Provoked Vestibulodynia in Women with Pelvic Pain

World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project: V. Physical examination standards in endometriosis research

OBJECTIVE

The World Endometriosis Research Foundation established the Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) to create standardized documentation tools (with common data elements) to facilitate the comparison and combination of data across different research sites and studies. In 2014, 4 data research standards were published: clinician-reported surgical data, patient-reported clinical data, and fluid and tissue biospecimen collection. Our current objective is to create an EPHect standard for the clinician-reported physical examination (EPHect-PE) for research studies.

DESIGN

An international consortium involving 26 clinical and academic experts and patient partners from 11 countries representing 25 institutions and organizations. Two virtual workshops, followed by the development of the physical examination standards underwent multiple rounds of iterations and revisions.

SUBJECTS

N/A MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): N/A RESULT(S): The EPHect-PE tool provides standardized assessment of physical examination characteristics and pain phenotyping. Data elements involve examination of back and pelvic girdle; abdomen including allodynia and trigger points; vulva including provoked vestibulodynia; pelvic floor muscle tone and tenderness; tenderness on unidigital pelvic examination; presence of pelvic nodularity; uterine size and mobility; presence of adnexal masses; presence of incisional masses; speculum examination; tenderness and allodynia at an extra-pelvic site (e.g., forearm); and recording of anthropometrics.

CONCLUSION(S)

The EPHect-PE standards will facilitate the standardized documentation of the physical examination, including the assessment and documentation of examination phenotyping of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

A systematic review to determine use of the Endometriosis Health Profiles to measure quality of life outcomes in women with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

The Endometriosis Health Profiles (EHPs), the EHP-30 and EHP-5, are patient-reported outcome measures that were developed to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of women living with endometriosis. Prior to their development, a systematic review was undertaken which identified that the HRQoL of women living with endometriosis was poorly understood, with only three medical and one surgical study identified.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The 20-year anniversary of the EHP-30 provided a timely opportunity to assess how the tools have been used and explore what the findings tell us about the impact of endometriosis and its associated treatments upon women's QoL. Applying robust systematic review methodology, following PRISMA guidelines, we sought to answer: How many studies have used the EHP and for what purpose?; What are the demographic characteristics and international context of the studies?; What is the methodological nature and quality of the studies?; Which interventions have been assessed and what are the reported EHP outcomes?; and Can the EHP outcomes of these interventions be analysed using a meta-analysis and, if so, what do the results show?

SEARCH METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched from the year the EHP was first published, in 2001 to 26 February 2020 using the search terms 'EHP30', 'EHP5', 'EHP-30', 'EHP-5', 'endometriosis health profile 30', and 'endometriosis health profile 5'. We updated the searches on 9 April 2021. All included studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

OUTCOMES

The review included 139 papers. In clinical intervention studies, the EHPs were deployed most frequently to measure the outcomes of medical (n = 35) and surgical (n = 21) treatment. The EHPs were also used in 13 other intervention studies, 29 non-interventional studies, 32 psychometric/cross cultural validation studies; six diagnostic studies, and in three other studies to measure outcomes in related conditions. They were mainly deployed in studies undertaken in Europe and North America. Overall, regardless of the nature of the intervention, most women reported improvements in HRQoL after treatment. Surgical interventions generally resulted in significant improvements for the longest amount of time. There was also evidence that when participants stopped taking medication their EHP scores worsened, perhaps reinforcing the temporary impact of medical treatment. Younger patients reported more negative impact upon their HRQoL. Further evidence using classical test theory to support the EHPs' robust psychometric properties, including acceptability, dimensionality, reliability, validity (including cross-cultural), and responsiveness, was demonstrated, particularly for the EHP-30. Strikingly, using anchor-based methods, EHP-30 responsiveness studies demonstrate the largest mean changes in the 'control and powerlessness' domain post-intervention, followed by 'pain'. MMAT outcomes indicated the quality of the papers was good, with the exception of five studies. A meta-analysis was not undertaken owing to the heterogeneity of the interventions and papers included in this review.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Women with endometriosis face a lifetime of surgical and/or medical interventions to keep the condition under control. Less invasive treatments that can lead to improved longer term physical and psycho-social outcomes are needed. The EHPs are reliable, valid, acceptable, and responsive tools, but more assessment of EHP outcomes using modern psychometric methods and in the context of women from ethnically diverse backgrounds and in routine clinical care would be beneficial. Given the brevity of the EHP-5, it may be the most appropriate version to use in routine clinical practice, whereas the longer EHP-30, which provides more granularity, is more appropriate for research.

