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Jehan M, Azam S, Taimuri MA, Sumbal A, Azhar A, Amir A, Oduoye MO, Zainab A, Ikram A, Ali T. Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction. Womens Health (Lond) 2024; 20:17455057241237687. [PMID: 38481086 PMCID: PMC10938604 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241237687] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side effects, including anorgasmia, vaginismus, hair loss, and decreased libido. This review aims to explore trends in the incidence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, the etiology of sexual dysfunction, and the role of factors such as family history, age, duration of marriage, and depression in predisposing patients. We summarize the limitations of the treatment modalities already used to cater to sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors and patients. The authors conducted searches on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant search terms: sexual dysfunction, breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia from 1997-2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of articles with abstracts or titles indicating research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors in Asia. A total of 64 articles were included out of which 10 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The literature search yielded results showing high incidence rates of breast cancer in Asia (45.4%), with 31.6%-91.2% of breast cancer survivors likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Regional differences were noted, as female sexual dysfunction occurred in 74.1% of Asian breast cancer women. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Personalized approaches should be tailored to address beliefs, such as the potential impact of sexual activity on disease recovery. Utilizing a family history of breast cancer as a preemptive tool can help reduce the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction in survivors, and factors such as age and depression should be considered when formulating solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Jehan
- Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sumran Azam
- Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Anusha Sumbal
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Azhar
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Alina Amir
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Asra Zainab
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Areeba Ikram
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tehreem Ali
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Harlow BL, Coleman CM, Mühlrad H, Yan J, Linnros E, Lu D, Fox MP, Bohm-Starke N. The Association Between Immune-Related Conditions Across the Life-Course and Provoked Vulvodynia. J Pain 2023; 24:1415-1422. [PMID: 36940787 PMCID: PMC10440273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Vulvodynia, impacts up to 8% of women by age 40, and is hypothesized to manifest through an altered immune-inflammatory response. To test this hypothesis, we identified all women born in Sweden between 1973 and 1996 diagnosed with localized provoked vulvodynia (N76.3) and/or vaginismus (N94.2 or F52.5) between 2001 and 2018. We matched each case to two women from the same birth year with no vulvar pain ICD codes. As a proxy for immune dysfunction, we used Swedish Registry data to capture 1) immunodeficiencies, 2) single organ and multiorgan autoimmune conditions, 3) allergy and atopies, and 4) malignancies involving immune cells across the life course. Women with vulvodynia, vaginismus or both were more likely to experience immune deficiencies (OR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.2-2.8), single organ (OR 1.4, 95% CI, 1.2-1.6) and/or multi-organ (OR 1.6, 95% CI, 1.3-1.9) immune disorders, and allergy/atopy conditions (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.6-1.8) compared to controls. We observed greater risk with increasing numbers of unique immune related conditions (1 code: OR = 1.6, 95% CI, 1.5-1.7; 2 codes: OR = 2.4, 95% CI, 2.1-2.9; 3 or more codes: OR = 2.9, 1.6-5.4). These findings suggest that women with vulvodynia may have a more compromised immune system either at birth or at points across the life course than women with no vulvar pain history. PERSPECTIVE: Women with vulvodynia are substantially more likely to experience a spectrum of immune related conditions across the life course. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that chronic inflammation initiates the hyperinnervation that causes the debilitating pain in women with vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard L Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health. Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health. Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hanna Mühlrad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; The Institute for Evaluation of Labor Market and Education Policy (IFAU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacinth Yan
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evelina Linnros
- Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Donghao Lu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health. Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nina Bohm-Starke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Baril S, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Abenhaim HA. Obstetric outcomes in women with vulvodynia or vaginismus. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:471-477. [PMID: 35962812 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06669-z] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vulvodynia and vaginismus are common chronic vulvar pain disorders for which there is a paucity of literature on pregnancy outcomes of affected women. The study objective was to evaluate the associations between vulvodynia and vaginismus and obstetric outcomes. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including all birth-related admissions from 1999 to October 2015 extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample from the United States. Women with vulvodynia or vaginismus were identified using the appropriate ICD-9 codes. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline maternal characteristics, were performed to evaluate the effect of vulvodynia and vaginismus on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS A total of 879 obstetrical patients with vulvodynia or vaginismus were identified in our cohort of 13,792,544 patients admitted for delivery in US hospitals between 1999 and 2015, leading to an overall prevalence of 6 cases per 100,000 births. Between 1999 and 2015, the annual prevalence of vulvodynia or vaginismus rose from 2 to 16 cases per 100,000. Vulvodynia and vaginismus were associated with increased risks of eclampsia, chorioamnionitis, post-term pregnancy, cesarean delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, blood transfusions, prolonged hospital stays, congenital anomalies and intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSION Vulvodynia and vaginismus in pregnancy appears underreported in pregnancy compared to reported population rates. Prevalence of reporting seems to have increased in the last decades and is associated with increased risks of maternal and newborn morbidities. Obstetrical caregivers should be aware of the underreporting of these conditions and the associated adverse effects when counseling obstetrical patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Baril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Pav H, Room 325, 5790 Cote-Des-Neiges Road, Montreal, QC, H3S 1Y9, Canada
