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Brand A, Waterink W, Rosas S, van Lankveld J. Measuring the psychological burden of women with pelvic floor complaints: The psychometric characteristics of a new instrument. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 3:83. [PMID: 38872842 PMCID: PMC11170070 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15833.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Background To be able to optimize pelvic healthcare, it would be helpful to specifically assess women's psychological burden with pelvic floor complaints. In the absence of such an instrument, a new instrument was developed to measure this burden in women who seek help. In previous research, a comprehensive overview was yielded of women's restrictions and distress with pelvic floor complaints, and a conceptual model was developed of seven types of distress that were reflected by 33 statements. The present study was performed to investigate the psychometric properties of the new instrument, termed the Pelvic Floor Complaint-related Psychological Burden Inventory (PFC-PBI). Methods In an online survey data was collected from women with and without pelvic floor complaints on the 33 statements. The internal consistency of the types of distress was tested using item-total correlation analysis, Principal Component and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were performed, and the convergent and divergent validity of the types of distress was examined against existing questionnaires using the Multi-Trait Multi-Method methodology. Results Based on the factor analyses, a 10-item instrument was tested. Outcomes show excellent internal consistency of this instrument, comprising a single component. The PFC-PBI demonstrated satisfactory convergent and divergent validity. Conclusions This new measure appears to be a promising tool to inventory the psychological burden of women suffering from pelvic floor complaints. Research into its further development, implementation, and clinical use appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Brand
- Faculty of Psychology, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, Limburg, 6419 AT, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Waterink
- Faculty of Psychology, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, Limburg, 6419 AT, The Netherlands
| | - Scott Rosas
- Concept Systems Inc., Ithaca, New York, NY 14850, USA
| | - Jacques van Lankveld
- Faculty of Psychology, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, Limburg, 6419 AT, The Netherlands
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Brand AM, Waterink W, Stoyanov S, van Lankveld JJDM. Restrictions and distress in daily, social, and sexual functioning, and intimate relationships in women with pelvic floor complaints: A mixed-method study. Health Care Women Int 2023; 44:1178-1191. [PMID: 35471120 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2062758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Women with pelvic floor complaints experience restrictions and distress in their daily, social, and sexual functioning, and their intimate relationships. We interviewed forty-eight women to unravel differences between women receiving and not receiving pelvic physical therapy and between pregnant, parous, and nulliparous women in preparation for theory development. We analyzed data in a mixed-method design using NVivo and Leximancer. Sexual dysfunction, relationship dynamics, the nature and severity of restrictions and distress, and coping strategies appear to vary between women receiving and not receiving therapy. Specific combinations of restrictions and distress are present in pregnant, parous, and nulliparous women, and might influence women's decision to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Brand
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - W Waterink
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - S Stoyanov
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - J J D M van Lankveld
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Brand AM, Rosas S, Waterink W, Stoyanov S, van Lankveld JJDM. Conceptualization and Inventory of the Sexual and Psychological Burden of Women With Pelvic Floor Complaints; A Mixed-Method Study. Sex Med 2022; 10:100504. [PMID: 35339057 PMCID: PMC9177886 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100504] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the fact that the literature reports various restrictions and types of distress in women with pelvic floor complaints, a comprehensive overview of women's sexual and psychological burden emerging from these complaints is lacking, which compromises our ability to assess and grasp the impact to women. Aim This study was performed to conceptualize women's sexual and psychological burden and create a more comprehensive overview on this topic from both women's and health care providers’ perspectives. Furthermore, this research intended to identify items to populate a to-be-developed instrument to assess sexual and psychological burden. Methods In Group Concept Mapping, 125 statements were used about restrictions and distress that women with pelvic floor complaints experienced. Women with, and health care providers with and without pelvic floor complaints (13 women and 3 men) sorted the statements into comprehensive self-labeled clusters and rated their nature and severity. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to identify a conceptual model of coherent clusters of statements. Item-total correlations of severity scores were calculated to identify statements that can be used in future research to represent women's sexual and psychological burden. Main Outcome Measure A conceptual model emerged, and outcomes of item-total correlations were then examined again using the conceptual model. Results Seven distress clusters were identified, namely, loss of control, sexual distress, feeling insecure, feeling wronged, feeling helpless, feeling angry, and feeling disappointed. Feeling insecure appeared more pervasive than other distresses. Furthermore, 33 statements were identified that can be used in future research to develop an instrument to assess sexual and psychological burden representing both women's and health care providers’ perspectives. Conclusion The conceptual model and list of statements may concisely represent the sexual and psychological burden of women with pelvic floor complaints from both women's and health care providers’ perspectives on this topic. Brand AM, Rosas S, Waterink W, et al. Conceptualization and Inventory of the Sexual and Psychological Burden of Women With Pelvic Floor Complaints; A Mixed-Method Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100504.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma M Brand
