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European Journal of Obstetrics,... Feb 2024For patients with endometrioma it is unclear what treatment: surgery and/or medication, is more effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life (QoL). This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For patients with endometrioma it is unclear what treatment: surgery and/or medication, is more effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life (QoL). This systematic review and meta- analysis aimed to provide an overview of the existing evidence on the effects of surgery and/or medication (i.e. analgesics and/or hormonal medication) on pain and QoL. A search through CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. The study population had to be women treated for endometrioma. Retrospective or prospective studies reporting about QoL and/or the following types of pain were reviewed: dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and pain that was not well defined in the included article (referred to as pain). We performed a meta-analysis on mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and proportions of patients experiencing different types of pain over time. QoL was described narratively. Out of 11.515 articles, 76 studies including 7148 patients were included for the systematic review. The meta-analysis consisted of 52 studies including 4556 patients. No studies compared medication with surgery. And there were no studies on analgesics. Meta-analysis showed that surgery and/or medication often reduced VAS scores and proportions of all types of pain over time. Surgery and medication combined seems more effective in reducing VAS scores of pain compared to surgery alone, but not to medication alone (estimated mean difference = 0.17, p < 0.0001 and -0.98, p = 0.0339). QoL improved after medication (follow up ≤ 12 months) and QoL was unchanged or worsened after surgery and medication combined (follow up ≤ 24 months). However, these were results from a total of 5 studies. Both surgery and medication reduce endometriosis-related pain in patients with endometrioma. However, there is lack of uniform, good quality data comparing surgery with medication to draw firm conclusions. For better-informed treatment decisions, further studies including a standardized core-outcome set at fixed follow-up times, are necessary.
Topics: Humans; Female; Endometriosis; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Pelvic Pain; Analgesics
PubMed: 38134610
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.012 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Oct 2022Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy to mitigate vaginal stenosis. Currently, the dilators given to patients by most hospitals are made of plastic, compared to silicone dilators which are available on the market for purchase.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic literature review to find information to guide clinical recommendations to pelvic radiotherapy patients on potential differences regarding the use of plastic vs silicone dilators with regard to efficacy, cost, and patient preferences.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed using Emtree terms. To be included in the review, papers needed to: focus on female patients undergoing radiation therapy, assess a vaginal dilator, measure any dilator intervention outcome, and specifically compare plastic vs silicone dilators for any measured outcome (either qualitative or quantitative).
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 195 articles. Two area experts, with a third expert for arbitration, read each article and found that none met all review inclusion criteria. No studies were found that compared silicone to plastic dilators with regard to efficacy in treating vaginal stenosis due to radiation therapy, no studies were found that compared cost or cost-effectiveness of the 2 dilator types, and no studies were found comparing patient preferences or experiences (eg, comfort, adherence, ease of use) between the 2 dilator types.
CONCLUSION
The materials used to create dilators have never been rigorously compared in the context of radiotherapy-related vaginal stenosis. Institutions and patients have no data to guide their choice. Significantly more research at the patient and institutional level is needed to explore the potential long-term quality of life and cost benefits of improved adherence with silicone dilator use, and to guide shared decision-making regarding dilator choice. Morgan O, Lopez MD, Martinez AJC, et al. Systematic Review of Comparisons Between Plastic and Silicone Dilators: Revealing a Knowledge Gap. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:513-519.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Plastics; Quality of Life; Silicones; Vagina
PubMed: 36030181
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.06.008 -
Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters 2021Promoting sexual health is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority. Lubricants are widely available and used to improve sexual pleasure and reduce pain during... (Review)
Review
Promoting sexual health is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority. Lubricants are widely available and used to improve sexual pleasure and reduce pain during intercourse. To inform WHO's self-care interventions guideline, we conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to answer the question: does use of lubricants during or prior to sex result in improved sexual health and well-being. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE on 8 July 2020 for effectiveness, values and preferences, and cost data related to commercially available vaginal and anal lubricants. Data were systematically extracted and qualitatively synthesised. Effectiveness evidence was summarised in GRADE evidence profiles. Seven studies met the effectiveness review criteria. Two randomised trials found lubricant use led to improved female sexual well-being and had no impact on incidence of human papillomavirus (moderate certainty evidence). One observational study with gay and bisexual men showed lubricants were associated with increased reports of pain during receptive intercourse and no difference in pain during insertive intercourse, but a reduced degree of pain in both types of intercourse (low/very low certainty evidence). One observational study with female breast cancer survivors found better outcomes of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia with lubricant use (very low certainty evidence). Twenty-one values and preferences studies from diverse populations globally found that most individuals supported lubricant use for reasons of comfort/reduced pain and sexual pleasure. No cost studies were identified. Although evidence is limited, lubricants appear to offer an acceptable approach to improving sexual health and well-being.
