Providers' Experiences With Vaginal Dilator Training For Patients With Vaginal Agenesis.
- 2017
Available online through MWHC library: 2002 - present
CONCLUSION: Our study in an experienced cohort of pediatric gynecology providers highlights the need for further research and training on vaginal dilation education. Copyright (c) 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. RESULTS: There were a total of 55 completed survey responses in which 31 respondents (56%) had been in practice for more than 10 years. Forty-nine were gynecologists (89%), 20 had completed a fellowship in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (36%), and 6 were Reproductive Endocrinologists (11%). Thirty one respondents had first learned about vaginal dilator training through lectures (56%) while only 9 through mentorship and fellowship (16%). According to respondents, the most common issue leading to early discontinuation was lack of patient motivation and readiness (N=42, 76%). The most common complication was pain or discomfort (N=45, 82%). More than half of respondents determined dilator therapy was successful when patients reported comfortable sexual intercourse (N=30, 55%) and 65% (N=35) did not delineate any restrictions to initiation of sexual intercourse. The vast majority of respondents (87%) requested further vaginal dilator training at either a clinical meeting (N=26, 47%) or with a training video (N=22, 40%). STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine providers' experiences with vaginal dilator training for patients with vaginal agenesis DESIGN: Anonymous electronic survey PARTICIPANTS: Members of the North American Society of Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: How providers learn about vaginal dilator training, common techniques and methods used for patient training, assessment of patient readiness, common patient complaints, issues leading to early discontinuation.