Vulvodynia has a profound effect on several domains of women’s quality of life (Qol). This study compared vulvodynia-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in clinical studies. Semi-structured interviews with 27 stakeholders including clinicians and payers from France, Germany, Spain, UK, Italy, and USA were conducted to identify important Qol domains to assess impact of vulvodynia in clinical studies. Subsequently, a narrative synthesis was conducted to appraise the vulvodynia-specific PROMs extracted from a narrow review of literature. The PubMed was the primary source of the search. Manual search on reference lists was then used to identify additional PROMs. A desired vulvodynia-specific PROM from stakeholders’ perspectives should measure vulvar pain’s impact on patient’s life in several aspects such as sexual functioning, daily activities (ability to use tampon, wear tight pants), social functioning, and mental health. Six PROMs were identified including Vulvar functional Status Questionnaire (VQ); vulvar-specific Skindex-29; Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ); Vulvar Pain Assessment Questionnaire inventory (VPAQ); PROMIS SexFS v2 vulvar discomfort scales (PROMIS SexFS VDS); and Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ). The VPAQ inventory is the most comprehensive PROM that offers 5 scales for use in screening, measuring quality of pain, coping, and partner factors. All PROMs are self-administered with a number of items of ranges from 4 (PROMIS SexFS VDS) to 63 items (VPAQfull). While the VPAQ inventory is the most comprehensive PROMs, it is considerably long (VPAQscreen-33 items). The PROMIS SexFS VDS is the shortest but focuses on discomfort and sexual functioning. The PPIQ is short (8 items) and covers important Qol domains impacted by vulvodynia. While validity and reliability were established, responsiveness data were lacking for these PROMs. Although several vulvodynia-specific PROMs are available, clinical responsiveness information has been lacking. Researchers should test these instruments in clinical trials before adopting them in clinical practice environment.
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