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Wahl KJ, Brooks M, Trenaman L, Desjardins-Lorimer K, Bell CM, Chokmorova N, Segall R, Syring J, Williams A, Li LC, Norman WV, Munro S. User-Centered Development of a Patient Decision Aid for Choice of Early Abortion Method: Multi-Cycle Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e48793. [PMID: 38625731 PMCID: PMC11061794 DOI: 10.2196/48793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People seeking abortion in early pregnancy have the choice between medication and procedural options for care. The choice is preference-sensitive-there is no clinically superior option and the choice depends on what matters most to the individual patient. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are shared decision-making tools that support people in making informed, values-aligned health care choices. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop and evaluate the usability of a web-based PtDA for the Canadian context, where abortion care is publicly funded and available without legal restriction. METHODS We used a systematic, user-centered design approach guided by principles of integrated knowledge translation. We first developed a prototype using available evidence for abortion seekers' decisional needs and the risks, benefits, and consequences of each option. We then refined the prototype through think-aloud interviews with participants at risk of unintended pregnancy ("patient" participants). Interviews were audio-recorded and documented through field notes. Finally, we conducted a web-based survey of patients and health care professionals involved with abortion care, which included the System Usability Scale. We used content analysis to identify usability issues described in the field notes and open-ended survey questions, and descriptive statistics to summarize participant characteristics and close-ended survey responses. RESULTS A total of 61 individuals participated in this study. Further, 11 patients participated in think-aloud interviews. Overall, the response to the PtDA was positive; however, the content analysis identified issues related to the design, language, and information about the process and experience of obtaining abortion care. In response, we adapted the PtDA into an interactive website and revised it to include consistent and plain language, additional information (eg, pain experience narratives), and links to additional resources on how to find an abortion health care professional. In total, 25 patients and 25 health care professionals completed the survey. The mean System Usability Scale score met the threshold for good usability among both patient and health care professional participants. Most participants felt that the PtDA was user-friendly (patients: n=25, 100%; health care professionals: n=22, 88%), was not missing information (patients: n=21, 84%; health care professionals: n=18, 72%), and that it was appropriate for patients to complete the PtDA before a consultation (patients: n=23, 92%; health care professionals: n=23, 92%). Open-ended responses focused on improving usability by reducing the length of the PtDA and making the website more mobile-friendly. CONCLUSIONS We systematically designed the PtDA to address an unmet need to support informed, values-aligned decision-making about the method of abortion. The design process responded to a need identified by potential users and addressed unique sensitivities related to reproductive health decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melissa Brooks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Logan Trenaman
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Carolyn M Bell
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nazgul Chokmorova
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Romy Segall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Janelle Syring
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aleyah Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Linda C Li
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy V Norman
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Munro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Zhang SXJ, MacLeod RGK, Parmar G, Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Noga H, Albert A, Flannigan R, Brotto LA, Yong PJ. OHNUT VS WAITLIST CONTROL FOR THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS-ASSOCIATED DEEP DYSPAREUNIA: A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL PROTOCOL (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 12:e39834. [PMID: 36972117 PMCID: PMC10131731 DOI: 10.2196/39834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia is associated with reduced sexual quality of life, lower self-esteem, and impaired sexual function. OBJECTIVE The primary objective is to assess the acceptability of a phallus length reducer (brand name: Ohnut [OhnutCo]), which is a buffer worn over the penis or a penetrating object to reduce endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia, and the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT). The secondary objective is to obtain estimates of the effectiveness of the buffer. An embedded substudy will explore the acceptability and the preliminary validity and reliability of a vaginal insert for the self-assessment of deep dyspareunia. METHODS Ours is an investigator-initiated, 2-arm RCT. We will recruit 40 patient participants with diagnosed endometriosis between the ages of 19 and 49 years, as well as their sexual partners. The participating couples will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the experimental arm or the waitlist control arm. The length of the study period will be 10 weeks, during which time all participants will record deep dyspareunia severity following each episode of sexual intercourse. In weeks 1 to 4, all patient participants will record deep dyspareunia severity at each sexual encounter. In weeks 5 to 10, participants in the experimental arm will use the buffer during vaginal penetration; participants in the waitlist control arm will continue engaging in vaginal penetration as usual. Participants will complete questionnaires for assessing measures of anxiety, depression, and sexual function at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 10 weeks. In the substudy, patient participants will self-assess dyspareunia by using a vaginal insert on 2 occasions, at least 1 week apart. The primary outcomes-the acceptability and feasibility of the buffer-will be assessed with descriptive statistics, and the secondary outcome-phallus length reducer effectiveness-will be assessed by using an analysis of covariance-based approach. For the vaginal insert, we will assess acceptability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity via correlation analyses comparing the use of the insert to clinical examination in terms of dyspareunia assessment outcomes. RESULTS Our pilot will provide initial data on the acceptability and effectiveness of the buffer and the feasibility of the study methodology. The results from our study are expected to be submitted for publication by the spring of 2023. As of September 2021, we have consented 31 couples into the study. CONCLUSIONS Our study will provide preliminary evidence for the self-assessment and management of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. The findings will inform the decision to proceed to a definitive RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04370444; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04370444. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/39834.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy X J Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rebecca G K MacLeod
