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Mocini E, Donini LM, Isidori AM, Minnetti M. Nutritional and metabolic aspects related to vulvodynia: What do we really know? Nutrition 2024; 117:112232. [PMID: 37856898 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112232] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vulvodynia is an emerging health problem, still insufficiently studied, that causes a significant reduction in quality of life in many women and individuals assigned female sex at birth. Little is known about the effects of diet and metabolic disorders on this condition. The objective of this study was to review currently available evidence on the diet and the nutritional and metabolic status of patients affected by vulvodynia. METHODS Published articles were systematically searched in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS The few available studies that reported data on patients' body mass index (BMI) described a BMI within the normal range in most patients affected by vulvodynia, showing no difference or a slightly lower BMI with respect to control individuals. Data on the relationship between metabolic diseases and vulvodynia are lacking. Regarding nutrition, the few available data do not support the prescription of a low-oxalate diet in women with vulvodynia. To date, studies on other dietary behaviors are also lacking. CONCLUSIONS This review emphasizes-for the first time, to our knowledge-the lack of data and the importance of conducting prospective studies investigating the nutritional and metabolic aspects related to the onset, maintenance, and therapy of vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Mocini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Ventura-Aquino E, Paredes RG. Being friendly: paced mating for the study of physiological, behavioral, and neuroplastic changes induced by sexual behavior in females. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1184897. [PMID: 37840548 PMCID: PMC10568070 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1184897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Paced mating in rats is an experimental condition that allows the evaluation of sexual behavior in a way that closely resembles what occurs in seminatural and natural conditions enabling the female to control the rate of the sexual interaction. In conventional non-paced mating tests, females cannot escape from male approaches, which may lead to an unrewarding overstimulation. Paced mating is an alternative laboratory procedure that improves animal welfare and has a higher ethological relevance. The use of this procedure contributed to the identification of physiological and behavioral factors that favor reproduction. Paced mating includes motivational and behavioral components differentiating quantitative and qualitative characteristics that are critical for the induction of the rewarding properties of mating. These positive consequences ensure that the behavior will be repeated, favoring the species' survival. Sexual reward is an immediate consequence of paced mating, mediated mainly by the endogenous opioid system. Paced mating also induces long-lasting neuroplastic changes, including gene expression, synthesis of proteins, and neurogenesis in sex-relevant brain areas. The interest in paced mating is growing since the complexity of its elements and consequences at different levels in a laboratory setting resembles what occurs in natural conditions. In this review, we analyze the classic studies and recent publications demonstrating the advantages of using paced mating to evaluate different aspects of sexual behavior in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ventura-Aquino
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Raúl G. Paredes
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
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Schlaeger JM, Glayzer JE, Villegas‐Downs M, Li H, Glayzer EJ, He Y, Takayama M, Yajima H, Takakura N, Kobak WH, McFarlin BL. Evaluation and Treatment of Vulvodynia: State of the Science. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:9-34. [PMID: 36533637 PMCID: PMC10107324 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vulvodynia affects 7% of American women, yet clinicians often lack awareness of its presentation. It is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as vaginitis. The etiology of vulvodynia remains unknown, making it difficult to identify or develop effective treatment methods. The purpose of this article is to (1) review the presentation and evaluation of vulvodynia, (2) review the research on vulvodynia treatments, and (3) aid the clinician in the selection of vulvodynia treatment methods. The level of evidence to support vulvodynia treatment varies from case series to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Oral desipramine with 5% lidocaine cream, intravaginal diazepam tablets with intravaginal transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), botulinum toxin type A 50 units, enoxaparin sodium subcutaneous injections, intravaginal TENS (as a single therapy), multimodal physical therapy, overnight 5% lidocaine ointment, and acupuncture had the highest level of evidence with at least one RCT or comparative effectiveness trial. Pre to posttest reduction in vulvar pain and/or dyspareunia in non-RCT studies included studies of gabapentin cream, amitriptyline cream, amitriptyline with baclofen cream, up to 6 weeks' oral itraconazole therapy, multimodal physical therapy, vaginal dilators, electromyography biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cold knife vestibulectomy, and laser therapy. There is a lack of rigorous RCTs with large sample sizes for the treatment of vulvodynia, rendering it difficult to determine efficacy of most treatment methods. Clinicians will be guided in the selection of best treatments for vulvodynia that have the highest level of evidence and are least invasive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M. Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of NursingChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Jennifer E. Glayzer
- Department of Human Development Nursing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of NursingChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Michelle Villegas‐Downs
- Department of Human Development Nursing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of NursingChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Hongjin Li
- Department of Human Development Nursing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of NursingChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Edward J. Glayzer
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social WorkUniversity of Dayton College of Arts and SciencesDaytonOhioUSA
| | - Ying He
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Miho Takayama
- Department of Acupuncture and MoxibustionTokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health SciencesTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Department of Acupuncture and MoxibustionTokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health SciencesTokyoJapan
| | - Nobuari Takakura
- Department of Acupuncture and MoxibustionTokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health SciencesTokyoJapan
| | - William H. Kobak
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Barbara L. McFarlin
