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Ekholm E, Engman L, Ter Kuile MM, Flink IK. Coping with provoked vestibulodynia in a relational context-A cluster analysis of coping patterns and their associations with relational cognitions and goals. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 38822690 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common pain condition, negatively impacting the relationships and sexual lives of sufferers. Women's coping behaviour has been associated with psychosexual outcomes, yet coping patterns in clinical PVD samples are unexplored, and it is not known how women's coping relates to their relational context. METHOD Women (N = 128) with PVD answered questionnaires about psychosexual function, pain coping (avoidance and endurance), relational- and pain catastrophizing, sexual goals and perceived partner responses. Cluster analysis was used to explore coping patterns; clusters were validated on measures of pain and psychosexual function and compared on catastrophizing, sexual goals and partner responses using multivariate analyses of variance. RESULTS The analysis yielded four clusters: endurance; combined high avoidance and endurance; avoidance; and combined low. The group with high levels of both avoidance and endurance coping displayed the worst psychosexual outcomes and high levels of pain- and relational catastrophizing, approach and avoidance goals and perceived negative partner responses. CONCLUSION There are distinct patterns of coping among women with PVD, and these coping patterns are associated with psychosexual outcomes and relational cognitions and goals, and perceived partner responses. Women who alternate between avoidance and endurance are more distressed and report worse psychosexual functioning. This pattern needs to be identified and addressed in the treatment of PVD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study extends previous findings on vulvar pain coping patterns to a clinical population of women with PVD. It is further the first study to address the relationship between relational variables, such as partner responses and relational catastrophizing and different coping patterns. Thus, the contribution of this study is the contextualizing of coping patterns among women with PVD. The results showed that a combined pattern of avoidance and endurance coping is associated with high distress, poor psychosexual outcomes, and indications of insufficient relational coping, highlighting the need for clinical assessment and intervention to target both women's individual coping patterns and their relational context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Ekholm
- School of Behavioral, Social, and Legal Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Engman
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moniek M Ter Kuile
- Gynaecology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ida K Flink
- School of Behavioral, Social, and Legal Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Bohm-Starke N, Pukall C, Österberg M, Ahlberg M, Jonsson AK, Tranæus S, Kempe S, Hellberg C. Development of a core outcome set for treatment studies for provoked vestibulodynia. J Sex Med 2024; 21:556-565. [PMID: 38515322 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an inconsistency in treatment outcomes used in clinical trials for provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), which makes it impossible to compare the effects of different interventions. AIM In this study, we completed the first step in creating a core outcome set (COS), defining what outcomes should be measured in clinical trials for PVD. METHODS Identification of outcomes used in studies was done by extracting data from clinical trials in a recently published systematic review and via review of clinical trials for PVD registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The COS process consisted of 2 rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, during which the final COS was decided through a modified nominal group technique. OUTCOMES Consensus on what outcomes to include in a COS for PVD. RESULTS Forty scientific articles and 92 study protocols were reviewed for outcomes. Of those, 36 articles and 25 protocols were eligible, resulting in 402 outcomes, which were then categorized into 63 unique outcomes. Participants consisted of patients, relatives/partners of patients, health care professionals, and researchers. Out of 463 who registered for participation, 319 and 213 responded to the first and second surveys, respectively. The consensus meeting consisted of 18 members and resulted in 6 outcomes for the COS to be measured in all treatment trials regardless of intervention: insertional pain (nonsexual), insertional pain (sexual), provoked vulvar pain by pressure/contact, pain-related interference on one's life, pain interference on sexual life, and sexual function. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Critical outcomes to be measured in clinical trials will allow for accurate comparison of outcomes across treatment interventions and provide solid treatment recommendations. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The major strengths of the study are the adherence to methodological recommendations and the intentional focus on aspects of diversity of participating stakeholders (eg, status such as patients with lived experience and researchers, inclusiveness with respect to sexual identity), the latter of which will allow for broader application and relevance of the COS. Among the limitations of the study are the low rate of participants outside North America and Europe and the lower response rate (about 50%) for the second Delphi survey. CONCLUSION In this international project, patients, health care professionals, and researchers have decided what critical outcomes are to be used in future clinical trials for PVD. Before the COS can be fully implemented, there is also a need to decide on how and preferably when the outcomes should be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bohm-Starke
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Pukall
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Marie Österberg
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
| | - Maria Ahlberg
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
| | - Ann Kristine Jonsson
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
| | - Sofia Tranæus
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
- Health Technology Assessment-Odontology, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, 214 21 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Susanna Kempe
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
| | - Christel Hellberg
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, Stockholm, 102 33, Sweden
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Queiroz JF, Aquino ACQ, Sarmento ACA, Siqueira BB, Medeiros HD, Falsetta ML, Maurer T, Gonçalves AK. Psychosocial Factors Associated With Vulvodynia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2024:00128360-990000000-00116. [PMID: 38697126 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We set out to identify the psychosocial factors associated with vulvodynia and the effects on sexuality, mental health, and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched in August 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Observational Studies. To rank the strength of evidence, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) approach was utilized. RESULTS A total of 3,182 articles were identified. Twenty-two observational studies (8 cohorts and 14 case-controls) met the eligibility criteria and were included, comprising 2,624 patients. Vulvodynia has been associated with psychological factors (anxiety and depression) and social factors (childhood exposure to physical and sexual abuse, posttraumatic stress, and domestic abuse). Concerning sexual function, the most frequent outcomes were dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction. Only one study assessed quality of life, which showed that women with chronic vulvar pain had greater difficulty performing physical activities and experienced negative moods and feelings. The assessment of the risk of bias showed that the average quality of studies was good to excellent. However, the studies failed to select the nonexposed cohort or control group to describe the results, and often, the study population was rather small, which made it impossible to carry out a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS The certainty of evidence for the associations between anxiety and depression, vulvodynia, and sexual functioning suggests that combating these factors could improve overall quality of life in vulvodynia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice F Queiroz
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Q Aquino
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Beatriz B Siqueira
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Heitor D Medeiros
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Megan L Falsetta
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Tracey Maurer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont Health Network, Colchester, VT
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Krapf JM, Kopits I, Holloway J, Lorenzini S, Mautz T, Goldstein AT. Efficacy of in-office lysis of clitoral adhesions with excision of keratin pearls on clitoral pain and sexual function: a pre-post interventional study. J Sex Med 2024; 21:443-451. [PMID: 38515327 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratin pearls are foci of central keratinization within concentric layers of squamous cells that can form under the clitoral prepuce and cause pain (clitorodynia); in-office removal of keratin pearls may reduce clitoral pain and improve sexual function. AIM This study aims to investigate clitoral pain and sexual function in women with partial clitoral phimosis and keratin pearls before and after in-office lysis of clitoral adhesions with keratin pearl excision (LCA-KPE). METHODS A pre-post interventional study evaluated patients who underwent LCA-KPE between January 2017 and February 2023 in 2 metropolitan gynecology clinics specializing in vulvar pain. Patients presenting with keratin pearls and partial clitoral phimosis identified through retrospective chart review were asked to complete postprocedure questionnaires and provide subjective responses on clitoral discomfort, sexual function, sexual distress, and their experience with in-office LCA-KPE. Bivariate analyses with paired t tests were conducted to determine the effect of LCA-KPE. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic coding. OUTCOMES An 11-point pain visual analog scale was utilized to determine pre- and postprocedure clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm. Female sexual dysfunction was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. RESULTS A total of 32 of 74 patients who met inclusion criteria completed postprocedure surveys (43% response rate). Mean clitoral pain for respondents was 6.91 at baseline and 2.50 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Mean difficulty with orgasm was significantly decreased from 5.45 at baseline to 3.13 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Participants had a mean FSFI total score of 17.68 after treatment compared with a mean total baseline FSFI of 12.12 (P = .017). The mean FSFI score for pain was 2.43 at follow-up compared with 1.37 at baseline (P = .049). There was no significant difference in the mean Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score before vs after the procedure (P = .27). Qualitative themes described the procedure as painful but worthwhile, with 77% of participants reporting the overall experience as positive. Recurrence rate overall was 28%, with a median of 2 repeat procedures. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Recognizing keratin pearls as a structural cause of clitoral pain and offering in-office treatment is an important tool in addressing clitorodynia and improving sexual function. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is the largest study to date documenting the occurrence, identifying associated pain conditions, and evaluating procedural outcomes for clitoral keratin pearls. This study was limited by a relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION In-office LCA-KPE significantly reduced clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Krapf
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, United States
| | - Isabella Kopits
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
| | - Jessica Holloway
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
| | - Sylvia Lorenzini
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
| | - Theodora Mautz
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
| | - Andrew T Goldstein
- Department of Gynecology, The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington DC 20037, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, United States
