Efficacy of Compression Shorts for Genital Lymphedema: A Case Series

Background/Purpose: Genital lymphedema, caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the genital area, presents both physical and psychological challenges. Traditional treatments like complex decongestive therapy and custom compression garments can be costly and inconvenient. This study evaluates the efficacy of off-the-shelf compression shorts with sex-specific pad inserts as a more practical alternative. Case Description: Two patients participated in this study: Patient A, a 69-year-old female with secondary genital lymphedema following a vulvectomy for cervical cancer, and Patient B, an 18-year-old male with primary genital lymphedema. Both patients were instructed to wear specialized pelvic compression garments with sex-specific pads for 4 weeks, tracking daily measurements and symptoms. Patient A wore the garments for an average of 14.3 hours daily throughout the 4 weeks, while Patient B was only able to tolerate wearing them for 3 days, averaging 9 hours daily during that time. Outcomes: Patient A showed a 30.74% reduction in mons pubis width and reported satisfaction with the garments, continuing use beyond the study. Patient B had minimal edema reduction and developed fibrosclerotic tissue after 3 days, leading to discontinuation. His satisfaction remained low throughout the study. Discussion: These results suggest that compression garments with sex-specific inserts may be effective in managing genital lymphedema for some individuals. However, Patient B’s negative response underscores the need for personalized compression therapy tailored to individual anatomical differences and disease severity, which are crucial factors influencing treatment outcomes. Given the variability observed, these findings should not be generalized to all males or females. Further research is needed to determine optimal compression levels, garment designs, and patient-specific factors to improve efficacy in genital lymphedema management.