Exploring venlafaxine effects on chronic vulvar pain: Changes in mood and pain regulation networks

The etiology of idiopathic pain conditions, such as Provoked vulvodynia (PV), is multifactorial. The efficiency of venlafaxine, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) in modulating vulvar pain led to the hypothesis that PV might involve central mechanisms. Here, we investigate whether vulvar pain is associated with gene-expression changes in mood, stress and pain systems, including amygdala (Amg), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Additionally, we examined the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of venlafaxine. We found that the development of chronic vulvar pain in an animal model of PV is associated by overexpression of genes related to neuronal-activity and neuroinflammation in the Amg, mPFC, and PAG. Additionally, changes in the expression of GABA and serotonin synthesis, and reuptake were noted in the Amg and mPFC. Unsurprisingly, anxiety-like behavior and emotional-disorder were observed in rats with chronic vulvar pain. Nevertheless, treatment with venlafaxine (37.5 mg/kg) for one month significantly improves the vulvar hypersensitivity, as well as reduces the anxiety level. More critically, the long-term gene expression adaptation in serotonin receptor and synthesis, GABA synthesis, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation in the Amg, mPFC, and PAG, were modulated by venlafaxine in rats with vulvar pain. Our findings suggest that vulvar hypersensitivity induced by inflammation might associated with gene expression changes in brain areas that are involved in mood, stress and pain regulation. These changes probably play a role in central sensitization, and anxiety. Strikingly, enhancing the activity of serotonin and noradrenaline via venlafaxine treatment in rats with vulvar pain induces analgesic and anxiolytic effects.

Neuroproliferative dyspareunia in endometriosis and vestibulodynia

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a common cause of deep dyspareunia, while provoked vestibulodynia is a common cause of superficial dyspareunia. The etiology of dyspareunia in both conditions is multifactorial and may include the role of local nerve growth (neurogenesis or neuroproliferation) that sensitizes pelvic structures and leads to pain with contact.

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence for neuroproliferative dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia.

METHODS

Narrative review.

RESULTS

The pelvic peritoneum and vulvar vestibule receive somatic and autonomic innervation. Various markers have been utilized for nerve subtypes, including pan-neuronal markers and those specific for sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. The nerve growth factor family includes neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and their receptors. Studies of endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia have demonstrated the presence of nerve fibers around endometriosis epithelium/stroma in the pelvic peritoneum and within the vulvar vestibule. The number of nerve fibers is higher in these pain conditions as compared with control tissue. Nerve growth factor expression by endometriosis stroma and by immune cells in the vulvar vestibule may be involved in local neuroproliferation. Local inflammation is implicated in this neuroproliferation, with potential roles of interleukin 1β and mast cells in both conditions. Several studies have shown a correlation between nerve fibers around endometriosis and dyspareunia severity, but studies are lacking in provoked vestibulodynia. There are several possible clinical ramifications of neuroproliferative dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia, in terms of history, examination, biopsy, and surgical and medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A neuroproliferative subtype of dyspareunia may be implicated in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia. Additional research is needed to validate this concept and to integrate it into clinical studies. Neuroproliferative pathways could serve as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of dyspareunia in endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia.

Characterization of Early Inflammatory Events Leading to Provoked Vulvodynia Development in Rats

Background

Provoked vulvodynia (PV) is the main cause of vulvar pain and dyspareunia. The etiology of PV has not yet been elucidated. However, PV is associated with a history of recurrent inflammation, and its often accompanied by increases in the numbers of mast cells (MCs) and sensory hyperinnervation in the vulva. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the role of MCs and the early inflammatory events in the development of chronic vulvar pain in a rat model of PV.

Methods

Mechanical and thermal vulvar sensitivity was measured for 5 months following zymosan vulvar challenges. Vulvar changes in glutamate and nerve growth factor (NGF) were analyzed using ELISA. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining of the vulvar section after 20, 81, and 160 days of the zymosan challenge were performed to test MCs accumulation, hyperinnervation, and expression of pain channels (transient receptor potential vanilloid/ankyrin-1-TRPV1 & TRPA1) in vulvar neurons. Changes in the development of vulvar pain were evaluated following the administration of the MCs stabilizer ketotifen fumarate (KF) during zymosan vulvar challenges.

