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Nature Reviews. Urology Mar 2019Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS), which encompasses interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is... (Review)
Review
Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS), which encompasses interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is characterized by chronic pain in the pelvic region or genitalia that is often accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency. Despite considerable research, no definite aetiological risk factors or effective treatments have been identified. The Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network uses a novel integrated strategy to characterize UCPPS as a systemic disorder that potentially involves multiple aetiologies. The first phase, MAPP I, included >1,000 participants who completed an intensive baseline assessment followed by a 12-month observational follow-up period. MAPP I studies showed that UCPPS pain and urinary symptoms co-vary, with only moderate correlation, and should be evaluated separately and that symptom flares are common and can differ considerably in intensity, duration and influence on quality of life. Longitudinal clinical changes in UCPPS correlated with structural and functional brain changes, and many patients experienced global multisensory hypersensitivity. Additionally, UCPPS symptom profiles were distinguishable by biological correlates, such as immune factors. These findings indicate that patients with UCPPS have objective phenotypic abnormalities and distinct biological characteristics, providing a new foundation for the study and clinical management of UCPPS.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Chronic Pain; Cystitis, Interstitial; Humans; Interdisciplinary Research; Male; Pelvic Pain; Prostatitis; Syndrome
PubMed: 30560936
DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0135-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with bothersome symptoms in premenopausal women and is complicated with long-term systemic impacts in the... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with bothersome symptoms in premenopausal women and is complicated with long-term systemic impacts in the post-menopausal stage. It is generally defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, which causes menstrual disorders, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Endometriotic lesions can also spread and grow in extra-pelvic sites; the chronic inflammatory status can cause systemic effects, including metabolic disorder, immune dysregulation, and cardiovascular diseases. The uncertain etiologies of endometriosis and their diverse presentations limit the treatment efficacy. High recurrence risk and intolerable side effects result in poor compliance. Current studies for endometriosis have paid attention to the advances in hormonal, neurological, and immunological approaches to the pathophysiology and their potential pharmacological intervention. Here we provide an overview of the lifelong impacts of endometriosis and summarize the updated consensus on therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Inflammation; Endometrium; Pelvic Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37108664
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087503 -
F1000Research 2020Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is defined variably, but for clinical use it is cyclical or non-cyclical pain of at least 3-6 months' duration. It has major impacts... (Review)
Review
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is defined variably, but for clinical use it is cyclical or non-cyclical pain of at least 3-6 months' duration. It has major impacts on individuals and society. There are both structural and idiopathic causes. Whereas CPP is not curable in many cases, it is treatable. The most promising approach is multidisciplinary patient-centered care including cause-directed therapy, lifestyle changes, talking therapies, meditation, acupuncture, and physiotherapy (this is not a complete list). One of the most common structural causes for CPP is endometriosis. This review investigates current scientific concepts and recent innovations in this field as well as for CPP in general.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 32089831
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20750.1 -
International Journal of Urology :... Jun 2020Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology characterized by persistent pelvic pain with lower urinary tract symptoms and... (Review)
Review
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology characterized by persistent pelvic pain with lower urinary tract symptoms and comprises a wide variety of potentially clinically useful phenotypes with different possible etiologies. Current clinicopathological and genomic evidence suggests that interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome should be categorized by the presence or absence of Hunner lesions, rather than by clinical phenotyping based on symptomatology. The Hunner lesion subtype is a distinct inflammatory disease with proven bladder etiology characterized by epithelial denudation and enhanced immune responses frequently accompanied by clonal expansion of infiltrating B cells, with potential engagement of infection. Meanwhile, the non-Hunner lesion subtype is a non-inflammatory disorder with little evidence of bladder etiology. It is potentially associated with urothelial malfunction and neurophysiological dysfunction, and frequently presents with somatic and/or psychological symptoms, that commonly result in central nervous sensitization. Animal models of autoimmune cystitis and neurogenic sensitization might serve as disease models for the Hunner lesion and non-Hunner lesion subtypes, respectively. Here, we revisit the taxonomy of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome according to current research, and discuss its potential pathophysiology and representative animal models. Categorization of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based on cystoscopy is mandatory to design optimized treatment and research strategies for each subtype. A tailored approach that specifically targets the characteristic inflammation and epithelial denudation for the Hunner lesion subtype, or the urothelial malfunction, sensitized/altered nervous system and psychosocial problems for the non-Hunner lesion subtype, is essential for better clinical management and research progress in this complex condition.