| | - Nicholas Czuzoj-Shulman
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Haim Arie Abenhaim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Pav H, Room 325, 5790 Cote-Des-Neiges Road, Montreal, QC, H3S 1Y9, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Fadul R, Garcia R, Zapata-Boluda R, Aranda-Pastor C, Brotto L, Parron-Carreño T, Alarcon-Rodriguez R. Psychosocial Correlates of Vaginismus Diagnosis: A Case-Control Study. J Sex Marital Ther 2019; 45:73-83. [PMID: 30044690 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2018.1484401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this case-control study was to identify psychosocial factors associated with vaginismus. One hundred twenty women were recruited and interviewed at the Institute of Human Sexuality, 40 with lifelong vaginismus, and 80 controls without vaginismus. Participants were matched for age, education, and date of admission. Women afraid of losing control during intercourse had 29.6 times greater likelihood of developing vaginismus (p < 0.01), as well as those afraid of suffering pain (p < 0.001) or being physically damaged (tearing) (p < 0.01). There is evidence that women have higher likelihood of vaginismus if they present fears of pain, injuries, bleeding, fear of losing control, and having a panic attack if they engage in sex with penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Fadul
- a Institute of Human Sexuality, School of Medicine , Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo , Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic
| | - Rafael Garcia
- a Institute of Human Sexuality, School of Medicine , Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo , Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic
| | - Rosa Zapata-Boluda
- b Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine , University of Almería , Almería , Spain
| | - Cayetano Aranda-Pastor
- b Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine , University of Almería , Almería , Spain
| | - Lori Brotto
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Tesifon Parron-Carreño
- b Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine , University of Almería , Almería , Spain
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Maseroli E, Scavello I, Cipriani S, Palma M, Fambrini M, Corona G, Mannucci E, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Psychobiological Correlates of Vaginismus: An Exploratory Analysis. J Sex Med 2018; 14:1392-1402. [PMID: 29110807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence concerning the determinants of vaginismus (V), in particular medical conditions, is inconclusive. AIM To investigate, in a cohort of subjects consulting for female sexual dysfunction, whether there is a difference in medical and psychosocial parameters between women with V and women with other sexual complaints. METHODS A series of 255 women attending our clinic for female sexual dysfunction was consecutively recruited. V was diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria. Lifelong and acquired V cases were included. OUTCOMES Patients underwent a structured interview and physical, gynecologic, laboratory, and clitoral ultrasound examinations; they completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS), and the Body Uneasiness Test. RESULTS V was diagnosed in 20 patients (7.8%). Women with V were significantly younger than the rest of the sample (P < .05). No differences were found for traditional risk factors such as a history of sexual abuse, relational parameters, or gynecologic diseases or for newly investigated parameters (ie, neurologic, hormonal, and metabolic alterations). Women with V showed significantly higher histrionic-hysterical symptoms and traits (as detected by MHQ-H score; P < .05) compared with subjects with other sexual complaints. When the scores of all MHQ subscales were simultaneously introduced in a logistic model, the association between V and MHQ-H score was confirmed (P = .013). Women with V also showed higher FSFI pain and FSDS total scores, even after adjusting for age (P < .05). In an age-adjusted model, FSDS total score increased as a function of the years of duration of V (P = .032) but not as a function of its severity. All observations were confirmed in a case-control study (ratio = 1:3). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Our data demonstrate that some novel contributors of V should be investigated, namely histrionic-hysterical traits. This psychological comorbidity could offer valuable insights for intervention and managing complications. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is the first study to assess the role of many metabolic and hormonal parameters as potential determinants of V. The main limitation is its exploratory and cross-sectional nature; our data need to be confirmed in larger, more systematic analyses. CONCLUSION V was associated with histrionic-hysterical traits, FSFI pain domain, and sex-related distress. A history of abuse, relational parameters, gynecologic diseases, and hormonal and metabolic alterations do not seem to play a role in the development of V. Maseroli E, Scavello I, Cipriani S, et al. Psychobiological Correlates of Vaginismus: An Exploratory Analysis. J Sex Med 2017;14:1392-1402.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maseroli
- Gynecological Endocrinology Research Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Scavello
- Gynecological Endocrinology Research Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Gynecological Endocrinology Research Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Palma
- Gynecological Endocrinology Research Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Mannucci
- Diabetes Section, Geriatric Unit, Department of Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Gynecological Endocrinology Research Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy.