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gurkiran Parmar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Lisonek M, Joannou A, Noga H, Albert A, Bedaiwy MA, Williams C, Allaire C, Yong PJ. Central sensitization inventory in endometriosis. Pain 2022; 163:e234-e245. [PMID: 34030173 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A key clinical problem is identifying the patient with endometriosis whose pain is complicated by central nervous system sensitization, where conventional gynecologic treatment (eg, hormonal therapy or surgery) may not completely alleviate the pain. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a questionnaire previously validated in the chronic pain population. The objective of this study was an exploratory proof-of-concept to identify a CSI cutoff in the endometriosis population to discriminate between individuals with significant central contributors (identified by central sensitivity syndromes [CSS]) to their pain compared to those without. We analyzed a prospective data registry at a tertiary referral center for endometriosis, and included subjects aged 18 to 50 years with endometriosis who were newly or re-referred to the center in 2018. The study sample consisted of 335 subjects with a mean age of 36.0 ± 7.0 years. An increasing number of CSS was significantly correlated with dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, and chronic pelvic pain scores (P < 0.001), and with the CSI score (0-100) (r = 0.731, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that a CSI cutoff of 40 had a sensitivity of 78% (95% CI: 72.7%-84.6%) and a specificity of 80% (95% CI: 70.3%-84.5%) for identifying a patient with endometriosis with ≥3 CSS. In the group with CSI ≥ 40, 18% retrospectively self-reported pain nonresponsive to hormonal therapy and 40% self-reported daily pain, compared with 6% and 20% in the CSI < 40 group (P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, a CSI ≥ 40 may be a practical tool to help identify patients with endometriosis with pain contributors related to central nervous system sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Lisonek
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Angela Joannou
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Wahl KJ, Yong PJ, Bridge-Cook P, Allaire C. Endometriosis in Canada: It Is Time for Collaboration to Advance Patient-Oriented, Evidence-Based Policy, Care, and Research. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2021; 43:88-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wahl KJ, Imtiaz S, Lisonek M, Joseph KS, Smith KB, Yong PJ, Cox SM. Dyspareunia in Their Own Words: A Qualitative Description of Endometriosis-Associated Sexual Pain. Sex Med 2020; 9:100274. [PMID: 33291043 PMCID: PMC7930843 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Wahl
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shermeen Imtiaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michelle Lisonek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - K S Joseph
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Susan M Cox
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Wahl KJ, Orr NL, Lisonek M, Noga H, Bedaiwy MA, Williams C, Allaire C, Albert AY, Smith KB, Cox S, Yong PJ. Deep Dyspareunia, Superficial Dyspareunia, and Infertility Concerns Among Women With Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2020; 8:274-281. [PMID: 32061579 PMCID: PMC7261667 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deep dyspareunia is a cardinal symptom of endometriosis, and as many as 40% of people with this condition experience comorbid superficial dyspareunia. Aim To evaluate the relationship between sexual pain and infertility concerns among women with endometriosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a university-based tertiary center for endometriosis. 300 reproductive-aged participants in the prospective Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02911090) with histologically confirmed endometriosis were included (2013–2017). Main Outcome Measure The total score on the infertility concerns module of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 categorized into 5 groups (0, 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16). Results The odds of infertility concerns did not increase with severity of deep dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09, P = .58). However, the odds of infertility concerns increased with severity of superficial dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16, P = .011); this relationship persisted after adjusting for endometriosis-specific factors, infertility risk factors, reproductive history, and demographic characteristics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, P < .001). Other factors in the model independently associated with increased infertility concerns were previous difficulty conceiving (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.04–4.19, P = .038), currently trying to conceive (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI 2.77–9.98, P < .001), nulliparity (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.63–6.41, P < .001), and younger age (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.98, P = .005). Conclusion Severity of superficial dyspareunia, but not deep dyspareunia, was associated with increased odds of infertility concerns among women with endometriosis. Strengths of the study included the use of a validated measure of infertility concerns and disaggregation of sexual pain into deep and superficial dyspareunia. Limitations included the setting of a tertiary center for pelvic pain, which affects generalizability to fertility clinic and primary care settings. Women experiencing introital dyspareunia, who can have difficulties with achieving penetrative intercourse, may be concerned about their future fertility and should be counselled appropriately. Wahl KJ, Orr NL, Lisonek M, et al. Deep Dyspareunia, Superficial Dyspareunia, and Infertility Concerns Among Women With Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2020;8:274–281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Wahl
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Lisonek
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Y Albert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Center for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Susan Cox
