(168) Latinx/Hispanic Representation in Vulvodynia Research: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Vulvodynia is a prevalent cause of sexual pain disorders, affecting approximately 16% of women in the United States. Prior research indicates that pain presentation may vary by ethnicity, with Hispanic and Latinx individuals more likely to report primary vulvodynia and describe burning sensations compared to non-Hispanic White women. These findings suggest potential underlying variations and disparities that could influence patient outcomes and access to care. Given the heterogeneity within the Hispanic and Latinx population, further investigation of population-specific characteristics through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature is warranted. Objective The aim of this review is to investigate the inclusion of Latinx/Hispanic patients in the current literature on vulvodynia. Methods A systematic review was conducted across four databases between September 2024 and May 2025 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included “vulvodynia,” “vestibulodynia,” “vulvar dermatoses,” and “clitorodynia,” combined with “Hispanic,” “Latino,” “Latinx,” and the names of Latin American countries. Non-original research, abstracts, studies without patient data, and articles not in English or Spanish were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened and analyzed the literature, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Study characteristics were extracted, and quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence. Results Of the 1589 studies identified, 30 met inclusion criteria. Twenty-five studies were conducted in non–Latin American countries (primarily the United States and England), and five originated from Latin America (Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico). Most studies (n = 25) were Level 4 evidence, followed by four Level 3, one Level 5, and one Level 6. Four studies received a moderate quality appraisal, while 26 were rated high quality. Among studies from non–Latin American countries, the representation of Hispanic/Latinx participants ranged from 0.7% to 74.0% (median 5.4%). A total of 182 studies were excluded for addressing general female sexual pain disorders or menopause without specifically investigating vulvar outcomes. All included studies described disease characteristics such as signs and symptoms; only five discussed treatment approaches, and two reported outcome measures. Reported healthcare experiences included healthcare avoidance (n = 7), delayed or absent diagnosis (n = 8), multiple providers seen (n = 3), and adverse medical encounters (n = 2). Conclusions Latinx patients remain significantly underrepresented in studies specifically examining vulvodynia as a cause of female sexual pain disorders. Among the limited available data, evidence quality is generally low, and treatment approaches and outcomes are infrequently reported. Future research should focus on generating higher-level evidence to evaluate vulvodynia management in this population and to elucidate the socioeconomic and structural factors that may influence access to care and treatment outcomes. Disclosure No.