Vulvology: A proposal for a multidisciplinary subspecialty

OBJECTIVE: To underline the usefulness of a new multidisciplinary subspecialty devoted entirely to vulvar diseases, to be termed vulvology. STUDY DESIGN: Disorders of the vulva present a wide spectrum of clinical appearance, rendering clinical diagnosis difficult, if not impossible. The three types of physicians usually involved in treating the vulva (generalists, dermatologists and gynecologists) receive little training in and have little experience with vulvar problems. The end result is that women today are receiving far less than optimal care for vulvar disorders. RESULTS: This situation can be much improved through the establishment of vulvology as a new multidisciplinary subspecialty. Vulvology can become a neutral field for research and debate and can provide a point of consolidation for all clinical care (infectious, metabolic, oncologic, neurologic, psychological, etc.) of vulvar disorders. The interdisciplinary nature of this new subspecialty will also facilitate the standardization and systematization of the currently confusing terminology and classification applicable to vulvar disorders. CONCLUSION: Vulvology, as a new, well-defined, multidisciplinary subspecialty, will improve the care of women with vulvar problems through the delineation of vulvologists as physicians with special expertise in this area, the establishment of clinics devoted specifically to the care of vulvar problems and the provision of education for physicians, other health care providers and the public.