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Background Objective Materials and methods Results Discussion and conclusions There are limited data on pelvic pain among transgender men and gender diverse people, and the impact of testosterone on pelvic pain is poorly understood.Characterize the prevalence and correlates of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) among transgender men and gender diverse people and examine the association between testosterone use and CPP.We used 2020–2022 data from The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study, an online prospective cohort study of sexual and gender minority adults in the United States, to conduct complementary cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. Our primary outcome was self‐reported CPP lasting 3 months or longer measured using the Michigan Body Map.Among 2579 transgender men and gender diverse people assigned female at birth included in our sample, 457 (18%) reported CPP. CPP correlates included: inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), kidney stones, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, current hormonal intrauterine device use, prior pregnancy, vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, and oophorectomy. Individuals with CPP reported a high prevalence of IBS (37%), PCOS (20%), uterine fibroids (9%), post‐traumatic stress disorder (51%), and severe depression and anxiety symptoms (42% and 25%, respectively). Current testosterone use was associated with a 21% lower prevalence of CPP (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.96). In longitudinal analyses (N = 79), 15 (19%) participants reported any CPP after initiating testosterone: eight (56%) of whom reported CPP prior to testosterone initiation, and seven (47%) who reported new‐onset CPP.The relationship between CPP and testosterone is complex. Although testosterone use was associated with a lower prevalence of CPP, some transgender and gender diverse individuals experienced new‐onset pelvic pain after testosterone initiation. Given the significant impact that CPP can have on mental health and quality of life, future research must examine the role of testosterone in specific underlying etiologies of CPP and identify potential therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine group differences among women and men United States Veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic pain (CP). Administrative data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse were derived from a cohort that met criteria for CP in 2018. Differences across sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, and pain-related healthcare utilization were examined. Analyses included group comparisons (chi-square tests for independence or independent samples t-tests) and effect size differences (Cohen's d or Cramer's V). The period prevalence for comorbid CFS and CP was greater among women Veterans (1.20% vs. 0.61%). Women Veterans with CFS and CP were younger (d = 0.80), more likely to be Black, and less likely to be White (V = 0.13). Women Veterans with CFS and CP were more likely to have fibromyalgia (V = 0.23), headache (V = 0.24), or urogenital, pelvic, and menstrual pain (V = 0.14), and less likely to have neuropathy relative to men; they were also more likely to have depression (V = 0.15) or anxiety (V = 0.13). Comorbid CFS and CP are more prevalent among women Veterans relative to men. Group differences in pain clusters and psychiatric comorbidities may have implications for clinical offerings to women Veterans with these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This retrospective database claims analysis describes the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of commercially insured United States women with uterine fibroids (UF) and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).Methods: Women age 18– 55 years with an incident UF diagnosis (index date) between 1/1/2012 and 12/31/2019 and ≥ 1 claim for HMB (UF-HMB), were identified from the Optum® Clinformatics® database. Outcomes included clinical characteristics, pharmacologic therapy use, and surgeries/procedures. Regression models were used to identify factors associated with time to post-diagnosis hormonal therapy and hysterectomy.Results: A total of 85,428 women had UF-HMB (mean [SD] age, 43.7 [6.4] years). The median follow-up was 3.2 years. After HMB, the most common symptoms were pelvic pressure/pain (27.6%) and backache (17.5%). Within 6 months of UF diagnosis, 40.2% of patients had received only pharmacologic therapy; 25.5% had received no treatment; 24.3% had a hysterectomy, and 10.0% had other procedures. By the end of follow-up, 50.0% had received a hysterectomy. Multiple factors were predictive of a higher likelihood of receiving hormonal therapy (geographic region, infertility, pre-index pregnancy) or hysterectomy (older age, prior hormonal treatment, specific bulk symptoms, White race).Conclusion: Within 6 months of UF diagnosis, fewer than one-half of women with UF-HMB had received hormonal therapy, one-quarter received no treatment, and one-quarter had received a hysterectomy or another gynecologic procedure. Patients who received a hysterectomy were more likely to be older, White, and to have bulk symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Updated guidance is provided for clinicians who encounter placenta accreta spectrum, a disorder for which our understanding of the cause, diagnosis, classification, and management is rapidly evolving. Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is one of the most dangerous conditions in pregnancy and is increasing in frequency. The risk of life-threatening bleeding is present throughout pregnancy but is particularly high at the time of delivery. Although the exact cause is unknown, the result is clear: Severe PAS distorts the uterus and surrounding anatomy and transforms the pelvis into an extremely high-flow vascular state. Screening for risk factors and assessing placental location by antenatal ultrasonography are essential for timely diagnosis. Further evaluation and confirmation of PAS are best performed in referral centers with expertise in antenatal imaging and surgical management of PAS. In the United States, cesarean hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ after delivery of the fetus is the most common treatment for PAS, but even in experienced referral centers, this treatment is often morbid, resulting in prolonged surgery, intraoperative injury to the urinary tract, blood transfusion, and admission to the intensive care unit. Postsurgical complications include high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, pelvic pain, decreased quality of life, and depression. Team-based, patient-centered, evidence-based care from diagnosis to full recovery is needed to optimally manage this potentially deadly disorder. In a field that has relied mainly on expert opinion, more research is needed to explore alternative treatments and adjunctive surgical approaches to reduce blood loss and postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To develop and validate the Pelvic Pain Map to fill a gap in the need for a localised body map of the pelvic region. Patients and Methods The Pelvic Pain Map incorporated input from 12 chronic pelvic pain experts across the United States, as well as patient feedback to assess face validity. Finalised diagrams are single, front-facing images of the male and female pelvis that incorporate both abdominal and perineal views. Assessment of test-retest reliability and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity was carried out on a retrospective cohort of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) who completed the maps from January 2022 to May 2022. Other measures used in the validation process consisted of the male and female forms of the Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI) and the short form (six item) of the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS-6). Results Test-retest for individual map zones demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability (Cohen's kappa coefficients ranging from 0.28 to 0.64) and for total map zones demonstrated excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.90). Convergent validity for individual map zones with location descriptors from the GUPI was strong (phi coefficients ranging from 0.26 to 0.79) and for total map zones was moderate (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.56). Discriminant validity for total map zones with separate, but related constructs from the GUPI and PCS-6 was weakly positive (Spearman's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.27 to 0.32). Conclusion This study suggests that the Pelvic Pain Map is a valid and reliable tool for assessing location of pain in patients with CPPS. Our findings highlight the potential utility of the Pelvic Pain Map in guiding treatment selection and monitoring therapeutic response in patients with chronic pelvic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are 2 of the leading causes of morbidity among reproductive-aged women. There are significant racial disparities in disease prevalence, incidence, age of onset, and treatment profile in fibroids. The data on endometriosis are less clear. To conduct a systematic review of racial disparities in prevalence of uterine fibroids and endometriosis in the United States and summarize the literature on these 2 highly prevalent benign gynecologic conditions using a framework that explicitly incorporates and acknowledges the social, structural, and political contexts as a root cause of racial disparities between Black and White women. A systematic review regarding racial disparities in prevalence of fibroids and endometriosis was conducted separately. Two separate searches were conducted in PubMed to identify relevant original research manuscripts and prior systematic reviews regarding racial disparities in uterine fibroids and endometriosis using standardized search terms. In addition, we conducted a structured literature search to provide social, structural, and political context of the disparities. A systematic review of the literature indicated that the prevalence of uterine fibroids was consistently higher in Black than in White women with the magnitude of the difference varying depending on population and case definition. Prevalence of endometriosis varied considerably depending on the base population and case definition, but was the same or lower among Black vs. White women. As a result of the social, structural, and political context in the United States, Black women disproportionately experience a range of exposures across the life course that may contribute to their increased uterine fibroid incidence, prevalence, and severity of uterine fibroids. However, data suggest no racial difference in the incidence of endometriosis. Nevertheless, Black women with fibroids or endometriosis experience worse clinical and surgical outcomes than their White counterparts. Racial disparities in uterine fibroids and endometriosis can be linked with differential exposures to suspected etiologic agents, lack of adequate access to health care, including highly skilled gynecologic surgeons, and bias and discrimination within the health care system. Eliminating these racial disparities will require solutions that address root causes of health disparities through policy, education and programs to ensure that all patients receive culturally- and structurally-competent care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) often report overlapping somatic symptoms and syndromes. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of co-existing symptoms and self-reported syndrome diagnoses among women with PCS and to inform future research hypotheses. Methods: A brief online survey was offered to members of a PCS support group website. Responses were assessed for self-reported co-existing symptoms and formal diagnoses, including: chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, postural tachycardia syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, interstitial cystitis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Results: Of a total of 6000 members, there were 398 respondents; 232 (59%) had not yet been treated for PCS. Among these, the most prevalent co-existing symptoms were as follows: severe fatigue (72%), dizziness (63%), IBS symptoms (61%), brain fog (33%), migraines (49%), polyuria or dysuria (41%), excessive sweating (31%), TMJ pain (31%), and loose skin or lax joints (18%). These are much higher than reported for the general female population. The most commonly self-reported comorbid syndrome diagnoses for the overall group of 398 were: irritable bowel syndrome (29%), fibromyalgia (13%), spinal nerve problems (18%), interstitial cystitis (10%), postural tachycardia syndrome (9%), hypertension (11%), chronic fatigue syndrome (10%), and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (6%). Other than with hypertension, these rates are variably higher than in the general population. Conclusion: Several self-reported co-existing symptoms and syndromes are more prevalent in members of a PCS support group relative to the reported prevalence in the general population. More formal investigation is warranted to evaluate this finding and to investigate potential etiologic links. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome appears to be common in self identifying PCS women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: What are the systemic molecular profiles of endometriosis diagnosed in adolescents and young adults?Summary Answer: Significant enrichment and increased activation of proteins related to angiogenesis and cell migration pathways were observed in endometriosis cases compared to controls (P-value < 2.4 × 10-8).What Is Known Already: Little is known about the pathophysiology of adolescent endometriosis despite the fact that over 50% of adults with endometriosis report onset of severe pelvic pain during adolescence.Study Design, Size, Duration: A cross-sectional analysis using data on 142 laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis cases and 74 controls from the observational longitudinal cohort of Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A).Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: We measured 1305 plasma protein levels using the validated, multiplex aptamer-based proteomics discovery platform, SOMAscan. We calculated odds ratios and 95% CIs using logistic regression adjusting for age, BMI, fasting status and hormone use at blood draw for differentially expressed proteins (P < 0.05). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and STRING analysis were performed to identify biological pathways and protein interactions. We also examined proteins and pathways associated with superficial peritoneal lesion colors (i.e. red, vascularized, white, blue/black, brown).Main Results and the Role Of Chance: Average age at blood draw was 18 years for endometriosis cases and 22 years for controls. We identified 63 proteins associated with endometriosis with type-I error set at 0.05, and absolute fold change >1.2, revealing significant enrichment of dysregulated proteins in biological pathways associated with endometriosis. Increased activation of pathways related to angiogenesis and cell migration was observed in plasma from endometriosis cases compared to controls (P-value < 2.4 × 10-8). Furthermore, when we examined proteins and pathways associated with lesion colors, vascularized lesions were associated with upregulation of pathways related to immune cell migration/activation and inflammation, whereas white, blue/black and brown lesions were associated with downregulation of these pathways.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Validation of our results in independent datasets and mechanistic studies are warranted to further our understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of this common but understudied patient population.Wider Implications Of the Findings: To our knowledge, this was the first study to comprehensively examine circulating proteins in predominantly adolescents and young adult women with and without endometriosis. Results from this study provide novel biological insight that will build toward further research to elucidate endometriosis pathophysiology during the earlier course of the disease trajectory.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was supported by the Department of Defense (W81XWH1910318) and the 2017 Boston Center for Endometriosis Trainee Award. Financial support for establishment of and data collection within the A2A cohort were provided by the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. N.S., A.F.V., S.A.M., K.L.T. have received funding from Marriott Family Foundation. S.A.M. and K.L.T. are supported by NICHD (R01 HD94842). S.A.M. serves as an advisory board member for AbbVie and Roche; neither are related to this study. The authors report no conflict of interest.