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Wim Waterink
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Slavi Stoyanov
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Falsetta ML, Wood RW, Linder MA, Bonham AD, Honn KV, Maddipati KR, Phipps RP, Haidaris CG, Foster DC. Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators Reduce Pro-nociceptive Inflammatory Mediator Production in Models of Localized Provoked Vulvodynia. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:1195-1209. [PMID: 33813057 PMCID: PMC8484336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.03.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is the most common cause of chronic dyspareunia in premenopausal women, characterized by pain with light touch to the vulvar vestibule surrounding the vaginal opening. The devastating impact of LPV includes sexual dysfunction, infertility, depression, and even suicide. Yet, its etiology is unclear. No effective medical therapy exists; surgical removal of the painful vestibule is the last resort. In LPV, the vestibule expresses a unique inflammatory profile with elevated levels of pro-nociceptive proinflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are linked to lower mechanical sensitivity thresholds. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), lipids produced endogenously within the body, hold promise as an LPV treatment by resolving inflammation without impairing host defense. Ten of 13 commercially available SPMs reduced IL-6 and PGE2 production by vulvar fibroblasts, administered either before or after inflammatory stimulation. Using a murine vulvar pain model, coupling proinflammatory mediator quantification with mechanical sensitivity threshold determination, topical treatment with the SPM, maresin 1, decreased sensitivity and suppressed PGE2 levels. Docosahexaenoic acid, a precursor of maresin 1, was also effective in reducing PGE2 in vulvar fibroblasts and rapidly restored mouse sensitivity thresholds. Overall, SPMs and their precursors may be a safe and efficacious for LPV. Perspective: Vulvodynia, like many pain conditions, is difficult to treat because disease origins are incompletely understood. Here, we applied our knowledge of more recently discovered vulvodynia disease mechanisms to screen novel therapeutics. We identified several specialized pro-resolving mediators as likely potent and safe for treating LPV with potential for broader application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Falsetta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
| | - Ronald W Wood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York
| | - Mitchell A Linder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York
| | - Adrienne D Bonham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Constantine G Haidaris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York
| | - David C Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry Rochester, New York
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Deliktas Demirci A, Kabukcuoglu K. “Being a Woman” in the Shadow of Vaginismus: The Implications of Vaginismus for Women. CURRENT PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH AND REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/2666082215666190917153811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:
Vaginismus includes some psychological conditions such as fear of pain
and avoidance from penetration. There is little knowledge about the effects of vaginismus.
Objective:
The present study aims to present the bio-psychosocial consequences of vaginismus in
women life.
Methods:
The method of the present study is a review, which is conducted on the available resources.
All relevant studies were included to present effects of vaginismus on the women.
Results:
Women who have vaginismus have many problems with self-identity, psychological and
reproductive lives. Most of the effects of vaginismus lead to another deep effect on women. Women
with vaginismus mostly describe themselves negatively. This negative self-perception affects
women’s self-esteem levels which cause psychiatric disorders. The psychiatric disorders have been
associated with vaginismus as a reason and result. It is stated in the studies that the general anxiety
and, penetration specific anxiety are related to vaginismus. This result reflects that women with
vaginismus have more anxiety about penetration. Women with vaginismus encounter reproductive
problems, who are more likely to encounter increased cesarean section and fertility problems, they
are reluctant to seek health care services, especially due to fear of the gynaecological examination.
Conclusion:
Although vaginismus is a common problem, there is little information about the effects
of vaginismus on women. Vaginismus causes psychiatric disorders and reproductive problems. The
researchers should examine how women live with vaginismus. It is also suggested that psychotherapy
techniques should include couples interventions and, researchers should examine psychological
health of women deeply.
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Falsetta ML, Foster DC, Bonham AD, Phipps RP. A review of the available clinical therapies for vulvodynia management and new data implicating proinflammatory mediators in pain elicitation. BJOG 2016; 124:210-218. [PMID: 27312009 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Localised provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is a common, chronic, and disabling condition: patients experience profound pain and a diminished quality of life. The aetiologic origins of vulvodynia are poorly understood, yet recent evidence suggests a link to site-specific inflammatory responses. Fibroblasts isolated from the vestibule of LPV patients are sensitive to proinflammatory stimuli and copiously produce pain-associated proinflammatory mediators (IL-6 and PGE2 ). Although LPV is a multifactorial disorder, understanding vulvar inflammation and targeting the inflammatory response should lead to treatment advances, especially for patients exhibiting signs of inflammation. NFκB (already targeted clinically) or other inflammatory components may be suitable therapeutic targets. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Vulvodynia is a poorly understood, prevalent, and serious women's health issue requiring better understanding to improve therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Falsetta
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - D C Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - A D Bonham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - R P Phipps
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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