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Drian A, Goldstein SW, Kim NN, Goldstein AS, Hartzell-Cushanick R, Yee A, Goldstein I. Immunohistochemical staining with CD117 and PGP9.5 of excised vestibular tissue from patients with neuroproliferative vestibulodynia. J Sex Med 2024; 21:479-493. [PMID: 38521973 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroproliferative vestibulodynia (NPV), a provoked genital pain characterized by severe allodynia and hyperalgesia, is confirmed in excised vestibular tissue by immunohistochemical staining (>8 CD117-positive immunostained cells/100× microscopic field) rather than by hematoxylin and eosin staining. AIM In this study we sought to assess immunostaining of tissue samples obtained during vestibulectomy surgery and to correlate results with patient outcomes. METHODS Patients (n = 65) meeting criteria for NPV who underwent vestibulectomy during the period from June 2019 through December 2022 formed the study cohort. We performed assessment of pathology of vestibular tissues by use of immunohistochemical staining, including quantitation of mast cells by CD117 (mast cell marker) and nerve fibers by protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 (neuronal marker). We analyzed 725 photomicrographs of immunostained tissue sections (100× and 200×) by manual counting and computer-assisted histometry and correlated these data to clinical assessments. OUTCOMES Outcomes included density of CD117 and PGP9.5 immunostaining in the 1:00-11:00 o'clock and 12:00 o'clock vestibular regions, and patient-reported outcomes assessing sexual function, pain, distress, and symptom improvement. RESULTS All 65 NPV patients (median age 26 years), 45 with lifelong and 20 with acquired NPV, had severe pain documented by PROs and vulvoscopy and had >8 CD117-immunopositive cells/100× microscopic field. Median cell count values were similar in the 1:00-11:00 o'clock and 12:00 vestibular regions (28.5 and 29.5/100× field, respectively). Likewise, the marker) and nerve fibers by protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 (neuronal marker). We analyzed 725 photomicrographs of immunostained tissue sections (100× and 200×) by manual counting and computer-assisted histometry and correlated these data to clinical assessments. OUTCOMES Outcomes included density of CD117 and PGP9.5 immunostaining in the 1:00-11:00 o'clock and 12:00 o'clock vestibular regions, and patient-reported outcomes assessing sexual function, pain, distress, and symptom improvement. RESULTS All 65 NPV patients (median age 26 years), 45 with lifelong and 20 with acquired NPV, had severe pain documented by PROs and vulvoscopy and had >8 CD117-immunopositive cells/100× microscopic field. Median cell count values were similar in the 1:00-11:00 o'clock and 12:00 vestibular regions (28.5 and 29.5/100× field, respectively). Likewise, the median area of CD117 immunostaining was similar in both regions (0.69% and 0.73%). The median area of PGP9.5 immunostaining was 0.47% and 0.31% in these same regions. Pain scores determined with cotton-tipped swab testing were nominally higher in lifelong vs acquired NPV patients, reaching statistical significance in the 1:00-11:00 o'clock region (P < .001). The median score for the McGill Pain Questionnaire affective subscale dimension was also significantly higher in lifelong vs acquired NPV patients (P = .011). No correlations were observed between hematoxylin and eosin results and density of mast cells or neuronal markers. Of note, 63% of the patient cohort reported having additional conditions associated with aberrant mast cell activity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The pathology of NPV is primarily localized to the vestibular epithelial basement membrane and subepithelial stroma with no visible vulvoscopic findings, making clinical diagnosis challenging. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include the large number of tissues examined with what is to our knowledge the first-ever assessment of the 12:00 vestibule. Major limitations are specimens from a single timepoint within the disease state and lack of control tissues. CONCLUSIONS Performing immunohistochemical staining of excised vestibular tissue with CD117 and PGP9.5 led to histometric confirmation of NPV, indications that NPV is a field disease involving all vestibular regions, validation for patients whose pain had been ignored and who had experienced negative psychosocial impact, and appreciation that such staining can advance knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Drian
- San Diego Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Sue W Goldstein
- San Diego Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Noel N Kim
- Institute for Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Andrew S Goldstein
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | | | - Alyssa Yee
- San Diego Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Irwin Goldstein
- San Diego Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
- Sexual Medicine, University of California San Diego East Campus, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
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Bekauri T, Fischer S, Honn KV, Maddipati KR, Love T, Little C, Wood RW, Bonham AD, Linder MA, Yule DI, Emanuelle C, Falsetta ML. Inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 signaling perpetuate chronic vulvar pain. Pain 2024; 165:820-837. [PMID: 37889581 PMCID: PMC10949218 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Localized provoked vulvodynia is characterized by chronic vulvar pain that disrupts every aspect of the patient's life. Pain is localized to the vulvar vestibule, a specialized ring of tissue immediately surrounding the vaginal opening involved in immune defense. In this article, we show inflammation is the critical first step necessary for the generation of pain signals in the vulva. Inflammatory stimuli alone or combined with the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) agonist 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate stimulate calcium flux into vulvar fibroblast cells. Activity is blocked by the TRPV4 antagonist HC067047, denoting specificity to TRPV4. Using lipidomics, we found pro-resolving lipids in the vulvar vestibule were dysregulated, characterized by a reduction in pro-resolving mediators and heightened production of inflammatory mediators. We demonstrate specialized pro-resolving mediators represent a potential new therapy for vulvar pain, acting on 2 key parts of the disease mechanism by limiting inflammation and acutely inhibiting TRPV4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamari Bekauri
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Fischer
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kenneth V. Honn
- Pathology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Pathology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chantelle Little
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ronald W. Wood
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Adrienne D. Bonham
- OB/GYN Department, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Linder
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David I. Yule
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chrysilla Emanuelle
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Megan L. Falsetta
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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Krapf JM, Goldstein AT. Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives and female sexuality: an updated review. Sex Med Rev 2024:qeae011. [PMID: 38515302 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual side effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have not been fully understood, but increasing evidence prompts broader risk/benefit evaluation and merits inclusion in counseling on contraceptive options. OBJECTIVES The study sought to explore the impact of combined estrogens-progestin oral contraceptives on components of female sexuality, including sexual desire, anatomic genitourinary changes, lubrication, orgasm, provoked vestibulodynia, well-being, body image, partner preference, and relationship stability. METHODS A literature review was performed between April 2023 and January 2024 exploring the association between combined oral contraceptive pills and sexual health. RESULTS Although COCs decrease free testosterone, it is unclear if COCs affect sexual function, including desire. Antiandrogenic COCs do seem to have a negative effect on sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. Provoked vestibulodynia may be related to early onset of COC use, low-estrogen pills, and antiandrogenic progestins. Emotional and sexual side effects are strong predictors of COC discontinuation. Longitudinal data indicate that using COCs when meeting and selecting a partner has implications on sexual satisfaction and relationship length. Analysis of data is complicated by various doses and forms of estrogen and progestin in COCs, which have changed over time. CONCLUSION Lack of randomized placebo-controlled studies and heterogenicity in study design hampers generalized statements about the effects of COCs on sexual function. Despite these challenges, consideration of sexual dysfunction when presenting and prescribing hormonal contraception is essential for informed consent, shared decision making, and ensuring reliable contraceptive choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Krapf
- Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders Florida, Tampa, FL 33609, United States
| | - Andrew T Goldstein
- Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders New York, New York, NY 10036, United States
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Clark AL, Goetsch MF. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Differential Diagnosis. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 67:13-26. [PMID: 38281168 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Scientific information is incomplete regarding the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Both the lower genital and urinary tracts are rich in receptors for reproductive hormones and are highly susceptible to waning ovarian hormones at menopause. Symptoms of dryness and pain emerge in late perimenopause, but they can also result earlier from cancer therapies or bilateral oophorectomy. Lower urinary tract symptoms rise in prevalence at midlife and increase further with advancing age. Because ovarian senescence is typically followed by years of aging, some postmenopausal complaints may be attributable to increasing longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | - Martha F Goetsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University
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9
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Zheng A, Harlow BL, Gereige J. Immune Dysregulation, Inflammation in Characterizing Women with Vulvodynia, Depression, and Both. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:364-370. [PMID: 38190297 PMCID: PMC10924120 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression and vulvodynia are often comorbid. The onset of depression and vulvodynia may be immune and/or stress/environmentally induced. We explored whether vulvodynia, depression, or both occur in response to a Th1-mediated versus Th2-mediated immune response. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from a case-control study of clinically confirmed vulvodynia and history of depression determined through structured clinical interviews. Immune dysregulation and inflammation were categorized based on the following self-reported conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes mellitus, uterine fibroids, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Logistic regression analyses were adjusted for marital status, body mass index, age, and pack years. Results: Women with systemic immune dysregulation had higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.61, confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65-3.98), vulvodynia (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.00-5.96), and comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2.19-11.10) versus neither condition. Women reporting local immune dysregulation had similar odds of depression (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 0.99-3.59), vulvodynia (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.08-4.18), and comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.98-3.90). Women with Th2 inflammation had similar odds of depression (aOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.05-4.77) and vulvodynia (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.20-5.49). Women with Th1 or Th2 inflammation had similar odds of comorbid depression and vulvodynia (aOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.48-6.19; aOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.49-6.60, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that an imbalance of cytokines, indicated by the presence of one or more immune-related health conditions, is associated with an increased risk of vulvodynia and/or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bernard L. Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica Gereige