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Şafak Öztürk C, Arkar H. [Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Satisfaction, Marital Adjustment, and Levels of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Couples with Vaginismus]. Turk Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 28:172-180. [PMID: 28936816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on sexual functions of women with vaginismus and their husbands, their marital adjustment, and their levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. METHOD Twenty-six couples diagnosed as vaginismus according to DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria in gynecology outpatient clinics of Izmir Ege Maternity Hospital and Gynecological Diseases Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The couples were treated with CBT through 50-minute sessions once a week. Pre- and post-treatment, all couples were assessed using a Personal Information Form, Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS There were significant differences in the total and all subscales' scores of sexual functions, significant increase in the marital adjustment, and a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptom levels after CBT in women who completed the therapy (n = 20). In the husbands, significant recoveries were observed after the therapy in sexual functions total scores and subscales of satisfaction, avoidance, and impotence. However, there was no change in frequency, communication, sensuality, and in the premature ejaculation domains. Also, the marital adjustment scores increased, and significant decreases were observed in depression and anxiety symptom levels. CONCLUSION It was observed that CBT is an appropriate therapy approach for vaginismus, and beneficial effects were observed in both women and their husbands in sexual functions, marital adjustment, and levels of depression and anxiety symptoms decreased.
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Reissing ED, Armstrong HL, Allen C. Pelvic floor physical therapy for lifelong vaginismus: a retrospective chart review and interview study. J Sex Marital Ther 2013; 39:306-320. [PMID: 23470141 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2012.697535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic floor physical therapy is used in the treatment of sexual pain disorders; however, women with lifelong vaginismus have not yet been included in treatment studies or have not been differentiated from women with acquired vaginismus and/or dyspareunia. This retrospective chart review and interview study was intended to obtain initial information on physical therapy interventions, course, and outcome in women who have never been able to experience vaginal intercourse. The files of 53 women, consecutively treated at one physical therapy clinic, were included in the chart review; 13 of these women volunteered to be interviewed. The chart review revealed significant pelvic floor pathology and an average treatment course of 29 sessions. Internal manual techniques were found to be most effective, followed by patient education, dilatation exercises, and home exercises. Although participants were very satisfied with the physical therapy, some symptoms, such as pain, anxiety/fear, and pelvic floor tension remained and scores on the Female Sexual Distress Scale and Female Sexual Function Index indicated clinical levels of sexual distress and impaired sexual function after treatment. Although there appears to be no linear relation between symptom reduction and healthy sexual function, this initial information suggests that physical therapy may be a promising treatment option for some women with lifelong vaginismus and merits further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke D Reissing
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Sirakov M. [Vaginismus and our experience in treating this sexual problem]. Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) 2013; 52:61-66. [PMID: 23805463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
According to various statistics from 4.2 to 42% of women in reproductive age, complained of a mild or severe problems in sexual function. The study presents own data on treatment of vaginismus in 14 girls and young women aged 16 to 36 years who have turned from 2007 to 2012 to the Cabinet Children and adolescent gynaecology at the University Hospital "Maychin dom". A primary examination established a high and tenacious hymen in 7 (50%) patients. The patients demonstrated fear, but still allowed careful examination. At 3 girls (21.43%) a combined cause of complaints was found. They demonstrated fear of pain during coitus and reported bad memory of the first sexual attempts; they had high and tenacious hymen and were able to tolerate touching the vulva after much persusions. In 3 (21.43%) patients consequences of puritan education were registered. They did not allowed to touch the vulva despite the declaration that would allow such. In one patients (7.14%) a unstretchable vagina was found. She demonstrated dyspareunia (avoiding intercourse and having one failed marriage) but she tolerated penetration of her vagina of one phalanx. In all cases of vaginismus we performed educational lectures and artefitial defloration.
