Vestibulodynia - The Israeli experience

The cause of vestibulitis, currently known as vestibulodynia, is still an enigma. Among those attempting to decipher the puzzle, Israeli researchers are well represented. This article reviews the developments in terminology, etiology, treatment, and research directions, with an emphasis on the role of Israeli research. Forty-four articles, covering a range of aspects of vestibulodynia, are testimony to the commendable contribution of Israeli research to the understanding of this disease. For example, the finding of mast cell proliferation and degranulation, enhanced heparanase expression, and the resultant increase and penetration of nerve fibers into the epithelial emanates from Israel. Furthermore, an Israeli first proposed the new name, vestibulodynia. Implemented in the 1980s, immediately after its initiation in the United States, surgical treatment and research in Israel is at the forefront in the world. Israeli teams investigating the effectiveness of surgical treatment conclude that perineoplasty is more successful than any other treatment. None the less, with 57% complete response, and 89% improvement, surgery does not cure all those suffering from vestibulodynia.