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Lountzi AZ, Durand H. Help-seeking experiences and intimate partner support in vulvodynia: A qualitative exploration. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241241866. [PMID: 38554074 PMCID: PMC10981854 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241241866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvodynia is a poorly understood chronic pain condition characterized by persistent and unexplained pain in the vulva. Given the intimate nature of the pain, partners may play an important role in promoting self-management and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to explore the role of partner support in pain experiences and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia. DESIGN A qualitative interpretive design was used. METHODS Ten women with vulvodynia (M age = 37.9 years) were interviewed using a semi-structured non-directive topic guide. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes around help-seeking experiences were constructed from the data: (1) 'It's Been a Battle' - Failed by the Healthcare System; (2) 'It's Just the Vulva' - Dismissed by Healthcare Professionals; and (3) 'I Diagnosed Myself' - The Patient Becomes the Expert. Participants described negative help-seeking experiences characterized by long delays to diagnosis, lack of awareness and understanding from healthcare professionals, minimization of symptoms, and having to advocate for and demand care. A further three themes pertaining to partner support were also developed: (1) 'That Person to Listen to You' - Source of Emotional Support; (2) 'Why Don't You Try This?' - Finding Solutions Together; and (3) 'He Forgets that it's Still There' - Vulvodynia is a Foreign Concept. Partners provided emotional support and showed empathy and understanding, and practical support by accompanying women to medical appointments and help with pain management. However, participants felt partners' understanding of vulvodynia was limited and that this impacted their relationships. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight a lack of continuity of care and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, with help-seeking experiences being mainly negative in this sample. Increasing public awareness of vulvodynia and improving healthcare access is crucial to improving physical and psychological outcomes for this group. Partners can play an important role in supporting people with vulvodynia; however, other outlets of support should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Zoi Lountzi
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Hannah Durand
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Nascimento RP, Falsetta ML, Maurer T, Sarmento ACA, Gonçalves AK. Efficacy of Physiotherapy for Treating Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2024; 28:54-63. [PMID: 37934153 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We set out to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy for vulvodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched in February 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Rob 2). Because of the high heterogeneity presented between the studies, it was not possible to carry out qualitative analysis. The results were presented narratively. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database. RESULTS A total of 2,274 articles were retrieved. Seven studies met the criteria and were included in a systematic review, which included a total of 477 patients. The interventions included were electromyography biofeedback ( n = 2), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( n = 1), transcranial direct current stimulation ( n = 1), low-intensity shockwave ( n = 1), physiotherapy treatment ( n = 1), and pelvic floor exercise with behavioral modification ( n = 1). All studies evaluated pain reduction, 5 evaluated sexual function, and 2 evaluated quality of life. All interventions were effective for the main outcomes; only the transcranial direct current stimulation intervention showed no significant difference when compared with the placebo or sham group. Three studies presented a high risk of bias due to the lack of blinding. CONCLUSIONS The studied interventions (electromyography biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, shockwave, physiotherapy, and pelvic floor exercise) seem to improve pain, sexual function, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of the studies prevented meta-analysis. In addition, well-designed trials are needed to improve the certainty of this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Polliana Nascimento
- Sciences Applied to Women's Health Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Megan L Falsetta
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Tracey Maurer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont Health Network, Colchester, VT
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12
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Falsetta ML. Editorial: Vulvodynia and beyond: innate immune sensing, microbes, inflammation, and chronic pain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1338659. [PMID: 38145051 PMCID: PMC10739423 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1338659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Falsetta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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13
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Murina F, Recalcati D, Di Francesco S, Cetin I. Effectiveness of Two Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Protocols in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Med Sci (Basel) 2023; 11:48. [PMID: 37606427 PMCID: PMC10443369 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vestibulodynia (VBD) is the most common form of vulvodynia. Because VBD is a pain disorder, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used as treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effects of two-parameter combinations (frequency and pulse duration) of TENS in reducing pain intensity and dyspareunia in VBD. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted to study the effect of two different electrical stimulation treatment regimens on women with VBD receiving domiciliary TENS. Outcomes were the mean change from baseline at 60 and 120 days of burning/pain and dyspareunia (VAS), Vulvar Pain Functional Questionnaire (V-Q), Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and vaginal electromyography measurements. RESULTS A total of 78 subjects, 39 in each group, completed the trial. Patients in Groups 1 and 2 received a mean of 46.9 and 48.4 TENS sessions. By day 120, there was a 38.2% reduction in the burning/pain and a 52.1% reduction in the dyspareunia VAS scores in Group 1, as compared to 21.3% (p = 0.003) and 23.1% in Group 2 (p = 0.01), respectively. FSFI, V-Q, and muscle-strength measures also improved but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed the potential of TENS in the treatment of VBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Murina
- Lower Genital Tract Disease Unit, V. Buzzi Hospital–University of the Study of Milan, 20124 Milan, Italy
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14
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Falsetta ML, Maddipati KR, Honn KV. Inflammation, lipids, and pain in vulvar disease. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 248:108467. [PMID: 37285943 PMCID: PMC10527276 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) affects ∼14 million people in the US (9% of women), destroying lives and relationships. LPV is characterized by chronic pain (>3 months) upon touch to the vulvar vestibule, which surrounds the vaginal opening. Many patients go months or years without a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the treatments available only manage the symptoms of disease and do not correct the underlying problem. We have focused on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of chronic vulvar pain to speed diagnosis and improve intervention and management. We determined the inflammatory response to microorganisms, even members of the resident microflora, sets off a chain of events that culminates in chronic pain. This agrees with findings from several other groups, which show inflammation is altered in the painful vestibule. The vestibule of patients is acutely sensitive to inflammatory stimuli to the point of being deleterious. Rather than protect against vaginal infection, it causes heightened inflammation that does not resolve, which coincides with alterations in lipid metabolism that favor production of proinflammatory lipids and not pro-resolving lipids. Lipid dysbiosis in turn triggers pain signaling through the transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 receptor (TRPV4). Treatment with specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that foster resolution reduces inflammation in fibroblasts and mice and vulvar sensitivity in mice. SPMs, specifically maresin 1, act on more than one part of the vulvodynia mechanism by limiting inflammation and acutely inhibiting TRPV4 signaling. Therefore, SPMs or other agents that target inflammation and/or TRPV4 signaling could prove effective as new vulvodynia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Falsetta
- University of Rochester, OB/GYN Research Division, Rochester, NY, United States of America; University of Rochester, Pharmacology and Physiology Department, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Wayne State University, Pathology Department, Detroit, MI, United States of America; Wayne State University, Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Wayne State University, Pathology Department, Detroit, MI, United States of America; Wayne State University, Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, MI, United States of America
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15
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Ergisi M, Law A, Chaudhari N, Tsatsari S, Lawson K, Jenner C. Effectiveness of topical gabapentin in the treatment of vulvodynia: a narrative synthesis. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1159268. [PMID: 37465763 PMCID: PMC10350535 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1159268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvodynia is a leading cause of dyspareunia in premenopausal women, causing considerable morbidity and sexual dysfunction. A multimodal approach is used to treat vulvodynia. Alongside psychosocial interventions and physiotherapy, pharmacological treatment such as oral gabapentin are used in the treatment of vulvodynia. Topical formulations of gabapentin have shown promise in animal models and case reports investigating its use in other pain conditions. The topical route also avoids the systemic complications of gabapentin such as somnolence, dizziness, and peripheral edema. This study aimed to perform a narrative synthesis of studies investigating the use of topical gabapentin in the treatment of vulvodynia. The primary outcome was a change in pain score following treatment with topical gabapentin. A broad literature search was performed, which identified four studies for inclusion. The included studies reported improved pain measures following treatment; however, conclusions cannot be made due to methodological heterogeneity and inherent limitations. These include lack of control arms, small sample sizes, lack of patient randomization, and use of combination treatments. Due to the paucity of evidence, this review supports the future implementation of double-blind randomized controlled trials to further investigate the efficacy of topical gabapentin in the treatment of vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kim Lawson
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Jenner
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Imperical College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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Albaladejo-Belmonte M, Villa-Munoz P, Nohales-Alfonso FJ, Monfort-Ortiz R, Mira-Tomas JM, Alberola-Rubio J, Garcia-Casado J. Changes in pelvic floor electrical activity and vulvar pain after botulinum toxin treatment of vestibulodynia: are clinical and electrophysiological outcomes related? . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082636 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Vestibulodynia is a gynecological condition with different treatment options available, including botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) injections into the vulvar vestibule. Unlike other treatments, no studies have assessed changes in the myoelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) after BoNT/A treatment. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate these changes and to correlate them with changes in vulvar pain sensitivity. To do this, 35 patients with vestibulodynia were recruited, the myoelectrical activity of their left and right PFM was recorded with surface electromyography (sEMG), and their vulvar pain sensitivity was monitored according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and an algometer, both before and after BoNT/A treatment. According to our results, patients' signals during PFM relaxation showed a significantly higher power than those of healthy women at baseline, as shown by their root mean square values (RMS), but became similar at follow-up. Patients' mean vulvar pain VAS scores significantly decreased after treatment. Furthermore, baseline-to-follow-up differences of RMS at PFM rest vs. mean VAS were significantly correlated (CC=0.48, p<0.01) so that higher reductions in the PFM activity power were associated with higher decreases in vulvar pain.Clinical Relevance- Altered PFM electrophysiological condition of patients with vestibulodynia becomes similar to healthy women's after BoNT/A treatment. This study also points to a relationship between the evolution of clinical and PFM electrophysiological conditions.