Results

Zymosan-challenged rats developed significant mechanical and thermal vulvar sensitivity that persisted for over 160 days after the zymosan challenge. During inflammation, increased local concentrations of NGF and glutamate and a robust increase in MCs degranulation were observed in zymosan-challenged rats. In addition, zymosan-challenged rats displayed sensory hyperinnervation and an increase in the expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1. Treatment with KF attenuated the upregulated level of NGF during inflammation, modulated the neuronal modifications, reduced MCs accumulation, and enhanced mechanical hypersensitivity after repeated inflammation challenges.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that vulvar hypersensitivity is mediated by MCs accumulation, nerve growth, and neuromodulation of TRPV1 and TRPA1. Hence, KF treatment during the critical period of inflammation contributes to preventing chronic vulvar pain development.

Deep dyspareunia: a narrative review of impact on sexual function and quality-of-life

Deep dyspareunia refers to pain with deep penetration or insertion into the vagina, which affects quality-of-life. The aim of this narrative review is to examine how the underlying conditions that give rise to deep dyspareunia, and the symptoms of these conditions, can affect sexual function and quality-of-life beyond the deep dyspareunia itself. For example, deep dyspareunia may be associated with gynaecological pathologies that cause cyclical pain symptoms (e.g dysmenorrhea, dyschezia/dysuria), resulting in quality-of-life changes related to menstrual cycle events such as ovulation or menstruation. Recurrent dysmenorrhea can cause hyperalgesic priming that sensitizes the nervous system, leading to chronic pelvic pain that can be exacerbated with sexual activity. The co-existence of functional bowel or bladder disorders can result in urgency and frequency that affect the sexual response cycle. Myofascial/musculoskeletal origins of deep dyspareunia may affect body positioning during sexual activity. Central nervous system sensitization can underlie these different factors, and also be associated with mental health conditions, which together can cause symptomatology across body systems that can affect all aspects of one's sexual life. Recognition and management of the far-reaching impacts of deep dyspareunia and its associated comorbidities may be important in clinical care to meaningfully improve quality-of-life. Future research should include a comprehensive empirical validation of the hypotheses and potential mechanisms in this review.

Peripheral, Central, and Cross Sensitization in Endometriosis-Associated Pain and Comorbid Pain Syndromes

Endometriosis-associated pain and the mechanisms responsible for its initiation and persistence are complex and difficult to treat. Endometriosis-associated pain is experienced as dysmenorrhea, cyclical pain related to organ function including dysuria, dyschezia and dyspareunia, and persistent pelvic pain. Pain symptomatology correlates poorly with the extent of macroscopic disease. In addition to the local effects of disease, endometriosis-associated pain develops as a product of peripheral sensitization, central sensitization and cross sensitization. Endometriosis-associated pain is further contributed to by comorbid pain conditions, such as bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, abdomino-pelvic myalgia and vulvodynia. This article will review endometriosis-associated pain, its mechanisms, and its comorbid pain syndromes with a view to aiding the clinician in navigating the literature and terminology of pain and pain syndromes. Limitations of our current understanding of endometriosis-associated pain will be acknowledged. Where possible, commonalities in pain mechanisms between endometriosis-associated pain and comorbid pain syndromes will be highlighted.

Dyspareunia in Their Own Words: A Qualitative Description of Endometriosis-Associated Sexual Pain

Introduction

Dyspareunia has been called the neglected symptom of endometriosis and is underexplored in clinical and research contexts. Understanding the physical experience and patient-important aspects of endometriosis-associated sexual pain can help advance valid measurement of this symptom.

Aims

The goal of this research was to characterize the physical experience of endometriosis-associated dyspareunia in the words of people affected by this condition.

Methods

This was a qualitative descriptive study that included participants with current or previous endometriosis-associated dyspareunia recruited from a data registry. Data collection involved semistructured interviews that began with an open-ended question about dyspareunia followed by prompts related to the nature of sexual pain.

Main Outcome Measures

Interviews transcripts were subjected to qualitative content analysis using a priori (pain site, onset, character, radiation, associations, time course, and exacerbating/relieving factors) and emergent themes.

Results

A total of 17 participants completed interviews. Mean participant age was 33.3 years and most were identified as white, college-educated, heterosexual, and partnered. Location, onset, and character were important; interrelated features of endometriosis-associated dyspareunia were: (i) introital pain began with initial penetration and had pulling, burning, and stinging qualities and (ii) pelvic pain was experienced with deep penetration or in certain positions and was described as sharp, stabbing, and cramping. Dyspareunia ranged from mild to severe, had a marked psychosocial impact for some participants, and was managed using a variety of treatments and strategies.

