-reported comfort levels and self-reported practice in LGBT health care. Secondary outcomes included individual comfort toward LGBT colleagues and patients who are LGBT, and the frequency of colleagues making discriminatory statements toward LGBT patients and staff in the emergency department setting. Associations between personal and program demographics and survey responses were also examined. There were 319 responses The majority of respondents were male (63.4%), Caucasian (69.1%), and heterosexual (92.4%). A sizeable minority of respondents felt histories and physical examinations were more challenging for lesbian, gay, or bisexual patients (24.6%) and more so for transgender patients (42.6%). Most residents do not ask patients to identify sexual orientation when presenting with abdominal or genital complaints (63%). Discriminatory LGBT comments were reported from both fellow residents (16.6%) and faculty (10%). A total of 2.5% of respondents were uncomfortable with other LGBT physicians, and 6% did not agree that LGBT patients deserve the same quality care as others. A number of residents find caring for LGBT patients more challenging than heterosexual patients. Even with professed comfort with LGBT health care, most residents report taking incomplete sexual histories that may affect patient care. Attitudes toward LGBT patients are mainly, but not completely, positive in this cohort.

Pediatric Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharges are commonly seen in the pediatric population, approximately more than 50% of all pediatric genital complaints. Normal vaginal secretion is usually thin, and clear to white with a variable amount, while malodorous, abnormal consistency of vaginal discharge accompanied by blood, pain, pruritus, or dysuria is usually pathologic. Many factors can cause vaginal discharge such as anatomy of genital area that more susceptible to inflammation and infection, numerous organisms that including those associated with the sexually transmitted diseases or child sexual abuse, also mechanical and chemical substances, as well as poor hygiene. Recurrent vaginal discharge can be very distressing to children, especially if associated with discomfort and the most common cause is vulvovaginitis. The management of vaginal discharge is based on underlying causes, either by initiating proper therapeutic or teaching the children about good hygiene.

Study on Prevalence and Severity of Urogenital Complaints in Postmenopausal Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective:The objective of this study was (1) to find the prevalence of urogenital (UG) complaints after menopause, (2) to evaluate the various risk factors for UG problems in postmenopausal women, and (3) to assess the severity of the symptoms depending on the duration of menopause.Materials and Methods:This study is a prospective study conducted at the Specialty Outpatient Department in Safdarjung Hospital over a period of 1 year. Two hundred postmenopausal women during this period were screened for UG complaints by eliciting detailed history in a pro forma and were divided into two groups based on the duration of menopause. Women with preexisting complaints before menopause and those with some medical disorders such as diabetes, stroke, or neurological problems were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed by standard statistical analytical tests.Results:The prevalence of UG symptoms in our study was 67%. Group A constitutes 127 (63.5%) participants in which menopause attained was of 1–5-year duration. Group B comprises the women with >5-year duration of menopause and it includes 73 (36.5%) patients. Among the genital complaints, vaginal dryness was the most common complaint in both the groups (Group A: 62% and Group B: 48%) followed by vaginal discharge or infection (Group A: 28% and Group B: 25%). Around 19 (15%) in Group A and 10 (13.6%) in Group B were having burning micturition (dysuria), the most common complaint encountered. The UG complaints were not statistically significantly different in both the groups. The severity of the symptoms was significantly different in two groups with more severe complaints in Group A as compared to Group B.Conclusion:UG complaints associated with estrogen loss can occur episodically throughout a women's life, but it is most common and chronic in the duration in postmenopausal women.