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17
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Sagoo MK, Lakhan M, Moyal-Barracco M, Lewis FM. Nocturnal Vulval Pain in Girls-A Subset of Vulvodynia? J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:297-299. [PMID: 37201554 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the authors' case series were to outline the clinical features of prepubertal nocturnal vulval pain syndrome and to look at management and outcomes. METHODS Clinical details of prepubertal girls experiencing episodes of nocturnal vulval pain with no identifiable cause were recorded and analyzed. Parents completed a questionnaire to look at outcomes. RESULTS Eight girls with age at onset of symptoms between 3.5 and 8 years (mean 4.4 years) were included. Each patient described intermittent episodes of vulval pain lasting between 20 minutes and 5 hours, starting 1-4 hours after falling asleep. They were crying and rubbing or holding the vulva with no obvious cause seen. Many were not fully awake and 75% had no recollection of the events. Management focused on reassurance alone. The questionnaire showed that 83% had full resolution of symptoms with a mean duration of 5.7 years. CONCLUSIONS Prepubertal nocturnal vulval pain syndrome may be a subset of vulvodynia (generalized, spontaneous, intermittent) to be included in the clinical spectrum of night terrors. Recognizing the clinical key features should aid prompt diagnosis and reassurance of the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet K Sagoo
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's & St Thomas NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manpreet Lakhan
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's & St Thomas NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fiona M Lewis
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's & St Thomas NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Bardin MG, Giraldo PC, Fante JF, Carvalho de Araujo C, Cyr MP, Marques AA. Current Practices in Brazil on Diagnosis and Management of Women With Vulvodynia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:173-179. [PMID: 36951987 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vulvodynia (VVD) is a frequent and harrowing condition for which diagnosis and management remain insufficient. Our study aimed to describe and compare vulvovaginal signs and symptoms of Brazilian women with VVD and controls and describe previous medical assessment, past treatments, and vulvar pain relief among women with VVD. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study included Brazilian women with (n = 151) and without VVD (n = 106). All women were assessed for vaginal infection, vulvar pain intensity by means of a cotton swab test based on a numerical rate scale, and answered the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire and a structured instrument about current vulvar symptoms. Previous treatments were assessed in the VVD group, and vulvar pain relief achieved with previous treatments was qualified through a 4-point Likert scale. RESULTS Volunteers were mainly White, with mean age of 30 years. Vulvovaginal signs and symptoms were significantly more frequent in women with VVD (p < .05), and vulvar pain duration was 5.8 (±4) years. More than 50% consulted with three or more physicians, and 49% remained without a conclusive diagnosis. Previous diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginal infection were often reported by women with VVD. Most of the tried prescriptions were self-reported as providing only low vulvar pain relief. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged duration of vulvar pain, multiple visits to health care professionals, and poor relief of pain are common aspects in the clinical history of women with VVD. In addition to pain, vulvar fissure, edema, erythema, vaginal discharge, and foul odor are common and should be considered to avoid misdiagnosis. Appropriate treatments to VVD are still poorly reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela G Bardin
- Section of Physical Therapy, Women's Hospital, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Giraldo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Júlia F Fante
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camila Carvalho de Araujo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marie-Pierre Cyr
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrea A Marques
- Section of Physical Therapy, Women's Hospital, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Oughourlian TC, Tun G, Antony KM, Gupta A, Mays VM, Mayer EA, Rapkin AJ, Labus JS. Symptom-associated alterations in functional connectivity in primary and secondary provoked vestibulodynia. Pain 2023; 164:653-665. [PMID: 35972459 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Primary provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is marked by the onset of symptoms at first provoking vulvar contact, whereas secondary PVD refers to symptom onset after some period of painless vulvar contact. Different pathophysiological processes are believed to be involved in the development and maintenance of primary PVD and secondary PVD. The primary aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that the resting state functional connectivity of the brain and brain stem regions differs between these subtypes. Deep clinical phenotyping and resting state brain imaging were obtained in a large sample of a women with primary PVD (n = 46), those with secondary PVD (n = 68), and healthy control women (n = 94). The general linear model was used to test for differences in region-to-region resting state functional connectivity and psychosocial and symptom assessments. Direct statistical comparisons by onset type indicated that women with secondary PVD have increased dorsal attention-somatomotor network connectivity, whereas women with primary PVD predominantly show increased intrinsic resting state connectivity within the brain stem and the default mode network. Furthermore, compared with women with primary PVD, those with secondary PVD reported greater incidence of early life sexual abuse, greater pain catastrophizing, greater 24-hour symptom unpleasantness, and less sexual satisfaction. The findings suggest that women with secondary PVD show greater evidence for central amplification of sensory signals, whereas women with primary PVD have alterations in brain stem circuitry responsible for the processing and modulation of ascending and descending peripheral signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia C Oughourlian
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Guistinna Tun
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kevin M Antony
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Arpana Gupta
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vickie M Mays
- Departments of Psychology and Health Policy & Management, Fielding School of Public Health, BRITE Center for Science, Research & Policy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea J Rapkin
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S Labus
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Ram-Weiner M, Hayman-Mendelson A, Allouche-Kam H, Lev-Sagie A. Postpartum dyspareunia: clinical evaluation, causes, and treatment outcomes. J Sex Med 2023; 20:324-331. [PMID: 36763952 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspareunia affects approximately half of postpartum women and is attributed to multiple factors. Despite its high prevalence and resultant negative effects, data are lacking regarding the causes and different pain components, the usefulness of recommended treatments, and the prognosis. AIM To evaluate causes of postpartum dyspareunia, targeted treatment modalities, and their effectiveness. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted of women diagnosed with postpartum dyspareunia between September 2008 and January 2017 at a single designated vulvovaginal disorder clinic. The inclusion criterion was complaint of painful intercourse commencing postdelivery. The cohort was divided into 4 groups based on the causes of dyspareunia: muscle hypertonicity, scar tenderness, vestibular tenderness, and atrophy. OUTCOMES The following were assessed for each group: patient background demographics, clinical and obstetric data, physical findings, recommended therapy, adherence to the suggested treatment, level of improvement at follow-up visits, and length of time until maximal improvement. RESULTS A hundred women met the inclusion criterion; the majority (n = 60) presented with >1 causative factor. The most common finding was vestibular tenderness (n = 78, 78%), which was significantly associated with atrophy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 15.08; 95% CI, 2.45-93.35), contraceptive usage (aOR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.07-21.39), and primiparity (aOR, 4.89; 95% CI, 1.01-23.88). Episiotomy was the only risk factor for scar tenderness (aOR, 5.43; 95% CI, 1.20-24.53), while the existence of a spontaneous perineal tear was not. No specific correlation was found with pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity. Targeted treatment resulted in significant improvement in most patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A targeted diagnostic and treatment approach for postpartum dyspareunia is effective and can be beneficial for caregivers treating postpartum women. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS A uniform and consistent protocol for patient selection and management is a major strength, which magnifies the clinical implication of our findings. The retrospective nature of the study is the primary limitation. CONCLUSION Postpartum dyspareunia is a common problem; however, many women refrain from discussing it with their providers. Therefore, it is important to assess this condition with all women during the postpartum visit as targeted diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hadas Allouche-Kam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah University Medical Center-Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel
| | - Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Clalit Health Organization, Jerusalem 9780214, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
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Goldstein SW, Goldstein I, Kim NN, Kellogg-Spadt S, Murina F. Safety and efficacy of fractional CO2 laser treatment to the vestibule: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, prospective 3-site clinical study in women with vestibular pain. J Sex Med 2023; 20:800-812. [PMID: 36779572 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data are limited regarding fractional CO2 laser as a nonhormonal treatment for vestibular pain. AIM We sought to perform what is, to our knowledge, the first multisite prospective randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of fractional CO2 laser treatment to the vestibule in women with vestibular pain. METHODS Subjects (n = 70) meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria at each of 3 sites were randomized 2:1 to active or sham (zero energy) fractional CO2 laser treatment using the vestibular probe (SmartXide2 V2LR - MonaLisa Touch, DEKA, Florence, Italy). Subjects in each treatment arm received 3 treatments 4 weeks apart. At the initial follow-up (week 12), subjects were unblinded and those initially assigned to sham started active treatment. OUTCOMES Outcome measures included changes from baseline in sexual activity diaries and scores for the Vulvoscopic Genital Tissue Appearance Scale (VGTA), vestibular cotton-tipped swab testing, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and the O'Leary-Sant voiding and pain indices, the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI). RESULTS After active treatment, VGTA scores significantly improved in 5 parameters. Pain associated with cotton-tipped swab testing was significantly reduced at weeks 4 through 16 (mean change from baseline -0.64 [95% CI, -0.79 to -0.50] and -1.31 [95% CI, -1.46 to -1.16], respectively). FSFI pain domain scores improved significantly at weeks 12 and 16 (mean change from baseline 0.925 [95% CI, 0.10-1.75] and 1.22 [95% CI, 0.40-2.05], respectively). FSFI total scores increased significantly at weeks 12 and 16 (mean change from baseline 6.24 [95% CI, 2.64-9.85] and 4.96 [95% CI, 1.36-8.57], respectively). FSDS-R scores decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 16 (mean change from baseline -5.84 [95% CI, -8.80 to -2.87] and -9.15 [95% CI, -12.11 to -6.18], respectively). ICSI scores decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 16 (mean change from baseline -0.91 [95% CI, -1.65 to -0.18] and -0.754 [95% CI, -1.49 to -0.02], respectively). ICPI scores decreased significantly at week 16 (mean change from baseline -0.99 [95% CI, -1.63 to -0.34]). In contrast, there were no significant changes in outcomes in the sham arm. No serious adverse events occurred. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Fractional CO2 laser treatment in women with vestibular pain resulted in improvement from baseline in multiple key outcome measures of vestibular health. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of the study were that it was a multisite prospective randomized double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial that included multiple measures related to vestibular pain and sexual function. Limitations were the nonvalidated primary outcome measure and limited study cohort. CONCLUSION Fractional CO2 laser therapy is a safe and effective nonhormonal treatment for vestibular pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irwin Goldstein
- San Diego Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA United States.,Sexual Medicine, Alvarado Hospital, San Diego, CA United States
| | - Noel N Kim
- Institute for Sexual Medicine, San Diego, CA United States
| | | | - Filippo Murina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
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22
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Li R, Kreher DA, Gubbels AL, Palermo TM. Chronic Pelvic Pain Profiles in Women Seeking Care in a Tertiary Pelvic Pain Clinic. PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 24:207-218. [PMID: 35972368 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Female chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has multiple pain generators and significant psychosocial sequalae. Biopsychosocial-based phenotyping could help identify clinical heterogeneity that may inform tailored patient treatment. This study sought to identify distinct CPP profiles based on routinely collected clinical information and evaluate the validity of the profiles through associations with social histories and subsequent health care utilization. METHODS Women (18-77 years, n = 200) seeking care for CPP in a tertiary gynecological pelvic pain clinic between 2017 and 2020 were included. Baseline data of pain intensity, interference, catastrophizing, acceptance, overlapping pelvic pain syndromes, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders were subject to a partition around medoids clustering to identify patient profiles. Profiles were compared across social history and subsequent treatment modality, prescribed medications, and surgeries performed. RESULTS Two profiles with equal proportion were identified. Profile 1 was vulvodynia and myofascial pelvic pain-dominant characterized by lower pain burden and better psychological functioning. Profile 2 was visceral pain-dominant featuring higher pain interference and catastrophizing, lower pain acceptance, and higher psychiatric comorbidity. Patients in Profile 2 had 2-4 times higher prevalence of childhood and adulthood abuse history (all P < .001), were more likely to subsequently receive behavioral therapy (46% vs 27%, P = .005) and hormonal treatments (34% vs 21%, P = .04), and were prescribed more classes of medications for pain management (P = .045) compared to patients in Profile 1. CONCLUSIONS Treatment-seeking women with CPP could be separated into two groups distinguished by pain clusters, pain burden, pain distress and coping, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Donna A Kreher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ashley L Gubbels
- Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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23
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De Seta F, Ianniello P, Carlucci S, Nappi L, Sorrentino F, Stabile G. New Topical Therapy for Provoked Vestibulodynia: Improvement of Psychological and Sexual Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1931. [PMID: 36767294 PMCID: PMC9915117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Vulvodynia is a vulvar discomfort that occurs in the absence of any specific, clinically identifiable disorder. Few therapies have shown to be effective for the treatment of vulvodynia. In our recently published study, we tested a drug-free gel in women affected by vulvar vestibulitis. It is a cosmetic gel which acts locally without any metabolic, pharmacological or immunological effect. In order to further promote the validity of this new product, in this manuscript we analyzed the results obtained from the administration of four questionnaires in the same two groups of women affected by PVD and treated with a placebo and the new product. The questionnaires used: Female Sexual Function Index Scoring (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and health-related quality of life measured by SF-36 (SF-36). The results obtained by this current analysis showed that the new gel has also proven benefits on women's quality of life and sexual function, including improvements in arousal, desire, orgasm and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ianniello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Carlucci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Nappi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Felice Sorrentino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Stabile
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy
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24