- Department of Human Development Nursing ScienceUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of NursingChicagoIllinoisUSA
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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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Telisnor G, Garg R, Glayzer JE, Kobak WH, Kiros GE, Yao Y, Wilkie DJ, Schlaeger JM. Image-based documentation of vulvodynia pain location. Pain Manag 2022; 12:417-424. [PMID: 35060761 PMCID: PMC8981421 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0110] [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: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Better documentation of vulvar pain is needed. We examined pain locations marked on general body and genital specific outlines among women with vulvodynia. Methods: 62 women (mean age 32.1 ± 9.5 years) with vulvodynia marked their pain on a digital genital specific outline (22 segments) and 59 of those women also marked their pain on a digital general body outline (48 segments). We used ImageJ software to determine body surface area (BSA) for each outline. Results: On the general body outline, 24/48 segments were marked; 22/22 segments were marked on the genital specific outline. There was a moderate correlation (r = 0.43; p = 0.001) between the BSA marked on the general body outline and the BSA marked on the genital area outline. Conclusions: Findings support concurrent validity of the BSA as a measure of pain location using either outline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guettchina Telisnor
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rishabh Garg
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jennifer E Glayzer
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - William H Kobak
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gebre-Egziabher Kiros
- College of Pharmacy, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, IL 60612, USA,Author for correspondence: Tel.: +1 312 413 4669;
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Glayzer JE, McFarlin BL, Castori M, Suarez ML, Meinel MC, Kobak WH, Steffen AD, Schlaeger JM. High rate of dyspareunia and probable vulvodynia in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders: An online survey. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:599-608. [PMID: 34747110 PMCID: PMC8665058 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vulvodynia is debilitating vulvar pain accompanied by dyspareunia (pain with sexual intercourse). Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) may represent a predisposing factor for vulvodynia given a high rate of dyspareunia in these conditions. We conducted an online survey of women with EDS or HSD to assess rates of dyspareunia and estimate rates of vulvodynia, report rates of comorbid conditions common to EDS or HSD and vulvodynia, and examine rates of conditions contributing to dyspareunia in women with EDS or HSD. Women with EDS or HSD (N = 1,146) recruited via social media were 38.2 ± 11.5 years old, primarily White (94.4%), and resided in the United States (78.5%). 63.7% of participants reported dyspareunia and 50% screened positive for vulvodynia. The rate of comorbid conditions common to EDS or HSD and vulvodynia were: irritable bowel syndrome, 6.5%; fibromyalgia, 40.0%; temporomandibular joint dysfunction, 56.4%; migraine, 6.7%; interstitial cystitis, 1.7%; and mast cell activation syndrome, 10.2%. Participants reporting dyspareunia also reported ovarian cysts, fibroids, or abdominal or pelvic scars, 47.5%; endometriosis, 26.5%; and genital lacerations, 19.3%. Women with EDS or HSD may have a higher rate of vulvodynia (50.0%) than women in the U.S. population at large (8%) and should be assessed for dyspareunia and vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Glayzer
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Barbara L McFarlin
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Marie L Suarez
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Monya C Meinel
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William H Kobak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alana D Steffen
- Department of Population Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Cannabinoids and chronic pelvic pain in women: Focus on endometriosis. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/22840265211011277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain in women is common and frequently difficult to treat. Chronic pelvic pain often develops in the setting of endometriosis, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and vulvodynia. Cannabinoids are a promising treatment modality for non-cancer chronic pain, but have not been studied in women with chronic pelvic pain nor in specific chronic pelvic pain conditions. This review focuses on the interaction of the endocannabinoid system with the menstrual cycles, with endometriotic lesions, and within the bladder. Furthermore, it provides a brief overview of existing literature of the effects of endocannabinoids on chronic pain generally, with a focus on neuropathic pain. Finally, it discusses limited data available regarding the use of cannabinoids in women with chronic pelvic pain conditions. In the opinion of the authors, cannabinoids are a reasonable treatment modality for refractory chronic pelvic pain, especially if a neuropathic component is suspected. Practitioners should expect a modest effect on pain levels with an acceptable safety profile.
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Ross V, Detterman C, Hallisey A. Myofascial Pelvic Pain: An Overlooked and Treatable Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:148-160. [PMID: 33788379 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myofascial pelvic pain is a common, nonarticular musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points in the lower abdominal wall and/or pelvic floor muscles. Myofascial pelvic pain is involved in an estimated 22% to 94% of cases of chronic pelvic pain, which is one of the most common gynecologic conditions in the United States. Myofascial pelvic pain may exist independently or in conjunction with disorders such as vaginismus, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis and is frequently a causative factor in sexual pain or dyspareunia. This article reviews the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment options for myofascial pelvic pain, with a particular focus on trigger point injections. Increased recognition and treatment of this commonly overlooked diagnosis has the potential to improve care and outcomes for many patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Ross
- Baystate Midwifery and Women's Health, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts.,Pioneer Women's Health, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, Massachusetts.,Brigham and Women's Midwifery Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carly Detterman
- Baystate Midwifery Education Program, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Anastasia Hallisey
- Baystate Midwifery Education Program, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
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Pain: Patients Supplement Clinician Prescribed Management. J Sex Med 2019; 16:1128-1129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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