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Sexual Medicine Reviews Sep 2023Endometriosis is a common cause of deep dyspareunia, while provoked vestibulodynia is a common cause of superficial dyspareunia. The etiology of dyspareunia in both... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Endometriosis is a common cause of deep dyspareunia, while provoked vestibulodynia is a common cause of superficial dyspareunia. The etiology of dyspareunia in both conditions is multifactorial and may include the role of local nerve growth (neurogenesis or neuroproliferation) that sensitizes pelvic structures and leads to pain with contact.
OBJECTIVES
To review the evidence for neuroproliferative dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia.
METHODS
Narrative review.
RESULTS
The pelvic peritoneum and vulvar vestibule receive somatic and autonomic innervation. Various markers have been utilized for nerve subtypes, including pan-neuronal markers and those specific for sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. The nerve growth factor family includes neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and their receptors. Studies of endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia have demonstrated the presence of nerve fibers around endometriosis epithelium/stroma in the pelvic peritoneum and within the vulvar vestibule. The number of nerve fibers is higher in these pain conditions as compared with control tissue. Nerve growth factor expression by endometriosis stroma and by immune cells in the vulvar vestibule may be involved in local neuroproliferation. Local inflammation is implicated in this neuroproliferation, with potential roles of interleukin 1β and mast cells in both conditions. Several studies have shown a correlation between nerve fibers around endometriosis and dyspareunia severity, but studies are lacking in provoked vestibulodynia. There are several possible clinical ramifications of neuroproliferative dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia, in terms of history, examination, biopsy, and surgical and medical treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
A neuroproliferative subtype of dyspareunia may be implicated in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia. Additional research is needed to validate this concept and to integrate it into clinical studies. Neuroproliferative pathways could serve as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vulvodynia; Dyspareunia; Endometriosis; Vulvar Vestibulitis; Pain
PubMed: 37544766
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead033 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Dec 2023Haematocolpos, caused by imperforate hymen, is a rare condition where menstrual blood accumulates in the vagina. Adolescent girls presenting with amenorrhoea, cyclical...
Haematocolpos, caused by imperforate hymen, is a rare condition where menstrual blood accumulates in the vagina. Adolescent girls presenting with amenorrhoea, cyclical abdominal pain, and pelvis mass should be evaluated for this condition. Diagnosis requires a gynaecological examination. However, myths surrounding the hymen may impede proper medical care. Addressing these misconceptions is essential for promoting gynaecological care and ensuring timely evaluation and treatment. This case report emphasises the significance of effective communication in preventing misdiagnoses and care delays.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Hymen; Gynecological Examination; Vagina; Hematocolpos; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 38105732
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician Aug 2023Acute pelvic pain is defined as noncyclic, intense pain localized to the lower abdomen and/or pelvis, with a duration of less than three months. Signs and symptoms are...
Acute pelvic pain is defined as noncyclic, intense pain localized to the lower abdomen and/or pelvis, with a duration of less than three months. Signs and symptoms are often nonspecific. The differential diagnosis is broad, based on the patient's age and pregnancy status and gynecologic vs. nongynecologic etiology. Nongynecologic etiologies include gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal conditions. Urgent gynecologic conditions include ectopic pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cyst, adnexal torsion, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Approximately 40% of ectopic pregnancies are misdiagnosed at the presenting visit. Urgent nongynecologic conditions include appendicitis and pyelonephritis. Less urgent etiologies include sexually transmitted infections, pelvic floor myofascial pain, dysmenorrhea, and muscle strain. Approximately 15% of untreated chlamydia infections lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. History and physical examination findings guide laboratory testing. Questions should focus on the type, onset, location, and radiation of pain; timing and duration of symptoms; aggravating and relieving factors; and associated symptoms. Performing a urine pregnancy test or beta human chorionic gonadotropin test is an important first step for sexually active, premenopausal patients. Imaging options should be considered, with transvaginal ultrasonography first, followed by computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful if ultrasonography and computed tomography are nondiagnostic.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Pelvic Pain; Acute Pain; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Dysmenorrhea; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 37590858
DOI: No ID Found -
Cureus Feb 2024Lymphangioma are benign, slow-growing and rare lymphatic tumors, which may emerge at any location in the body with ovary being a very rare location. Axillary region and...
Lymphangioma are benign, slow-growing and rare lymphatic tumors, which may emerge at any location in the body with ovary being a very rare location. Axillary region and neck are the most common sites, while retroperitoneum and mesentery account for <1%. We present a case of a young female of 33 years who had symptomatic pelvic mass and was presented with a complaint of lower abdominal pain of six-month duration and weight loss. Investigation revealed an oval-shaped complex cystic density lesion in the right adnexal region, which was likely neoplastic. Elective laparotomy with right ovarian cystectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed ovarian lymphangioma.
PubMed: 38550405
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54983 -
Cell and Tissue Research Oct 2023Endometriosis is a gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by the development of endometrial-like cells outside the uterine cavity. This disease is associated... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a gynecological inflammatory disorder characterized by the development of endometrial-like cells outside the uterine cavity. This disease is associated with a wide range of clinical presentations, such as debilitating pelvic pain and infertility issues. Endometriosis diagnosis is not easily discovered by ultrasound or clinical examination. Indeed, difficulties in noninvasive endometriosis diagnosis delay the confirmation and management of the disorder, increase symptoms, and place a significant medical and financial burden on patients. So, identifying specific and sensitive biomarkers for this disease should therefore be a top goal. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types. They transport between cells' bioactive molecules such as noncoding RNAs and proteins. MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs which are key molecules transferred by exosomes have recently been identified to have a significant role in endometriosis by modulating different proteins and their related genes. As a result, the current review focuses on exosomal micro-and-long noncoding RNAs that are involved in endometriosis disease. Furthermore, major molecular mechanisms linking corresponding RNA molecules to endometriosis development will be briefly discussed to better clarify the potential functions of exosomal noncoding RNAs in the therapy and diagnosis of endometriosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; MicroRNAs; Endometriosis; RNA, Long Noncoding; Biomarkers; Exosomes
PubMed: 37480408
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03802-5