Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women

Myofascial Pelvic Pain and Related Disorders

Myofascial pelvic pain refers to pain in the pelvic floor muscles, the pelvic floor connective tissue, and the surrounding fascia. The cause is often multifactorial and requires treatment that encompasses multiple modalities. This type of pain is often associated with other abdominopelvic disorders, so providers in these specialties need to be aware of these connections. A comprehensive musculoskeletal examination, including evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles, and history are key to diagnosing myofascial pelvic pain. Treatments include physical therapy, muscle relaxers, oral neuromodulators, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pelvic floor muscle injections.

Rates of self-reported urinary, gastrointestinal, and pain comorbidities in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine the prevalences of comorbid disorders in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of self-administered questionnaires regarding the health history of 308 women with lichen sclerosus seen at a vulvar clinic between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Responses to questions about urinary (overactive bladder [OAB], urinary incontinence [UI], and stress UI), gastrointestinal (inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome), thyroid dysfunction and pain (interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder, and vulvar pain) disorders were collected. The percentage of subjects self-reporting each comorbidity was compared with the published prevalence in the general population using a single-value binomial test.

RESULTS

Subject demographics (data presented as median [range] or percentage): age, 56.4 years (20.0-92.5); body mass index, 27.5 kg/m2 (17.4-53.1); parity 2 (0-10); white, 92.9%; and biopsy proven 65.6%. Prevalences of self-reported comorbidities in our subjects are as follows: OAB, 15.3%; UI, 38.6%; stress UI, 27.9%; inflammatory bowel diseases, 1.9%; constipation, 32.5%; irritable bowel syndrome, 19.5%; thyroid dysfunction, 33.1%; interstitial cystitis, 2.6%; fibromyalgia, 9.1%; temporomandibular joint disorder, 13.0%; and vulvar pain, 83.1%. The prevalence of each disorder is significantly different from that in the general population, with all p values ≤ .02.

CONCLUSIONS

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is associated with numerous bladder, bowel, and pain comorbidities. The prevalences of all of these disorders are higher in our subjects than the general population except OAB, which we find at approximately one third of the general population. Patients with lichen sclerosus should be screened for comorbidities that may affect their health and/or quality of life.

Providing holistic care for women with chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the most common pain conditions affecting women and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Assessment of women with CPP is best approached in a comprehensive, systematic manner that includes exploration of physiological and psychological causes. A range of treatment options that draw from conventional medicine and complementary and alternative modalities should be offered. The women's health nurse plays a pivotal role in all aspects of care.