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Zagami M, Klepper E, Wienecke E, Andrzejewski M, Sikder A, Ahmed A, Robinson H. A review of psychocutaneous disorders from a psychotherapeutic perspective—Toolkit for the dermatologist. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2023. [PMID: 37538328 PMCID: PMC10395638 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The study of psychocutaneous disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is of paramount importance that dermatologists understand the psychiatric premise for these disorders. Mental health professionals can also benefit from a better understanding of the dermatologic manifestations of psychiatric disorders they may encounter in their practice. Aim The aim of this study is to elevate the level of understanding regarding psychotherapeutic treatment of psychocutaneous disorders. Methods We performed a literature review using the major databases. Four researchers reviewed English, full text, peer-reviewed articles that were published after 2000 using our specific search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results The majority of psychocutaneous disorders seem to be clustered among three DSM-5 disorders: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive related disorders. Conclusions Better recognition of the underlying psychiatric comorbidities may lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Zagami
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
| | - Edward Klepper
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
| | - Eric Wienecke
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
| | | | - Ahmed Sikder
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
| | - Howard Robinson
- Robinson & Max Dermatology PA Lutherville‐ Timonium Maryland USA
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25
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Desloge AA, Patil CL, Glayzer JE, Suarez ML, Kobak WH, Meinel M, Steffen AD, Burke LA, Yao Y, Takayama M, Yajima H, Kaptchuk TJ, Takakura N, Foster DC, Wilkie DJ, Schlaeger JM. Women's Experience of Living with Vulvodynia Pain: Why They Participated in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:50-54. [PMID: 36130137 PMCID: PMC9917314 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Vulvodynia is vulvar pain lasting at least 3-months without clear identifiable cause that may have other associated factors. The aim, to explore motivations of women participating in a double-blind randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for vulvodynia. Methods: Responses to the question: "Tell me about why you decided to participate in this study" were analyzed using conceptual content analysis to identify patterns in motivation for study participation. Results: Four patterns emerged: 1) desire to address uncontrolled pain, 2) desire for understanding, 3) wish to contribute to knowledge generation, and 4) need to remove cost barriers. Conclusion: Motivations indicate vulvodynia-specific aspects of acceptability of acupuncture. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03364127.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allissa A. Desloge
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Crystal L. Patil
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Glayzer
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marie L. Suarez
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William H. Kobak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monya Meinel
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alana D. Steffen
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Larisa A. Burke
- Office of Research Facilitation, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Miho Takayama
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ted J. Kaptchuk
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nobuari Takakura
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David C. Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Diana J. Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Judith M. Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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26
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Schlaeger JM, Suarez ML, Glayzer JE, Kobak WH, Meinel M, Steffen AD, Burke LA, Pauls HA, Yao Y, Takayama M, Yajima H, Kaptchuk TJ, Takakura N, Foster D, Wilkie DJ. Protocol for double-blind RCT of acupuncture for vulvodynia. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 30:101029. [PMID: 36387991 PMCID: PMC9649367 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.101029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vulvodynia, vulvar pain of unknown origin lasting at least 3 months, affects 7% of American women. Dyspareunia, its frequent companion, renders sexual intercourse virtually impossible. Although few therapies are efficacious and rapid pain relief is rarely possible, there have been no sham/placebo-controlled studies of acupuncture for vulvodynia. Aims are to: 1) determine efficacy of acupuncture for vulvodynia, 2) explore duration of the acupuncture effect. Methods In a pretest/posttest randomized controlled, double-blind (practitioner-patient) efficacy trial of a standardized acupuncture protocol, we will randomize 80 participants 1:1 to either penetrating needle or skin-touch placebo needle groups. Both types of needles are designed to blind both the acupuncturist and participant. Participants with vulvodynia will insert and remove a tampon as a standardized stimulus and complete primary measures of vulvar pain (pain intensity) and secondary measures of dyspareunia (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI dyspareunia subscale score) and sexual function (FSFI total score) pretreatment, after the 10th acupuncture session, and pain measures weekly until return to pretest levels. Upon study completion control group participants will be offered 10 free real acupuncture sessions. Discussion This is the first multi-needle multi-session RCT using double-blind acupuncture needles as a reliable sham. We hypothesize that controlling for baseline, at posttest there will be statistically significant less vulvar pain and dyspareunia and more sexual function over five weeks in the penetrating needle group compared to the skin touch placebo group. Conclusion This study is responsive to the need for efficacious pain management for women with vulvodynia.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03364127.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Schlaeger
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, USA
| | - Marie L Suarez
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, USA
| | - Jennifer E Glayzer
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, USA
| | - William H Kobak
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA
| | - Monya Meinel
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, USA
| | - Alana D Steffen
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Population Health Nursing Science, USA
| | - Larisa A Burke
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Office of Research Facilitation, USA
| | - Heather A Pauls
- University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Office of Research Facilitation, USA
| | - Yingwei Yao
- University of Florida College of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, USA
| | - Miho Takayama
- Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Japan
| | - Ted J Kaptchuk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Program in Placebo Studies, USA
| | - Nobuari Takakura
- Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Japan
| | - David Foster
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- University of Florida College of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, USA
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27
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Tracey A. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Its Merit in the Treatment of Female Urogenital Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:775-782. [DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Engman L, Ter Kuile MM, Linton SJ, Ekholm E, Tuijnman-Raasveld CC, Flink IK. An initial proof of concept: A replicated single-case study of a CBT group treatment with partner involvement for vulvodynia. Cogn Behav Ther 2022; 51:503-519. [PMID: 35960277 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2086907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Vulvodynia is common and has an immense impact on affected women and their partners. Psychological factors have been found to contribute to pain maintenance and exacerbation, and treatments addressing psychological factors have yielded positive results. This study employed a replicated single-case experimental design to examine a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group treatment with partner involvement in vulvodynia. Repeated measures of pain intensity related to pain-inflicting behaviors were collected weekly throughout baseline and treatment phases. Associated outcomes were measured pre-, post- and at two follow-up assessments. Participants were 18-45-year-old women, in a stable sexual relationship with a man, experiencing vulvodynia. Five women completed the treatment consisting of 10 group sessions and 3 couple sessions. Data were analyzed through visual inspection and supplementary nonparametric calculations. The study showed promising results of the CBT treatment in alleviating pain intensity in connection to specific pain-inflicting behavior since three out of five participants showed improvements. For the participants who improved, sexual function, pain catastrophizing, avoidance, and endurance behavior changed during treatment and were maintained at follow-ups. These results warrant further study of the CBT treatment, in larger, and controlled formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnéa Engman
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Moniek M Ter Kuile
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Steven J Linton
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Elin Ekholm
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Ida K Flink
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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29
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Starzec-Proserpio M, Grigol Bardin M, Fradette J, Tu LM, Bérubè-Lauzière Y, Paré J, Carroll MS, Morin M. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) as an Emerging Treatment for Vulvodynia and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review of Treatment Efficacy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133701. [PMID: 35806984 PMCID: PMC9267539 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has been gaining popularity in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including vulvodynia. The objective of this study was to critically appraise and synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of HILT for reducing pain and improving function in vulvodynia and other chronic primary musculoskeletal pain conditions. Electronic databases and the grey literature were searched. Effects on pain intensity, function, and adverse events were assessed. One study investigating HILT in the treatment of vulvodynia and 13 studies on the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain were selected. The study assessing vulvodynia showed favorable results for reducing pain. Regarding chronic musculoskeletal pain, 12 out of the 13 studies selected consistently showed that HILT was more effective than the placebo/active comparator for reducing pain and improving function. The available effect sizes for pain showed large to huge effects. Similar effects were observed for function except for two studies showing moderate effects. The GRADE score was moderate. Conclusions: There are insufficient data to support the use of HILT in vulvodynia, but the promising results encourage further research. HILT appears to be effective in musculoskeletal pain conditions. More high-quality studies are needed to identify effective laser protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela Grigol Bardin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, Campinas University, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil;
| | - Julie Fradette
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Le Mai Tu
- Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Yves Bérubè-Lauzière
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
| | - Josianne Paré
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Marie-Soleil Carroll
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | - Mélanie Morin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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30
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Lorenz TK, Ramsdell EL, Brock RL. Communication changes the effects of sexual pain on sexual frequency in the pregnancy to postpartum transition. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:91-98. [PMID: 33076744 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1826429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate how sexual pain influences changes in sexual frequency from the pregnancy to postpartum transition, and to examine how couple's sexual communication interacts with sexual pain during pregnancy. METHODS We explored data following 159 mixed-sex couples across the transition from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. Couples completed the Relationship Quality Interview and the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, which assessed their sexual communication, pain and other sexual problems during pregnancy, and frequency of intercourse at pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS Overall, couples reported a decline in sexual activity from pregnancy to postpartum. Women's sexual pain during pregnancy influenced changes in sexual frequency only among couples who reported poorer communication about sex. Among couples reporting sexual pain and good communication, pain did not impact changes in sexual frequency (i.e. they experienced significant declines in sexual activity into the postpartum period, as expected). In contrast, among couples with poor communication, sexual frequency did not significantly decline. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that sexual communication alters the effects of sexual pain on postpartum sexual activity. Future research should examine if sexual communication training during pregnancy improves postpartum sexual wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.,Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Erin L Ramsdell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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31
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Maunder L, Dargie E, Pukall CF. Moderators of the Relationship Between Pain and Pain-Related Sexual Disability in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia Symptoms. J Sex Med 2022; 19:809-822. [PMID: 35370099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of pain anxiety (ie, the degree to which one fears pain), stress, and solicitous partner responses (ie, expressions of sympathy and attention to one's partner's pain) on pain and pain-related disability, but little is known about whether these variables moderate the robust pain-pain-related disability relationship in individuals with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). AIM We investigated whether pain anxiety, stress, and solicitous partner responses moderated the relationship between penetrative pain and pain-related sexual disability in women with PVD symptoms. METHODS Participants with PVD symptoms (N = 65, age range = 18-73 years) completed an online survey assessing pain anxiety (Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), solicitous partner responses (WHYMPI Solicitous Responses Scale), penetrative pain (Female Sexual Function Index), and pain-related sexual disability (Pain Disability Index). Moderated regression analyses were performed using pain anxiety, stress, and solicitous partner responses as moderators of the relationship between penetrative pain, and pain-related sexual disability. OUTCOMES Outcomes in the current study included the moderating effect of pain anxiety, perceived stress, and solicitous partner responses on the relationship between penetrative genital pain and pain-related disability in sexual behavior. RESULTS Higher genital pain from penetrative intercourse and higher pain anxiety significantly predicted higher pain-related sexual disability, but perceived stress was not significantly related to sexual disability. Solicitous partner responses were significantly positively correlated with pain-related sexual disability. None of the moderators significantly moderated the pain-pain-related sexual disability relationship. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS For women with PVD, pain anxiety and solicitous partner responses to their pain may exacerbate their pain-related sexual disability, signifying that pain anxiety and solicitous partner responses represent important targets of therapeutic intervention for women with PVD. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The present study extended past research on the relationships between psychological and behavioral factors and pain in women with PVD symptoms by demonstrating the deleterious relationship between pain anxiety, solicitous responses, and pain-related sexual disability. However, the study was correlational in nature, which precludes conclusions about the effect of pain anxiety, and solicitous partner responses on pain-related sexual disability. CONCLUSION High pain anxiety and frequent solicitous partner responses to an individual's pain predicted higher pain-related sexual disability, suggesting that it may be possible to improve the quality of life of PVD sufferers through interventions that aim to decrease pain anxiety, and solicitous partner responses, in addition to interventions that aim to decrease pain per se. Maunder L, Dargie E, Pukall C. Moderators of the Relationship Between Pain and Pain-Related Sexual Disability in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia Symptoms. J Sex Med 2022;19:809-822.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larah Maunder
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, Ontario , K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Emma Dargie
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, Ontario , K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Caroline F Pukall
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, Ontario , K7L 3N6, Canada.