Topics: Animals; Cystitis, Interstitial; Cystoscopy; Models, Animal; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 32246572
DOI: 10.1111/iju.14229 -
Australian Journal of General Practice 2024Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined as endometrial-like tissue proliferating outside the uterus. It is a common yet frequently under-recognised... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined as endometrial-like tissue proliferating outside the uterus. It is a common yet frequently under-recognised condition affecting one in nine Australian women.
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to provide a summary of the recommendations for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis-associated pain and infertility from the most recent evidence-based guidelines on endometriosis by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
DISCUSSION
Effective management of endometriosis requires prompt diagnosis to enable early multidisciplinary intervention that aligns with patient needs and priorities. Assessment includes a thorough history, pelvic examination where appropriate and referral for transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging. If endometriosis is suspected based on clinical symptoms but imaging is negative or empirical treatment is ineffective, individuals should be referred to a gynaecologist for further assessment and consideration of laparoscopy. Management options include hormonal and surgical therapies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Pelvic Pain; Australia; Ultrasonography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38316472
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP/04-23-6805 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2023Approximately 60% of women develop a uterine niche after a cesarean delivery (CD). A niche is associated with various gynecological symptoms including abnormal uterine...
IMPORTANCE
Approximately 60% of women develop a uterine niche after a cesarean delivery (CD). A niche is associated with various gynecological symptoms including abnormal uterine bleeding, pain, and infertility, but there is little consensus in the literature on the distinction between the sonographic finding of a niche and the constellation of associated symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To achieve consensus on defining the clinical condition that constitutes a symptomatic uterine niche and agree upon diagnostic criteria and uniform nomenclature for this condition.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A consensus based modified electronic Delphi (eDelphi) study, with a predefined Rate of Agreement (RoA) of 70% or higher. Experts were selected according to their expertise with niche-related consultations, publications, and participation in expert groups and received online questionnaires between November 2021 and May 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Definition, nomenclature, symptoms, conditions to exclude, and diagnostic criteria of an illness caused by a symptomatic uterine niche.
RESULTS
In total, 31 of the 60 invited experts (51.7%) participated, of whom the majority worked in university-affiliated hospitals (28 of 31 [90.3%]), specialized in benign gynecology (20 of 31 [64.5%]), and worked in Europe (24 of 31 [77.4%]). Three rounds were required to achieve consensus on all items. All participants underlined the relevance of a new term for a condition caused by a symptomatic niche and its differentiation from a sonographic finding only. Experts agreed to name this condition cesarean scar disorder, defined as a uterine niche in combination with at least 1 primary or 2 secondary symptoms (RoA, 77.8%). Defined primary symptoms were postmenstrual spotting, pain during uterine bleeding, technical issues with catheter insertion during embryo transfer, and secondary unexplained infertility combined with intrauterine fluid. Secondary symptoms were dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal discharge, chronic pelvic pain, avoiding sexual intercourse, odor associated with abnormal blood loss, secondary unexplained infertility, secondary infertility despite assisted reproductive technology, negative self-image, and discomfort during participation in leisure activities. Consensus was also achieved on certain criteria that should be met and conditions that should be excluded before making the diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this modified Delphi study, a panel of 31 international niche experts reached consensus for the constellation of symptoms secondary to a uterine niche and named it cesarean scar disorder.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cicatrix; Uterus; Uterine Hemorrhage; Pelvic Pain; Infertility
PubMed: 36988956
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5321 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Oct 2023Natural childbirth is associated with the risk of damage to the perineum - a tears or a episiotomy. Adequate preparation of the woman for childbirth is essential to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Natural childbirth is associated with the risk of damage to the perineum - a tears or a episiotomy. Adequate preparation of the woman for childbirth is essential to minimize the occurrence of perinatal injuries.
AIM
The aim of the review is to assess and analyze the impact of APM (antental perineal massage) on perinatal perineal injuries and the development of pelvic pain and other complications in postpartum women, such as dyspareunia, urinary (UI), gas (GI), and fecal incontinence (FI).
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched. Three authors independently searched databases and selected articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Next one author did Risk of Bias 2 and ROBINS 1 analyze.