Topics: Bisexuality; Coitus; Female; Humans; Lubricants; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Health
PubMed: 35315312
DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2044198 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2021Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common gynaecological condition accounting for 20% of all gynaecological referrals. There are wide ranges of causes with overlapping... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common gynaecological condition accounting for 20% of all gynaecological referrals. There are wide ranges of causes with overlapping symptomatology, therefore the management of the condition is a formidable challenge for clinicians. The aetiology of CPP is heterogeneous and in many cases, no clear diagnosis can be reached. It is in this scenario that the label of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) can be applied. We defined women with CPPS as having a minimum duration of pain of at least 6 months, including with a diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome, but excluding pain caused by a condition such as endometriosis. Many surgical interventions have been tried in isolation or in conjunction with non-surgical interventions in the management with variable results. Surgical interventions are invasive and carry operative risks. Surgical interventions must be evaluated for their effectiveness prior to their prevalent use in the management of women with CPPS.
OBJECTIVES
To review the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions in the management of women with CPPS.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Specialised Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO, on 23 April 2021 for any randomised controlled trials (RCT) for surgical interventions in women with CPPS. We also searched the citation lists of relevant publications, two trial registries, relevant journals, abstracts, conference proceedings and several key grey literature sources.
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs with women who had CPPS. The review authors were prepared to consider studies of any surgical intervention used for the management of CPPS. Outcome measures were pain rating scales, adverse events, psychological outcomes, quality of life (QoL) measures and requirement for analgesia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently evaluated studies for inclusion and extracted data using the forms designed according to Cochrane guidelines. For each included trial, we collected information regarding the method of randomisation, allocation concealment, blinding, data reporting and analyses. We reported pooled results as mean difference (MDs) or odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by the Mantel-Haenszel method. If similar outcomes were reported on different scales, we calculated the standardised mean difference (SMD). We applied GRADE criteria to judge the overall certainty of the evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
Four studies met our inclusion criteria involving 216 women with CPP and no identifiable cause. Adhesiolysis compared to no surgery or diagnostic laparoscopy We are uncertain of the effect of adhesiolysis on pelvic pain scores postoperatively at three months (MD -7.3, 95% CI -29.9 to 15.3; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence), six months (MD -14.3, 95% CI -35.9 to 7.3; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence) and 12 months postsurgery (MD 0.00, 95% CI -4.60; 1 study, 43 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adhesiolysis may improve both the emotional wellbeing (MD 24.90, 95% CI 7.92 to 41.88; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence) and social support (MD 23.90, 95% CI -1.77 to 49.57; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence) components of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30, and both the emotional component (MD 32.30, 95% CI 13.16 to 51.44; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence) and the physical component of the 12-item Short Form (MD 22.90, 95% CI 10.97 to 34.83; 1 study, 43 participants; low-certainty evidence) when compared to diagnostic laparoscopy. We are uncertain of the safety of adhesiolysis compared to comparator groups due to low-certainty evidence and lack of structured adverse event reporting. No studies reported on psychological outcomes or requirements for analgesia. Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament ablation or resection compared to diagnostic laparoscopy/other treatment We are uncertain of the effect of laparoscopic uterosacral ligament/nerve ablation (LUNA) or resection compared to other treatments postoperatively at three months (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.93; 1 study, 51 participants; low-certainty evidence) and six months (MD -2.10, 95% CI -4.38 to 0.18; 1 study, 74 participants; very low-certainty evidence). At 12 months post-surgery, we are uncertain of the effect of LUNA on the rate of successful treatment compared to diagnostic laparoscopy. One study of 56 participants found no difference in the effect of LUNA on non-cyclical pain (P = 0.854) or dyspareunia (P = 0.41); however, there was a difference favouring LUNA on dysmenorrhea (P = 0.045) and dyschezia (P = 0.05). We are also uncertain of the effect of LUNA compared to vaginal uterosacral ligament resection on pelvic pain at 12 months (MD 2.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 3.53; 1 study, 74 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the safety of LUNA or resection compared to comparator groups due to the lack of structured adverse event reporting. Women undergoing LUNA may require more analgesia postoperatively than those undergoing other treatments (P < 0.001; 1 study, 74 participants). No studies reported psychological outcomes or QoL.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We are uncertain about the benefit of adhesiolysis or LUNA in management of pain in women with CPPS based on the current literature. There may be a QoL benefit to adhesiolysis in improving both emotional wellbeing and social support, as measured by the validated QoL tools. It was not possible to synthesis evidence on adverse events as these were only reported narratively in some studies, in which none were observed. With the inadequate objective assessment of adverse events, especially long-term adverse events, associated with adhesiolysis or LUNA for CPPS, there is currently little to support these interventions for CPPS.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Pelvic Pain; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34923620
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008212.pub2 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2022complete uterine septum, double cervix and vaginal septum is a rare complex Müllerian anomaly affecting patients' quality of life in terms of fertility and pelvic pain.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
complete uterine septum, double cervix and vaginal septum is a rare complex Müllerian anomaly affecting patients' quality of life in terms of fertility and pelvic pain. The aim of our review is to gather the studies concerning the diagnosis and treatment this complex malformation and to describe the related fertility outcomes.