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De Seta F, Stabile G, Antoci G, Zito G, Nappi RE. Provoked Vestibulodynia and Topical Treatment: A New Option. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050830. [PMID: 35627968 PMCID: PMC9142053 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Provoked vestibulodynia is commonly associated with dyspareunia and affects 7% to 15% of women. This pathology has major implications on sexual function and quality of life, and several types of treatments are available for its management. However, a consensus has not been reached concerning the best treatment of vulvar pain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a brand-new product, the vulvar emulgel Meclon® Lenex, for the management of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis. Methods: This was a monocentric, prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. We enrolled 40 women with provoked vestibulodynia; 20 patients received Meclon® Lenex, whereas the remaining received a placebo. Each woman was assessed subjectively (through questionnaires) and objectively by evaluating vaginal and vulvar symptoms (Friedrichs criteria and Marinoff dyspareunia grade). We evaluated efficacy, safety, compliance and tolerability of the brand-new product vulvar gel Meclon® Lenex in provoked vestibulodynia. Results: After administration of Meclon® Lenex, we evaluated all parameters of the Friedrichs criteria (burning, dyspareunia, erythema, vulvar pain at the 5 o’clock position and 7 o’clock position), as well as the levels of Marinoff dyspareunia. The active treatment showed to be statistically significantly effective (p value ≤ 0.05) in reducing all symptoms of Friedrichs criteria, vulvar pain and Marinoff dyspareunia. Conclusion: This prospective study showed that Meclon® Lenex vulvar emulgel revealed an excellent tolerability and compliance, demonstrating to be a safe and effective option in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.D.S.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Guglielmo Stabile
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.D.S.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Graziana Antoci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.D.S.); (G.Z.)
| | - Rossella E. Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Yessick LR, Pukall CF, Ioachim G, Chamberlain SM, Stroman PW. An Investigation of Descending Pain Modulation in Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD): Alterations of Spinal Cord and Brainstem Connectivity. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:682483. [PMID: 35295532 PMCID: PMC8915748 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.682483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common subtype of vulvodynia (idiopathic chronic vulvar pain) is provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). Previous imaging studies have shown that women with vulvodynia exhibit increased neural activity in pain-related brain regions (e.g., the secondary somatosensory cortex, insula, dorsal midcingulate, posterior cingulate, and thalamus). However, despite the recognized role of the spinal cord/brainstem in pain modulation, no previous neuroimaging studies of vulvodynia have examined the spinal cord/brainstem. Sixteen women with PVD and sixteen matched Control women underwent a spinal cord/brainstem functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session consisting of five runs with no painful thermal stimuli (No Pain), interleaved randomly with five runs with calibrated, moderately painful heat stimulation (Pain). Functional connectivity was also assessed in periods before, during, and after, pain stimulation to investigate dynamic variations in pain processing throughout the stimulation paradigm. Functional connectivity in the brainstem and spinal cord for each group was examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) for both Pain and No Pain conditions. Significant connectivity differences during stimulation were identified between PVD and Control groups within pain modulatory regions. Comparisons of Pain and No Pain conditions identified a larger number of connections in the Control group than in the PVD group, both before and during stimulation. The results suggest that women with PVD exhibit altered pain processing and indicate an insufficient response of the pain modulation system. This study is the first to examine the spinal cord/brainstem functional connectivity in women with PVD, and it demonstrates altered connectivity related to pain modulation in the spinal cord/brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline F Pukall
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriela Ioachim
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Susan M Chamberlain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick W Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Yessick LR, Pukall CF, Ioachim G, Chamberlain SM, Stroman PW. An Investigation of Descending Pain Modulation in Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia: Alterations of Brain Connectivity. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:682484. [PMID: 35295457 PMCID: PMC8915563 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.682484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common vulvodynia subtype (idiopathic chronic vulvar pain). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies indicate that women with PVD exhibit altered function in a number of pain modulatory regions in response to noxious stimulation, such as in the secondary somatosensory cortex, insula, dorsal midcingulate, posterior cingulate, and thalamus. However, previous neuroimaging studies of PVD have not examined periods of time before and after noxious stimulation or investigated functional connectivity among pain modulatory regions. Fourteen women with PVD and 14 matched Control participants underwent five fMRI runs with no painful stimuli interleaved randomly with five runs with calibrated, moderately painful heat stimuli applied to the thenar eminence. As recent findings indicate that pain processing begins before and continues after painful stimulation, 2-min periods were included in each run before and after the stimulus. Functional brain connectivity was assessed during both trials of Pain and No Pain stimulation for each group using structural equation modeling (SEM). Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) on connectivity values demonstrated significant main effects of study condition, and group, for connectivity among pain modulatory regions. Most of the differences between the Pain and No Pain conditions found only in the PVD group take place before (i.e., thalamus to INS, ACC to S1, thalamus to S1, and thalamus to S2) and after pain stimulation (i.e., INS to amygdala, PPC to S1, and thalamus to S2). Such differences were not observed in the Control group. These findings further support previous results indicating that women with PVD have altered pain processing compared to pain-free women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline F Pukall
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriela Ioachim
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Susan M Chamberlain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick W Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Scott KD, Hintz EA, Harris TM. "Having Pain is Normal": How Talk about Chronic Pelvic and Genital Pain Reflects Messages from Menarche. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:296-306. [PMID: 36112920 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1837464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic and genital pain conditions (CPGPCs) often go undiagnosed and untreated in women for years after symptom onset. This is due, in part, to communication challenges experienced by patients such as difficulties describing pain and the stigmatized nature of CPGPCs. However, studies have yet to explore how early messages about menstruation, a context similar in its stigmatized and painful nature, may contribute to undertreatment and diagnostic delays for adult women experiencing CPGPCs by normalizing pelvic and genital pain when they are young girls. Guided by critical feminist theorizing (CFT) and sensitized by an existing typology of negative messages communicated by mothers to daughters about menstruation, this study analyzes interviews with 17 women with CPGPCs to explore how features of negative messages about menstruation (i.e., information restriction and omission) appear and recur in women's descriptions of their later CPGP experiences. Findings suggest that early life talk about menstruation forms a communicative precedent for young girls which later constrains how they talk about CPGP in adulthood. Findings also problematize early-life communication about menstruation, which normalizes women's pain, and suggest connections to outcomes (e.g., diagnostic delays) for women with CPGPCs. Theoretical and practical implications are offered. Limitations and future directions are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie D Scott
- Shelter Advocate and Rapid Rehousing Coordinator, Project Safe, Inc
| | | | - Tina M Harris
- Douglas L. Manship Sr.-Dori Maynard Race, Media, and Cultural Literacy Endowed Chair, Manship School of Mass Communication
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Charbonneau-Lefebvre V, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Rosen NO, Steben M, Bergeron S. Attachment and Childhood Maltreatment as Moderators of Treatment Outcome in a Randomized Clinical Trial for Provoked Vestibulodynia. J Sex Med 2022; 19:479-495. [PMID: 35090839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although distal developmental factors, such as attachment and childhood maltreatment (CM), are associated with the occurrence, severity, and adjustment to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)-the most prevalent form of vulvodynia-no studies to date have examined whether these variables are related to treatment efficacy in the context of PVD. Attachment and CM may act as moderating variables when examining different treatment modalities, whereby individuals with more insecure attachment orientations (anxiety/avoidance) or a history of CM may benefit less from treatments with higher interpersonal contexts, such as sex and couple therapy-a recommended treatment for PVD. AIM The present randomized clinical trial (RCT) examined attachment and CM as predictors and moderators of sexual satisfaction, distress, and function at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up while comparing 2 treatments for PVD: Topical lidocaine, and a novel cognitive behavioral couple therapy focused on women's pain and partners' sexuality. METHODS One hundred eight women with PVD were randomized to a 12-week treatment of either lidocaine or couple therapy. Women completed questionnaires at pretreatment, post-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. OUTCOMES (1) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction; (2) Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; (3) Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS Both attachment and CM were significant moderators of treatment outcomes. At either post-treatment or 6-month follow-up, in the couple therapy condition, women with greater attachment avoidance had poorer outcomes on sexual distress, satisfaction and function, whereas women with higher levels of CM had poorer outcomes on sexual satisfaction and sexual function, compared to women in the lidocaine condition. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Although these novel findings need further replication, they highlight the importance for clinicians to take into account distal factors, for instance, attachment and CM, when treating sexual difficulties such as PVD, as these variables may affect more interpersonal dimensions of treatment (eg, trust, compliance, etc.) and ultimately, treatment progress. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Using a rigorous RCT study design and statistical approach, this study is the first to examine attachment and CM as moderators in the treatment of sexual difficulties. It is however limited by the use of self-report measures, and further studies are necessary to validate the generalizability of current results to other sexual difficulties. CONCLUSION Findings support the role of interpersonal factors in the treatment of PVD and indicate that short-term psychological interventions, such as couple therapy, may be less beneficial for women with antecedents of CM and attachment insecurity. V Charbonneau-Lefebvre, M-P Vaillancourt-Morel, NO Rosen, et al. Attachment and Childhood Maltreatment as Moderators of Treatment Outcome in a Randomized Clinical Trial for Provoked Vestibulodynia. J Sex Med 2022;19:479-495.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Marc Steben