Genital Somatic Complaints in a Woman with Schizoaffective Disorder

Genital Somatic Complaints in a Woman with Schizoaffective Disorder

Acute abdomen resulting in cholecystectomy in a healthy young woman

A 22-year-old woman with no significant medical history preented to an Australian hospital in 2014 with a 24-h history of acute ight upper quadrant pain, fever and rigors. The pain was acute, aking her from sleep, rated 10/10 in severity and radiated to her ight shoulder tip. There were no neurological, respiratory, genital, rinary or bowel complaints. Initial observations were normal apart from fever of 39 ◦C. xamination revealed tenderness in the right upper quadrant nd a positive Murphy’s sign but was otherwise unremarkble. Blood tests showed a normal total white cell count of .43 × 109[reference range [RR] 4.0–11.0 × 109/L] with moderate ymphopenia of 0.58 × 109[RR 1.5–3.5 × 109/L]. C-reactive protein as modestly elevated at 33 mg/L [RR < 8.0 mg/L]. She had noral electrolytes, liver transaminases and lipase. Pregnancy was xcluded. Blood cultures collected prior to antibiotics were negtive. Chest X-ray demonstrated clear lung fields and no free gas. bdominal ultrasound showed a minimally thickened but tender allbladder without calculi. A sexual history was obtained and she reported having a single egular partner with whom she used condoms. She did not comlain of localized vaginal discomfort or discharge. Her pelvic and aginal examination was normal. The patient was diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis and as charted analgesia and antibiotics. The following day a aparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed without complicaion. Histopathology of the gallbladder showed serositis with an nflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of neutrophils within he subserosal adipose tissue. There was only scant mucosal

Crohn's Disease and Gynecologic Manifestations in Young Women

Study ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the reproductive and gynecological concerns of young women with Crohn's disease. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRetrospective chart review of young women with Crohn's disease and gynecologic concerns at a large, urban tertiary children's hospital. InterventionsNone. Main Outcome MeasuresDocumentation of abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, genital fistula, ulcer, or abscess. ResultsMost of the patients (85.7%) had menstrual concerns reported as abnormal bleeding patterns or chronic pelvic pain. Genital complaints (fistula, ulcer, or abscess) were present in 75% of patients who ultimately required immune modulators or antibiotics to control their Crohn's disease. Genital complaints were present in only 1 of 3 patients who did not have a history of immune modulator use for Crohn's disease related flare. ConclusionThere is a paucity of information available on gynecological concerns occurring in patients with Crohn's disease. Providers should be aware of gynecological manifestations that might appear concurrently with Crohn's colitis, including vulvovaginal pain, vulvar infections, rectovaginal or rectovestibular fistulas, pelvic pain, and menstrual irregularities.

P247 Quality of life and sexual function amongst women with persistent genital discharge or dermatoses

<h3>Background</h3> Existing data on the effect of genital discharge and dermatoses on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function (SF) in women with genital complaints are limited. <h3>Objectives</h3> To study the impact of our specialist clinic for recurrent genital problems on QoL and SF using two validated questionnaires: dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and female sexual function index (FSFI). <h3>Methods</h3> All women attending this specialist clinic during 2013 were invited to complete both DLQI and FSFI. Questionnaires were resent six months later or completed at follow-up attendance. Paired questionnaires were analysed using Wilcoxon-signed-rank tests. <h3>Results</h3> We received 143 responses: 99 dermatological complaints and 44 discharge complaints. Both complaints have a detrimental effect on QoL (mean ± SD quality of life scores 8·4 ± 6·6, moderate effect on QoL vs published general population score between 0 and 1 in validation studies). SF was also impaired (score 19.6 ± 6.9, vs published general population mean score 30.5 ± 5.29). 13 patients fully completed DLQI pre and post clinic intervention; there was significant improvement in DLQI scores (median pre-intervention vs post-intervention scores, interquartile range (IQR): 15 (12–18) vs 8 (6–12), <i>P = </i>0.013). FSFI scores did not significantly improve (18.55 (16.5–22.5) vs 18.5 (14.0–22.7), P = 1.000). <h3>Discussion/conclusion</h3> Both QoL and SF are impaired in many women presenting with recurrent genital complaints. Appropriate assessment and management by senior physicians can significantly improve QoL in these women supporting the role of specialist clinics. There remains significant impairment to SF, warranting research into affordable interventions.