METHODS
this study was conducted in 2022, according to the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to find eligible articles. In total, 538 articles were identified through literature research. A total of ten articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review.
RESULTS
86 affected women were evaluated, and 71 of them were treated. Almost all patients included in our research presented with primary infertility or with a history of recurrent miscarriages; half of all patients also reported dyspareunia. After surgical treatment, 47 pregnancies were achieved: 41 live birth and ongoing pregnancies and six spontaneous miscarriages occurred; a significantly lower miscarriage rate was reported after surgical treatment.
CONCLUSION
hysteroscopic treatment of U2b C2 V1 anomaly can be safely performed, leading to favorable fertility outcomes, measured as the achievement of pregnancy and a reduction in miscarriage rate.
PubMed: 36614990
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010189 -
BMC Women's Health Sep 2023Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common and disturbing issue in the postmenopausal period. Unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. Our study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common and disturbing issue in the postmenopausal period. Unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxytocin gel versus placebo gel in postmenopausal women with GSM.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases on January 18, 2023. Keywords such as "oxytocin," "intravaginal," "vaginal," "atrophic," and "atrophy" were used. We used Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 in our analysis. We used the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes; both were presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and were calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance statistical method. Cochrane's Q test and the I statistic were used as measures of statistical inconsistency and heterogeneity. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs was used for the quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
Seven studies with 631 patients were included. Regarding the maturation index, there was a statistically insignificant increase in the oxytocin arm (MD = 12.34, 95% CI (-12.52-37.19), P = 0.33). Clinically assessed vaginal atrophy showed a statistically significant reduction in the oxytocin group (RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.23 - 0.10), P < 0.00001). For dyspareunia, vaginal pH, and histological evaluation of vaginal atrophy, there was a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups (RR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.82-1.27), P = 0.84), (MD = -0.74, 95% CI (-1.58-0.10), P = 0.08), and (MD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.82-0.06), P = 0.09), respectively. There was no significant difference in the safety profile between the two groups as measured by endometrial thickness (MD = 0.00, 95% CI (-0.23-0.23), P = 0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
Although oxytocin has been proposed as a viable alternative to estrogen in the treatment of GSM, our findings show the opposite. Larger, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm or refute our results.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number CRD42022334357.
Topics: Female; Humans; Oxytocin; Postmenopause; Atrophy; Databases, Factual; Dyspareunia
PubMed: 37716966
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02645-0 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Although dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) is common in women with endometriosis, there is poor qualitative evidence describing women's subjective experience of this... (Review)
Review
Although dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) is common in women with endometriosis, there is poor qualitative evidence describing women's subjective experience of this symptom. This systematic review of qualitative research aimed to provide an in-depth exploration of women's lived experience of dyspareunia (i.e., how they perceive and describe their pain, how they deal with it, how it affects their psychological health and intimate relationships). A total of 17 published articles were included. Our findings, derived from thematic analysis, highlighted that endometriosis-related dyspareunia manifests itself in multiple forms (deep, introital, and/or positional dyspareunia, at orgasm, during and/or after intercourse). Women use a variety of coping strategies to deal with sexual pain, such as interrupting or avoiding intercourse, enduring pain to seek pregnancy, and/or finding alternative ways to enjoy sexuality. Dyspareunia impairs women's psychological health, especially in terms of poor self-esteem and sense of femininity and has negative consequences on intimate relationships. Unfortunately, both women and physicians are often reluctant to discuss sexual issues. Sexual health should be routinely assessed during counselling with endometriosis patients. Helping women find targeted strategies to enjoy sexuality despite endometriosis may significantly improve their psychological health and quality of life.
Topics: Dyspareunia; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34831868
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212112 -
Andrology Nov 2021Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming procedure for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients who experience gender incongruence. This procedure reduces mental health...