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Groupe de médecine familiale La Cité du Parc Lafontaine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Sánchez S, Baquedano L, Cancelo MJ, Jurado AR, Molero F, Nohales F, Mendoza N, Palacios S. Managing vulvar and vestibular pain in postmenopausal women: recommendations from the Spanish Menopause Society, Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Sociedad Española de Medicos de Atención Primaria y Federación Española de Sociedades de Sexología. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:263-266. [PMID: 34519600 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1963954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Relieving vulvar pain caused by atrophy in postmenopausal women is a challenge in our clinical practice. We know more and more about the vulva, its anatomy and physiology and we are realizing that it is different from the vagina. The importance of the vulvar approach in the management of vulvar or vestibular pain (VP) due to atrophy in postmenopausal women is becoming increasingly important. A panel of experts from several Spanish scientific societies (Spanish Menopause Society, AEEM; Spanish Federation of Sexology Societies, FESS; Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians, SEMERGEN; and the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics) held a meeting to discuss treatment recommendations for women with vulvar and VP based on the best available evidence, creating a report to describe grades of recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sánchez
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Baquedano
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ma Jesús Cancelo
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Rosa Jurado
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisca Molero
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN), Madrid, Spain
- Federación Española de Sociedades de Sexología (FESS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Nohales
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nicolás Mendoza
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Palacios
- Spanish Menopause Society (Asociación Española para el Estudio de la Menopausia -AEEM), Barcelona, Spain
- Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia (SEGO), Zaragoza, Spain
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Changes in pelvic floor morphometry and muscle function after multimodal physiotherapy for gynaecological cancer survivors suffering from dyspareunia: a prospective interventional study. Physiotherapy 2022; 114:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Vulvodynia: a neuroinflammatory pain syndrome originating in pelvic visceral nerve plexuses due to mechanical factors. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1411-1415. [PMID: 35147761 PMCID: PMC9519726 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06424-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
This short opinion aimed to present the evidence to support our hypothesis that vulvodynia is a neuroinflammatory pain syndrome originating in the pelvic visceral nerve plexuses caused by the failure of weakened uterosacral ligaments (USLs) to support the pelvic visceral nerve plexuses, i.e., T11–L2 sympathetic and S2–4 parasympathetic plexuses. These are supported by the USLs, 2 cm from their insertion to the cervix. They innervate the pelvic organs, glands, and muscles. If the USLs are weak or lax, gravitational force or even the muscles may distort and stimulate the unsupported plexuses. Inappropriate afferent signals could then be interpreted as originating from an end-organ site. Activation of sensory visceral nerves causes a neuro-inflammatory response in the affected tissues, leading to neuroproliferation of small peripheral sensory nerve fibers, which may cause hyperalgesia and allodynia in the territory of the damaged innervation. Repair of the primary abnormality of USL laxity, responsible for mechanical stimulation of the pelvic sensory plexus, may lead to resolution of the pain syndrome.
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Barcellini A, Dominoni M, Dal Mas F, Biancuzzi H, Venturini SC, Gardella B, Orlandi E, Bø K. Sexual Health Dysfunction After Radiotherapy for Gynecological Cancer: Role of Physical Rehabilitation Including Pelvic Floor Muscle Training. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:813352. [PMID: 35186978 PMCID: PMC8852813 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.813352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study aims to describe: 1. How the side effects of radiotherapy (RT) could impact sexual health in women; 2. The effectiveness of physical rehabilitation including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the management of sexual dysfunction after RT. Materials and Methods Search keys on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane were used to identify studies on women treated with radical or adjuvant RT and/or brachytherapy for gynecological cancers with an emphasis on vulvo-vaginal toxicities and PFMT studies on sexual dysfunction for this group of women. Results Regarding the first key question, we analyzed 19 studies including a total of 2,739 women who reported vaginal dryness, stenosis, and pain as the most common side effects. Reports of dosimetric risk factors and dose-effect data for vaginal and vulvar post-RT toxicities are scant. Only five studies, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were found to report the effect of PFMT alone or in combination with other treatments. The results showed some evidence for the effect of training modalities including PFMT, but to date, there is insufficient evidence from high-quality studies to draw any conclusion of a possible effect. Conclusions Gynecological toxicities after RT are common, and their management is challenging. The few data available for a rehabilitative approach on post-actinic vulvo-vaginal side effects are encouraging. Large and well-designed RCTs with the long-term follow-up that investigate the effect of PFMT on vulvo-vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscle function are needed to provide further guidance for clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Barcellini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Amelia Barcellini
| | - Mattia Dominoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dal Mas
- Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Center of Organization and Governance of the Public Administration, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Helena Biancuzzi
- Ipazia, International Observatory on Gender Research, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Gardella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ester Orlandi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Clinical Department, National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Kari Bø
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
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Abern L, Maguire K, Cook J, Carugno J. Prevalence of Vulvar Pain and Dyspareunia in Trans Masculine Individuals. LGBT Health 2022; 9:194-198. [PMID: 35119296 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The prevalence of vulvar pain and dyspareunia has not been studied in trans masculine individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported vulvar pain symptoms and dyspareunia in this population and investigate its relationship to gender-affirming hormone therapy with testosterone. Methods: Trans masculine individuals of ages 18-64 years participated in a voluntary online survey including questions about demographics, hormone therapy, and whether they experienced vulvar pain symptoms. The study was conducted between May 2017 and October 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 782 trans masculine individuals completed the survey. The mean age was 27 years (standard deviation 8.6). The majority was White (661/778, 85.0%) and had private health insurance (517/781, 66.2%). Testosterone use was reported by 468 of 782 (59.8%) individuals, and 566 of 672 (84.2%) individuals had been sexually active in their lifetime. Unintentional pain with sexual intercourse was experienced by 372 of 605 (61.5%) participants. A total of 236 of 399 (59.1%) individuals utilized testosterone compared with 136 of 206 (66.0%) individuals who did not (p = 0.11). Of survey respondents, 68 of 710 (9.6%) individuals reported vulvar pain symptoms, and 42 of 452 (9.3%) individuals were on testosterone compared with 26 of 258 (10.1%) individuals not on testosterone (p = 0.79). Of all participants experiencing vulvar pain symptoms, 42 of 68 (61.8%) individuals were on testosterone. Conclusion: In this study, trans masculine individuals had a higher prevalence of dyspareunia than the general population, whereas the prevalence of vulvar pain was similar to that reported in cisgender women. The use of testosterone did not appear to increase the risk of developing unintentional pain with intercourse or vulvar pain symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karla Maguire
- Minimally Invasive Gynecology Division, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jake Cook
- Philadelphia FIGHT, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jose Carugno
- Minimally Invasive Gynecology Division, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Mooney KM, Poirier É, Pukall CF. Persistent Genital Arousal in Relationships: A Comparison of Relationship, Sexual, and Psychological Well-Being. J Sex Med 2022; 19:234-248. [PMID: 34903472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is characterized by sensations of physiological genital sexual arousal (and/or other types of genitopelvic dysesthesia) that occur in the absence of subjective feelings of sexual desire. AIMS The aim of this study was to compare relationship, sexual, and psychological well-being in partnered individuals with and without distressing symptoms of PGAD/GPD. METHODS The sample (N = 65 individuals with vulvas and vaginas, N = 11 individuals with penises) of 152 partnered individuals (N = 76 with and 76 without PGAD/GPD symptoms) participated in a one-time anonymous online survey. OUTCOMES The questionnaires assessed relationship satisfaction (Couple Satisfaction Index-Short Form, CSI); sexual satisfaction (Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, GMSEX); sexual functioning (Female Sexual Functioning Index, FSFI, or International Index of Erectile Functioning, IIEF); sexual distress (Sexual Distress Scale, SDS); and psychological well-being, as determined by the presence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). RESULTS Among individuals with vulvas and vaginas, those with PGAD/GPD symptoms reported significantly lower relationship and sexual satisfaction, greater sexual distress, and more symptoms of depression and anxiety than their counterparts in the control group. In addition, these individuals with PGAD/GPD symptoms also reported significantly worse sexual functioning (arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), and they were significantly more distressed about each aspect of their sexual functioning difficulties compared to those in the control group. Among the small sample of individuals with penises (N = 11), descriptive analyses revealed that total sexual functioning scores did not differ across the PGAD/GPD symptom and control groups. In addition, 64.5% of the total sample with PGAD/GPD symptoms managed unwanted genital arousal by avoiding sex with their partner, while 55.3% managed their symptoms by having sex with their partner, and some individuals with PGAD/GPD used both strategies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The finding that PGAD/GPD symptoms impact relationships indicates that treatment for PGAD/GPD should include consideration of the well-being of one's intimate relationship(s). STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This study added to the small literature on experiences of PGAD/GPD in relationships, and it was the first to assess sexual satisfaction. Limitations include the small sample of individuals with penises, and the cross-sectional, correlational design, which does not allow for causal conclusions to be drawn. CONCLUSION Results emphasize the importance of continued research of this population (and their partners) in order to improve diagnosis, intervention, and recognition within the medical community. Mooney KM, Poirier É, Pukall CF., Persistent Genital Arousal in Relationships: A Comparison of Relationship, Sexual, and Psychological Well-Being. J Sex Med 2022;19:234-248.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Mooney
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Évéline Poirier
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Bond JC, Kachura JJ, Fox MP, Weuve J, Harlow BL. Potential for Selection Bias in Studies of the Association of Hormonal Contraception and Chronic Vulvar Pain. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:194-201. [PMID: 34190629 PMCID: PMC8864423 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hormonal contraceptive use is common among reproductive-aged women, but research evaluating its etiological relationship to vulvodynia remains mixed. We sought to evaluate this association and examine the potential for bias due to care-seeking behavior. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case-control study of women recruited from a large health care network database from 2008 to 2011. Of 26,455 eligible respondents, 1168 met the case definition for chronic vulvar pain (CVP). We matched each case to three controls by age and used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for prior hormonal contraception (HC) use and CVP, stratifying cases by whether or not they sought care for their vulvar pain. We also simulated the influence of potential biases due to care seeking, using parameters based on this dataset. Results: HC users had higher odds of CVP (adjusted OR = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-3.2). Effect estimates were stronger when cases were restricted to care seekers (adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 2.2-3.7). Effect estimates decreased slightly as time increased between HC initiation and pain onset. Our simulations suggested that effect estimates may be spuriously strengthened when cases are restricted to care-seeking women, but controls are recruited from the general population. Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between antecedent HC use and CVP that is potentially spuriously strengthened in case-control studies when cases are restricted to care seekers but controls are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Bond
