(135) Keratin Pearl Excision for Clitorodynia and Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Krapf J , Kopits I , Holloway J , Starsiak L , Lorenzini S , Goldstein A 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Clitoral adhesions occur when the clitoral prepuce adheres to the glans clitoris. This can cause accumulation of desquamated epithelial cells under the prepuce, resulting in the formation of smegmatic pseudocysts and keratin pearls. A keratin pearl is a focus of central keratinization within concentric layers of squamous cells. Presence of these firm, millimeter-sized masses can lead to clitoral irritation and hypersensitivity (similar to a grain of sand in the eye). Although keratin pearls have been described in the literature, there is little known about their clinical presentation or association with female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Objective

Investigate the effectiveness of keratin pearl excision as a treatment for clitoral pain and female sexual dysfunction.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted in two metropolitan gynecology clinics specializing in vulvar pain between January 2017 and December 2021. Patients presenting with clitoral pain (clitorodynia) were identified in the electronic medical record through a search of physician-entered diagnoses and confirmed via review of the clinical notes. Adult patients with documented clitoral pain as well as clitoral adhesions (clitoral phimosis) and keratin pearls noted on exam were included in the study. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Prospective data was collected via an electronic follow-up survey. Data were presented in means and percentages.

Results

Fifty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Average age at presentation was 35 years (range 19-73 years). Self-reported ethnicity of the study population was 81% White, 7% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 2% Black, with no response from 5% of participants. Preliminary results show that patients reported a 66% decrease in mean clitoral discomfort (p &lt; 0.0001) and a 52% reduction in mean difficulty with orgasm (p = 0.019) after excision of keratin pearls. Patients who completed the follow-up questionnaire (n = 18) had a mean FSFI total score of 18.3 compared to mean total baseline FSFI of 13.11 (p = 0.03). The mean FSFI score for pain was 2.85 at follow up compared to 1.52 at baseline (p = 0.01). The mean FSFI score for orgasm was 3.36 at follow up compared to 2.16 at baseline (p = 0.03). Although not statistically significant, most likely because of a small sample size, the mean FSFI score was higher at follow-up than at baseline for lubrication (45%), arousal (42%), satisfaction (19%), and desire (17%). Patients had no change in mean FSD-R score from baseline to follow up.

Conclusions

Clitorodynia associated with clitoral adhesions and keratin pearls occurs in women of all ages. Excising keratin pearls may reduce female sexual dysfunction. These preliminary results suggest that excising keratin pearls may improve clitoral discomfort and reduce difficulty with orgasm. Excising keratin pearls may also lead to an improvement in overall female sexual function.

Disclosure

No