Conclusion

The endometriosis-associated dyspareunia experienced by participants was heterogenous in presentation, severity, and impact. Our findings have implications for the development of valid patient-reported outcome measures of this symptom.

Wahl KJ, Imtiaz S, Lisonek M, et al. Dyspareunia in Their Own Words: A Qualitative Description of Endometriosis-Associated Sexual Pain. Sex Med 2021;9:100274.

Association between dysmenorrhea and chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to synthesize the epidemiological findings for the associations between dysmenorrhea, including primary dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea and any chronic pain conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, and chronic nonpelvic pain.

DATA SOURCES

The data sources included PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL from inception to December 2019.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The study criteria included observational population-based studies in which the relationship between dysmenorrhea and the presence or severity of chronic pain was examined.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Each study was double coded and evaluated for bias based on the modified Newcastle and Ottawa Scale. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to quantify the associations between dysmenorrhea and the presence of chronic pelvic and nonpelvic pain.

RESULTS

Out of 9452 records, 32 studies were included, with 14 reporting associations between dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain, and 20 for dysmenorrhea and chronic nonpelvic pain. Primary dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhea were examined in 7 studies, respectively. More than 30% of the studies were categorized as poor quality, 56% as moderate, and 12.5% as high. Dysmenorrhea was positively associated with both the presence and severity of chronic pelvic and nonpelvic pain conditions. Based on 6689 women from 8 studies, those with chronic pelvic pain had 2.43 (95% confidence interval, 1.98-2.99, I², 42%) times the odds of having dysmenorrhea compared with those without. Based on 3750 women from 11 studies, those with chronic nonpelvic pain had 2.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.84-3.72, I², 72%) times the odds of having dysmenorrhea compared with those without. Overall, dysmenorrhea was associated with 2.50 (95% confidence interval, 2.02-3.10) times the odds of chronic pain, which did not differ by chronic pelvic vs chronic nonpelvic pain, community vs clinical populations, or different geographical regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysmenorrhea may be a general risk factor for chronic pain, although whether primary dysmenorrhea increases the risk for chronic pain is unclear. Given that adolescence is a sensitive period for neurodevelopment, elucidating the role of primary dysmenorrhea in pain chronicity in future longitudinal studies is important for preventing both chronic pelvic and nonpelvic pain.

Patient-Physician Interactions Regarding Dyspareunia with Endometriosis: Online Survey Results

INTRODUCTION

Dyspareunia can be a debilitating symptom of endometriosis. We performed this study to examine women's experiences with painful sexual intercourse, the impact of dyspareunia on patients' lives, and perceptions of interactions with healthcare practitioners.

METHODS

An anonymous 24-question online survey was provided through the social media network MyEndometriosisTeam.com and was available internationally to women aged 19-55 years who were self-identified as having endometriosis and had painful sexual intercourse within the past 2 years.

RESULTS

From June 13 to August 20, 2018, 860 women responded and 638 women completed the survey (United States, n = 361; other countries, n = 277; 74% survey completion rate). Respondents reported high pain levels (mean score, 7.4 ± 1.86; severity scale of 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst imaginable pain]), with 50% reporting severe pain [score of 8 to 10]). Nearly half (47%) reported pain lasting ≥24 hours after intercourse with the pain often leading to avoiding (34%) or stopping (29%) intercourse. Pain impacted patients' lives, causing depression (61%), anxiety (61%), low self-esteem (55%), and relationship strain. Many women feared to seek help (10%). Of those women who approached practitioners, many (36%) did not receive effective treatments.

DISCUSSION

Women with dyspareunia related to endometriosis experience severe pain that can negatively impact patients' lives. Dyspareunia may be a challenging topic for discussion for both patient and practitioner, leading to a suboptimal treatment approach and management. Results suggest that practitioners need improved education and training regarding dyspareunia to evaluate and treat patients' sexual pain caused by endometriosis.

A Practical Guide to the Clinical Evaluation of Endometriosis-Associated Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected and their families. Recognizing that endometriosis is a chronic condition associated with an impairment in function and negative social impact, there is a shift toward reducing diagnostic delays and initiating timely management. This article provides a comprehensive and practical approach to the clinical diagnosis of EAP, which can subsequently facilitate prompt and directed treatment. The key components of the history, physical examination, and high-quality imaging to evaluate suspected EAP and related pain conditions are presented. Currently, biomarkers have limited utility in the diagnosis of endometriosis, but research in this area continues; development of a reliable noninvasive test for endometriosis may further improve early identification of this condition.