BACKGROUND
Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming procedure for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients who experience gender incongruence. This procedure reduces mental health concerns and enhances patients' quality of life. A systematic review investigating the sexual health outcomes of vaginoplasty has not been performed.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate sexual health after gender-affirming vaginoplasty for TGD patients.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched, unrestricted by dates or study design.
METHODS
We included primary literature that incorporated TGD patients, reported sexual health outcomes after vaginoplasty intervention and were available in English. Outcomes included at least one of these sexual health parameters: sexual desire, arousal, sensation, activity, secretions, satisfaction, pleasure, orgasm, interferences, or aids.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 140 studies with 12 different vaginoplasty surgical techniques and 6,953 patients. The majority of these studies were cross-section or retrospective cohort observational studies (66%). 17.4%-100% (median 79.7%) of patients (n = 2,384) were able to orgasm postoperatively regardless of revision or primary vaginoplasty techniques. Female Sexual Function Index was the most used standardized questionnaire (17 studies, ranging from 16.9 to 28.6). 64%-98% (median 81%) of patients were satisfied with their general sexual satisfaction. The most common interference of sexual activity was dyspareunia.
CONCLUSIONS
The heterogenous methods of measuring sexual outcomes reflect the difficulty in comparing single-center surgical outcomes, encouraging the need for a standardized and validated metric for reporting sexual health after vaginoplasty for TGD patients. The most common sexual health parameter reported is sexual activity while therapeutic aids and pleasure were the least reported parameters. Future studies are needed to improve and expand methods of measuring sexual health, including prospective studies, validated questionnaires, and inclusive metrics. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO 01/01/2021: CRD42021224014.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Patient Satisfaction; Postoperative Period; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Sexual Health; Transsexualism; Treatment Outcome; Vagina
PubMed: 33882193
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13022 -
Ginekologia Polska 2022Uterine leyomyomas are benign, monoclonal tumors that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, dyspareunia and/or obstruction of bladder or rectum. Women's...
OBJECTIVES
Uterine leyomyomas are benign, monoclonal tumors that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, dyspareunia and/or obstruction of bladder or rectum. Women's growing interest in treatments that avoid surgery and/or preserve the uterus has contributed to the development of minimally invasive methods. Conducting a literature review and assessment of the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive methods of treating fibroids, with particular emphasis on high intensity focused ultrasound.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane and PubMed was performed using the following key words: uterine artery embolization, high-intensity focused ultrasound, microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, minimally invasive, leiomyoma, fertility, pregnancy. English abstracts relevant to the topic were selected. Full-text articles were carefully analyzed.
RESULTS
Uterine artery embolization is a proven, widely accepted method that is effective in appropriately qualified cases. Although high focused ultrasound is still an experimental procedure, preliminary studies seem to be promising. If its efficacy and safety are confirmed in randomized controlled trials, this method may find its place in clinical practice. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation are interesting minimally invasive methods with the future potential to be recognized as a method of treating fibroids.
CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive methods are becoming an important treatment option for fibroids. Further research is needed to recognize these procedures as a fully-fledged alternative to surgical treatment.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Uterine Neoplasms; Leiomyoma; Uterine Artery Embolization; Uterus; Hysterectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35106750
DOI: 10.5603/GP.a2021.0202 -
The Journal of Family Planning and... Jul 2015Endometriosis is experienced by approximately 10% of women worldwide; it is associated with significant burden on the woman, her family, and society. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is experienced by approximately 10% of women worldwide; it is associated with significant burden on the woman, her family, and society.
AIM
The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the available qualitative literature to increase our understanding of the effects of endometriosis on women's lives.
METHODS
Seven social science and medical databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo and Embase) and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed papers published in English of research using qualitative methods.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Eighteen papers reporting 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Participant numbers ranged from 15 to 61 women, all recruited from support groups and specialised clinics. Studies were conducted in high-income, Anglophone countries. The review identified four prominent themes: Life, Symptoms, Medical Experience, and Self. Women's reported experiences demonstrated opportunities for enhancing current clinical practice, including improved education about endometriosis for health professionals, the need to take a comprehensive approach to pain treatment, and initiating appropriate discussion of the impact on sex life. Significant evidence gaps were identified: there was inadequate investigation of women's experiences of endometriosis-associated infertility and of the impact of reduced social participation on perceived support and emotional well-being, and limited or no inclusion of the experiences of adolescent and post-menopausal women, women from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women who do not identify as Caucasian, and non-heterosexual women.
Topics: Delayed Diagnosis; Dyspareunia; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Qualitative Research; Social Participation
PubMed: 25183531
DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100853