FINDINGS
Of 711 articles, 18 publications were left for the review. All 18 studies examined the risk of perineal injuries (tearing and episiotomy), 7 pain in postpartum period, 6 postpartum urinary, gas/fecal incontinence and 2 described dyspareunia. Most authors described APM from 34 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. There were different techniques and times for doing APM procedures.
DISCUSSION
APM has many benefits for women during labor and the postpartum period (e.g. lower rate of perineal injuries and pain). However, it can be observed that individual publications differ from each other in the time of massage, the period and frequency of its performance, the form of obtaining instruction and control of patients. These components may affect the results obtained.
CONCLUSION
APM can protects the perineum from injuries during labor. It also reduces risk of fecal and gas incontinence in postpartum period.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Perineum; Fecal Incontinence; Dyspareunia; Parturition; Massage; Pelvic Pain; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 37414371
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102627 -
BJU International Oct 2015To improve awareness and recognition of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) among non-specialists and...
OBJECTIVES
To improve awareness and recognition of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) among non-specialists and patients. To provide guidance to healthcare professionals treating patients with CBP and CP/CPPS, in both non-specialist and specialist settings. To promote efficient referral of care between non-specialists and specialists and the involvement of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The guideline population were men with CBP or CP/CPPS (persistent or recurrent symptoms and no other urogenital pathology for ≥3 of the previous 6 months). Consensus recommendations for the guidelines were based on a search to identify literature on the diagnosis and management of CBP and CP/CPPS (published between 1999 and February 2014). A Delphi panel process was used where high-quality, published evidence was lacking.
RESULTS
CBP and CP/CPPS can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The four main symptom domains are urogenital pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS - voiding or storage symptoms), psychological issues and sexual dysfunction. Patients should be managed according to their individual symptom pattern. Options for first-line treatment include antibiotics, α-adrenergic antagonists (if voiding LUTS are present) and simple analgesics. Repeated use of antibiotics, such as quinolones, should be avoided if there is no obvious symptomatic benefit from infection control or cultures do not support an infectious cause. Early use of treatments targeting neuropathic pain and/or referral to specialist services should be considered for patients who do not respond to initial measures. An MDT approach (urologists, pain specialists, nurse specialists, specialist physiotherapists, general practitioners, cognitive behavioural therapists/psychologists, and sexual health specialists) is recommended. Patients should be fully informed about the possible underlying causes and treatment options, including an explanation of the chronic pain cycle.
CONCLUSION
Chronic prostatitis can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Identification of individual symptom patterns and a symptom-based treatment approach are recommended. Further research is required to evaluate management options for CBP and CP/CPPS.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Consensus; Humans; Male; Pelvic Pain; Prostatitis
PubMed: 25711488
DOI: 10.1111/bju.13101 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2018To assess the efficacy of an etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing contraceptive implant or the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the control of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Control of endometriosis-associated pain with etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant and 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of an etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing contraceptive implant or the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the control of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.
DESIGN
Noninferiority randomized clinical trial in which women with endometriosis were assigned to use an ENG implant (experimental treatment) or an LNG-IUS (active comparator). Monthly follow-up visits were conducted up to 6 months.
SETTING
University teaching hospital.
PATIENT(S)
One hundred three women, with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, or both for more than 6 months. In cases of deep endometriosis, vaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used as additional diagnostic tools.
INTERVENTION(S)
The ENG implant or the LNG-IUS were inserted within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Daily scores of noncyclic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea were evaluated using a daily visual analogue scale. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire at baseline and up to 6 months. Bleeding patterns were assessed daily from a menstrual calendar.
RESULT(S)
Both contraceptives improved significantly the mean visual analogue scale endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, without significant differences between treatment group profiles. Health-related quality of life improved significantly in all domains of the core and modular segments of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire, with no difference between both treatment groups. The most common bleeding patterns at 180 days of follow-up were amenorrhea and infrequent bleeding and infrequent bleeding and spotting among ENG implant and LNG-IUS users, respectively.
CONCLUSION(S)
In this noninferiority study both contraceptives improved significantly pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and health-related quality of life in endometriosis.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02480647.
Topics: Adult; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Desogestrel; Drug Implants; Drug Liberation; Endometriosis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Levonorgestrel; Pain Management; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 30396557
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.003 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Aug 2019
Topics: Consensus; Humans; Hyperemia; Lower Extremity; Pelvic Pain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Syndrome; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 31345010
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.19.04237-8