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Address correspondence to: Julia C. Bond, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, The Talbot Building, T3E & T4E, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jacob J. Kachura
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bernard L. Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Di Stasi V, Maseroli E, Vignozzi L. Female Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetes: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Curr Diabetes Rev 2022; 18:e171121198002. [PMID: 34789131 DOI: 10.2174/1573399818666211117123802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an underinvestigated comorbidity of diabetes mellitus, often not evaluated in diabetes clinics. Diabetic women should be encouraged to talk about this topic by their diabetologist, because these problems could be comorbid to cardio-metabolic alterations, as it happens in the male counterpart. This review summarizes evidence on sexual dysfunction characteristics in diabetic women, exploring possible underlying pathogenic mechanisms. The role of hypoglycemic drugs in this context was also evaluated. To date, no specific questionnaire has been designed for the assessment of sexual dysfunctions in diabetic female patients but the use of colour-doppler ultrasound of clitoral arteries has been highlighted as a useful tool for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in these women. Similarly, no specific guidelines are available for the treatment of FSD in the diabetic population but patients should be supported to have a healthy lifestyle and, in the absence of contraindications, can benefit from already approved treatments for FSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Department of Andrology, Women\'s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Caffi, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; | Department of Andrology, Women\'s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Caffi, Florence, Italy
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45
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Lev-Sagie A, De Seta F, Verstraelen H, Ventolini G, Lonnee-Hoffmann R, Vieira-Baptista P. The Vaginal Microbiome: II. Vaginal Dysbiotic Conditions. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:79-84. [PMID: 34928257 PMCID: PMC8719518 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This series of articles, titled The Vaginal Microbiome (VMB), written on behalf of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, aims to summarize the recent findings and understanding of the vaginal bacterial microbiota, mainly regarding areas relevant to clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of PubMed database was performed, using the search terms "vaginal microbiome" with "dysbiosis," "bacterial vaginosis," "cytolytic vaginosis," "desquamative inflammatory vaginitis," and "aerobic vaginitis." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. RESULTS The second article in this series focuses on vaginal dysbiotic conditions. Dysbiosis is a term describing imbalances in bacterial communities. Given that lactobacillus-dominated microbiota are thought to be the most optimal, vaginal dysbiosis is usually considered as lactobacilli-depleted VMB. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal dysbiotic condition, is a polymicrobial disorder, considered the leading cause for vaginal discharge in women worldwide. In addition, we review the VMB in other vaginal conditions associated with lactobacilli depletion: desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and aerobic vaginitis. We also discuss the controversial diagnosis of cytolytic vaginosis, related with lactobacilli overgrowth. CONCLUSIONS Bacterial vaginosis displays complex microbiology. The heterogeneity and diversity within the genus Gardnerella may impact the progression of BV. Bacterial biofilms may contribute to the etiology and persistence of BV, and various bacteria may affect its clinical presentation and pathogenicity. Lack of lactobacilli is not always accompanied by an overgrowth of anaerobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Distinguish University Professor, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas
| | - Risa Lonnee-Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
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46
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De Seta F, Lonnee-Hoffmann R, Campisciano G, Comar M, Verstraelen H, Vieira-Baptista P, Ventolini G, Lev-Sagie A. The Vaginal Microbiome: III. The Vaginal Microbiome in Various Urogenital Disorders. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:85-92. [PMID: 34928258 PMCID: PMC8719503 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This series of articles, titled The Vaginal Microbiome (VMB), written on behalf of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, aims to summarize the recent findings and understanding of the vaginal bacterial microbiota, mainly regarding areas relevant to clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of PubMed database was performed, using the search terms "vaginal microbiome" with "Candida," "vaginitis," "urinary microbiome," "recurrent urinary tract infections," "sexually transmitted infections," "human immunodeficiency virus," "human papillomavirus," "nonspecific vaginitis," "vulvodynia," and "vulvovaginal symptoms." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. The third article in this series describes VMB in various urogenital disorders. RESULTS Variable patterns of the VMB are found in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, challenging the idea of a protective role of lactobacilli. Highly similar strains of health-associated commensal bacteria are shared in both the bladder and vagina of the same individual and may provide protection against urinary tract infections. Dysbiotic VMB increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Loss of vaginal lactic acid-producing bacteria combined with elevated pH, increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, although the exact protective mechanisms of the VMB against sexually transmitted infections are still unknown. CONCLUSIONS The VMB may constitute a biological barrier to pathogenic microorganisms. When the predominance of lactobacilli community is disrupted, there is an increased risk for the acquisition of various vaginal pathogents. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe the association between the host, bacterial, and fungal components of the VMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Risa Lonnee-Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Distinguish University Professor, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, Odessa, TX
| | - Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for women living with Vulvodynia: A single-case experimental design study of a treatment delivered online. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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48
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Chisari C, Begleris I, Monajemi MB, Lewis F, Moss-Morris R, Scott W, McCracken LM. A Network Analysis of Selected Psychosocial Factors in Vulvodynia and Its Subtypes. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:2863-2875. [PMID: 34453826 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychosocial factors are related to pain and sex-related outcomes in provoked vulvodynia and possibly in mixed and spontaneous vulvodynia. However, a broader behavioral framework, such as the psychological flexibility model, has received limited attention in this context. Recently, additional psychosocial variables have also emerged that appear relevant to vulvodynia, including perceived injustice, body-exposure anxiety during intercourse, and unmitigated sexual communion. The present study applied network analysis to explore relations between psychological flexibility, newly emerging psychosocial variables relevant to vulvodynia, and their associations with vulvodynia outcomes. The study also explored potential differences across vulvodynia subtypes. DESIGN An online cross-sectional study of 349 participants with vulvodynia (112 provoked, 237 spontaneous/mixed) was carried out. METHODS Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including questions on pain and sexual outcomes, depression, facets of psychological flexibility, body-exposure anxiety during intercourse, unmitigated sexual communion, and perceived injustice. Networks were computed for the total sample and for provoked and mixed/spontaneous vulvodynia subsamples. RESULTS Perceived injustice, pain acceptance, and depression were "central" factors among the included variables, in all models. Psychological flexibility processes were relevant for all networks. Depression was more central in the network for mixed/spontaneous vulvodynia; body-exposure anxiety during intercourse was most central for the provoked subtype. CONCLUSIONS Among the included variables, perceived injustice, pain acceptance, depression, and psychological flexibility appear to be important in vulvodynia. As different factors are significant across subtypes, tailored treatment approaches are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chisari
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mani B Monajemi
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Lewis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's & St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK.,INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Rivera S, Mirowski GW. Dermatographism with vulvar symptoms. Int J Womens Dermatol 2021; 7:454-457. [PMID: 34621958 PMCID: PMC8484939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatographism (DG) is characterized by a localized, inducible, wheal-and-flare response along the distribution of mechanical pressure. We report an illustrative case of DG with vulvar symptoms (DG-VS) and review the literature on this rarely recognized but easily treated etiology of vulvar complaints. A 35-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of vulvar pruritus unresponsive to antifungal, antibacterial, and steroid treatments. A prior punch biopsy was nondiagnostic. Vulvar examination revealed normal architecture and no cutaneous abnormalities. She was markedly dermatographic with a scratch test. DG-VS was diagnosed. The patient achieved complete symptomatic control on low-dose hydroxyzine. She maintains excellent control at 3.5 years. In the literature, a typical patient with DG-VS is of reproductive age, with several years’ history of vulvar symptoms (itching, burning, pain, or swelling) and repeated empiric treatment for infectious/inflammatory etiologies. Exacerbation with sexual activity, menstruation, or wearing tight clothing is characteristic and supports the role of mechanical pressure in inducing focal symptoms. Dermatologic changes to the vulvar skin are rarely noted. DG-VS is diagnosed based on clinical findings, symptom patterns, and a positive scratch test and is treated with antihistamines. DG-VS remains absent from current vulvar disease guidelines. In the complex world of vulvar pain and itch, an etiology so easily screened for and readily treated warrants consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Rivera
- School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Corresponding Author:
| | - Ginat W. Mirowski
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
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50
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Managing Female Sexual Pain. Urol Clin North Am 2021; 48:487-497. [PMID: 34602170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Female sexual pain disorder or genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), previously known as dyspareunia, is defined as persistent or recurrent symptoms with one or more of the following for at least 6 months: marked vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during penetrative intercourse or penetration attempts, marked fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of penetration, and marked tensing or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration. In this review, we discuss etiology, diagnosis, and treatment for common disorders that cause GPPD.
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