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Center for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Noga H, Allaire C, Williams C, Bedaiwy MA, Albert A, Smith KB, Yong PJ. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020; 17:761-770. [PMID: 31983669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep dyspareunia, a common symptom in endometriosis, has previously been associated with bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness (BPFT), which suggests a role for central nervous system sensitization. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI, 0-100) is a validated self-reported scale for patients with central sensitization. AIM The objective of this study was to phenotype deep dyspareunia using BPFT and the CSI. METHODS The methods included cross-sectional analysis from a prospective registry from January 2018 to June 2018 at a tertiary center for endometriosis (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02911090). Included were women aged 18-50 years with endometriosis (previously surgically diagnosed, current visualized endometrioma on ultrasound, or current palpable or visualized nodule on ultrasound), who were newly or re-referred to the center. Severity of deep dyspareunia was self-reported using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain imaginable), categorized as no or low deep dyspareunia (0-4) and high deep dyspareunia (5-10). We identified the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and presence of BPFT, where we hypothesized a central component of the sexual pain. This subgroup was compared with 2 other subgroups: no or low deep dyspareunia and high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT. The CSI was compared between the groups using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc testing (P < .05). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was the CSI score ranging from 0 to 100. RESULTS Data from 163 women with endometriosis were analyzed. The mean age of this cohort was 36.4 ± 6.8 years, and the mean CSI score was 41.0 ± 18.6. 37 percent (61/163) had high deep dyspareunia and BPFT; 29% (47/163) had high deep dyspareunia and no BPFT; and 34% (55/163) had no or low deep dyspareunia. The CSI significantly differed between the 3 groups (analysis of variance: F = 22.4, P < .001). In post hoc testing, the CSI was higher in women with high deep dyspareunia and BPFT (51.3 ± 16.9), compared with women with no or low deep dyspareunia (30.9 ± 15.4, P < .001) and compared with women with high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT (39.4 ± 17.2, P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The CSI could be used to classify and phenotype patients with endometriosis-associated sexual pain. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS Strengths include a prospective registry with integrated pain scores, validated questionnaires, and physical examination findings. Limitations include the lack of quantitative sensory testing for central sensitization. CONCLUSIONS In women with endometriosis, the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness had a significantly higher score on the CSI than other subgroups, suggesting that this group may have a central component to their sexual pain. Orr NL, Wahl KJ,Noga H, et al. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020;17:761-770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Barlow DE, Dickinson GH, Orihuela B, Rittschof D, Wahl KJ. In situ ATR-FTIR characterization of primary cement interfaces of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite. Biofouling 2009; 25:359-366. [PMID: 19263278 DOI: 10.1080/08927010902812009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A method is presented for characterizing primary cement interfaces of barnacles using in situ attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Primary cement of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite (Amphibalanus amphitrite), was characterized without any disruption to the original cement interface, after settling and growing barnacles directly on double sided polished germanium wafers. High-quality IR spectra were acquired of live barnacle cement interfaces, providing a spectroscopic fingerprint of cured primary cement in vivo with the barnacle adhered to the substratum. Additional spectra were also acquired of intact cement interfaces for which the upper portion of the barnacle had been removed leaving only the base plate and cement layer attached to the substratum. This allowed further characterization of primary cement interfaces that were dried or placed in D(2)O. The resulting spectra were consistent with the cement being proteinaceous, and allowed analysis of the protein secondary structure and water content in the cement layer. The estimated secondary structure composition was primarily beta-sheet, with additional alpha-helix, turn and unordered components. The cement of live barnacles, freshly removed from seawater, was estimated to have a water content of 20-50% by weight. These results provide new insights into the chemical properties of the undisturbed barnacle adhesive interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Barlow
- Code 6176, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
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Wahl KJ, Asif SAS, Greenwood JA, Johnson KL. Oscillating adhesive contacts between micron-scale tips and compliant polymers. J Colloid Interface Sci 2006; 296:178-88. [PMID: 16168427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Accepted: 08/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion of micron-scale probes with model poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS, elastomers was studied with a depth-sensing nanoindenter under oscillatory loading conditions. For contacts between diamond indenters (radius R = 5 or 10 microm) and PDMS, force-displacement curves were highly reversible and consistent with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) behavior. However, our experiments have revealed striking differences between the experimental measurements of tip-sample interaction stiffness and the theoretical JKR stiffness. The measured stiffness was always greater than zero, even in the reflex portion of the curve (between the maximum adhesive force and release), where the JKR stiffness is negative. This apparent paradox can be resolved by considering the effects of viscoelasticity of PDMS on an oscillating crack tip in a JKR contact. Under well described conditions determined by oscillation frequency, sample viscoelastic properties, and the Tabor parameter (with variables R, reduced elastic modulus, E*, and interfacial energy, deltagamma), an oscillating crack tip will neither advance nor recede. In that case, the contact size is fixed (like that of a flat punch) at any given point on the load-displacement cycle, and the experimentally measured stiffness is equal to the equivalent punch stiffness. For a fixed oscillation frequency, a transition between JKR and punch stiffness can be brought about by an increase in radius of the probe or a decrease in PDMS modulus. Additionally, varying the oscillation frequency for a fixed E*, R, and deltagamma also resulted in transition between JKR and punch stiffness in a predictable manner. Comparisons of experiments and theory for an oscillating viscoelastic JKR contact are presented. The storage modulus and surface energy from nanoscale JKR stiffness measurements were compared to calculated values and those measured with conventional nanoindentation and JKR force-displacement analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Wahl
- Tribology Section, Code 6176, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA.
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