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Abstract
Physiotherapy for the treatment of vaginismus is perceived as an intervention aimed to normalize muscle tone of the pelvic floor in order to allow vaginal penetration in accordance with the traditional view of vaginal spasm as its defining feature. Newer definitions recognize the experience of anxiety as well as pain, and effective treatment approaches should address these components as well. Physiotherapists often encounter women who, as a result of severe anxiety, are unable to undergo examination and treatment, despite their expressed desire to do so. This article describes a therapeutic intervention designed to help women with vaginismus prepare for examination and treatment by addressing the component of anxiety in real-life situations. This approach is also appropriate for nurse practitioners and physicians who work with this patient population and may be adapted for sex therapists to teach as a home exercise.
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Ozyildirim I, Yücel B, Aktan M. [Psychogenic purpura with hematuria and sexual pain disorder: a case report]. Turk Psikiyatri Derg 2010; 21:85-89. [PMID: 20204908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Psychogenic purpura (Gardner-Diamond syndrome) is the occurrence and spontaneous recurrence of painful ecchymosis following emotional stress and minor trauma. Although the exact mechanism of this syndrome remains unknown, apart from skin lesions, different types of hemorrhaging have been reported, such as epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bleeding from the ear canals and eyes. We report a psychogenic purpura case that presented with hematuria in addition to skin lesions. Based on the psychiatric evaluation she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, sexual pain disorder accompanied these disorders. With the help of antidepressant and supportive psychotherapy, the patient's ecchymosis and bleeding disappeared. During 8 months of follow-up the symptoms did not return. Vaginismus has not been reported in patients with psychogenic purpura. The presence of vaginismus, which is seen more frequently in eastern cultures and is thought to be related to sociocultural determinants, suggests that some cultural factors may be common to both psychogenic purpura and vaginismus. The aim of this case report was to call attention to a syndrome that is rarely seen and diagnosed, and to discuss its relationship to psychosocial factors. This syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of not only ecchymotic lesions, but also various types of bleeding, including hematuria. Despite the fact that its etiology and treatment are not clearly understood, it should be noted that psychological factors play a role in this disease and therefore, psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches can be effective.
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Marin MG. Chronic pelvic pain. J Reprod Med 2007; 52:578. [PMID: 17694991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
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Abstract
Fifty-three women with partial vaginismus with or without vulvar vestibulitis and 27 asymptomatic women estimated sensations of burning pain and itch at 20 standardized moments during a standardized penetration situation, including vaginal muscle contractions. Forty-three women with partial vaginismus (81.1%) reported burning pain, 23 (43.4%) itch, and 22 (41.5%) both complaints, compared to 0% of the asymptomatic women. In 17 of 22 cases, burning pain preceded the appearance of itch and in four cases the two complaints coincided. The median time from the moment when burning pain started until itch appeared was 150 seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Engman
- Division of Gender and Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping.
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Ter Kuile MM, Van Lankveld JJDM, Vlieland CV, Willekes C, Weijenborg PTM. Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: an important factor in the evaluation of lifelong vaginismus? J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2005; 26:245-9. [PMID: 16457419 DOI: 10.1080/01674820500165935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) in a sample of women suffering from lifelong vaginismus (N=91). Lifelong vaginismus is defined as "having a history of never having been able to experience penile entry of the vagina". The results with respect to VVS are compared with the results of women who are suffering from pain during intercourse (superficial dyspareunia) (N=84). Both patients groups were recruited from two treatment outcome studies. Using a standard physical examination, erythema was found in 77%, pain "on touch" in 69% and erythema and pain on the same location was seen in 56% of the patients with lifelong vaginismus. Furthermore, it was found that erythema (94%), pain (98%) and erythema and pain on the same location (92%) were more frequently found in patients with dyspareunia compared to women with lifelong vaginismus. It is concluded that pain is an integral part of the experiences in the majority of women with lifelong vaginismus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek M Ter Kuile
- Department of Psychosomatic Gynecology and Sexology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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GAVEL M. [Recurrent vaginismus scar, treated by the Pozzi operation ]. Bull Fed Soc Gynecol Obstet Lang Fr 1955; 7:181-2. [PMID: 13240270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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