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although endometriosis is a common condition-affecting ∼10% of premenopausal individuals-its etiology is unknown. Diet receives a lot of attention from patients, but studies of the role of diet are limited. Examining dietary patterns is essential to provide new insight., Objective: We sought to determine whether dietary patterns are associated with laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis diagnosis., Study Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study among 81,997 premenopausal participants of the Nurses' Health Study II, who were followed from 1991-2015. Diet was assessed with validated food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. We examined 6 dietary patterns: Western, Prudent, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, an estrogen-associated pattern, and a proinflammatory pattern. Cox proportional hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to quantify the association between each of these patterns and laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis diagnosis., Results: Three thousand eight hundred ten incident cases of endometriosis were diagnosed during 24 years of follow-up. Adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, reflecting a healthier dietary pattern, was associated with a 13% lower risk of endometriosis diagnosis (fifth vs first quintile 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.96; P trend =.02). Participants in the highest quintile of the Western dietary pattern, characterized by high intake of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and desserts, had a 27% higher risk of endometriosis diagnosis than those in the lowest quintile (95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.47; P trend =.004). The Prudent, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and estrogen-associated dietary patterns did not demonstrate clear associations with endometriosis risk, and there was the suggestion of a higher risk of endometriosis diagnosis among those with a higher proinflammatory diet score (hazard ratio for fifth vs first quintile, 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.23]; P trend =.01)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that consuming a dietary pattern that adheres to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 recommendations lowers the risk of endometriosis diagnosis, potentially through a beneficial impact on pelvic pain. In addition, consuming a less healthy diet high in red/processed meats and refined grains may have a detrimental impact on endometriosis symptoms., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sexual minority (lesbian, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) young women face many sexual and reproductive health disparities, but there is scant information on their experiences of chronic pelvic pain, including an absence of information on prevalence, treatment, and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of chronic pelvic pain experiences of young women by sexual orientation identity and gender of sexual partners. The analytical sample consisted of a nationwide sample of 6,150 U.S. young women (mean age = 23 years) from the Growing Up Today Study who completed cross-sectional questionnaires from 1996 to 2007. Age-adjusted regression analyses were used to examine groups categorized by sexual orientation identity (completely heterosexual [ref.], mostly heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian) and gender of sexual partner (only men [ref.], no partners, both men, and women). We examined differences in lifetime and past-year chronic pelvic pain symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life outcomes. Sensitivity analyses also examined the role of pelvic/gynecologic exam history and hormonal contraceptive use as potential effect modifiers. Around half of all women reported ever experiencing chronic pelvic pain, among whom nearly 90% had past-year chronic pelvic pain. Compared to completely heterosexual women, there was greater risk of lifetime chronic pelvic pain among mostly heterosexual (risk ratio [RR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.38), bisexual (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10–1.52), and lesbian (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00–1.52) young women. Additionally, compared to young women with only past male sexual partners, young women who had both men and women as past sexual partners were more likely to report chronic pelvic pain interfered with their social activities (b = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.25–1.02), work/school (b = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.17–0.93), and sex (b = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.05–1.00). Healthcare providers, medical education, and field-wide standards of care should be attentive to the way sexual orientation-based healthcare disparities can manifest into differential prognosis and quality of life outcomes for women with chronic pelvic pain (particularly bisexual women). Our study is the first to examine a variety of chronic pelvic pain outcomes in a nationwide U.S. sample across different outcomes (ie, past-year and lifetime). Though limited by sample homogeneity in terms of age, race, ethnicity, and gender, findings from this article provide foundational insights about chronic pelvic pain experiences of sexual minority young women. Our key finding is that sexual minority women were commonly affected by chronic pelvic pain, and bisexual women face pain-related quality of life disparities. Tabaac AR, Chwa C, Sutter ME, et al. Prevalence of Chronic Pelvic Pain by Sexual Orientation in a Large Cohort of Young Women in the United States. J Sex Med 2022;19:1012–1023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the presentation, characteristics, and prognostic significance of symptoms in patients with high-risk early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients enrolled in a phase III clinical trial (GOG 157). All patients had surgically staged, high-risk early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (stage IA-IB and grade 3, any clear cell, stage IC or II). Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses.Results: Of 419 patients evaluated for symptoms, 301 (72%) presented with one or more symptoms, and 118 (28%) were asymptomatic but had a mass found on examination. Forty percent had only one symptom, and 32% had more than one symptom. Among those with at least one symptom, the most common were abdominal and pelvic pain (31%), and increased girth or fullness (26%). Overall, 23% of patients with tumors 10 cm or smaller, 27% of patients with tumors larger than 10 cm to 15 cm, and 46% of patients with tumors larger than 15 cm had multiple symptoms (P<.001). There was no significant difference in presentation of symptoms based on age, stage, or histologic subtype. Symptoms at diagnosis were not associated with recurrence or survival.Conclusion: More than 70% of patients with high-risk early-stage, epithelial ovarian cancer present with one or more symptoms, with the most common being abdominal or pelvic pain. The proportion of women with symptoms and the number of symptoms increase with enlarging tumor size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Practice Guidelines document has been co-published in Phlebology [DOI: 10.1177/0268355521999559] and Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.12.084]. The publications are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. The contribution has been published under a Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) With the support of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, the Canadian Society of Phlebology, the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe, the European Venous Forum, the International Pelvic Pain Society, the International Union of Phlebology, the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the Society for Vascular Surgery As the importance of pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) has been increasingly recognized, progress in the field has been limited by the lack of a valid and reliable classification instrument. Misleading historical nomenclature, such as the May-Thurner, pelvic congestion, and nutcracker syndromes, often fails to recognize the interrelationship of many pelvic symptoms and their underlying pathophysiology. Based on a perceived need, the American Vein and Lymphatic Society convened an international, multidisciplinary panel charged with the development of a discriminative classification instrument for PeVD. This instrument, the Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology ("SVP") classification for PeVD, includes three domains—Symptoms (S), Varices (V), and Pathophysiology (P), with the pathophysiology domain encompassing the Anatomic (A), Hemodynamic (H), and Etiologic (E) features of the patient's disease. An individual patient's classification is designated as SVPA,H,E. For patients with pelvic origin lower extremity signs or symptoms, the SVP instrument is complementary to and should be used in conjunction with the Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Physiologic (CEAP) classification. The SVP instrument accurately defines the diverse patient populations with PeVD, an important step in improving clinical decision making, developing disease-specific outcome measures and identifying homogenous patient populations for clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis, defined as endometrium-like tissue located outside the uterine cavity, is a chronic and frequently painful disease that affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. The ectopic endometrial tissue, which is still hormonally responsive, generates a chronic inflammatory state resulting in an array of sometimes debilitating symptoms as well as subfertility. Despite its prevalence and significant effect on a woman's health and quality of life, receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis often takes years. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for managing endometriosis in women who do not desire pregnancy and in those who do, and includes information on the newest treatment option, the oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist elagolix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endovaginal sonographic imaging has been shown to reliably identify pelvic endometriosis, but most United States imaging practices do not adequately assess locations and features of endometriosis beyond ovarian endometrioma. In this article, we propose a protocol for sonographer-acquired images and maneuvers to be interpreted subsequently by sonologists (radiologists or gynecologists). The purpose is to improve the sensitivity of endovaginal sonography for the detection of endometriosis in imaging practices that involve the non-physician sonographer as part of their workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bicycle riding's impact on erectile function remains a topic of great interest given cycling's popularity as a mode of transportation and exercise. We evaluated risk factors for sexual dysfunction in male cyclists with the primary intention of determining if genital/pelvic pain and numbness are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). We surveyed male cyclists using an online anonymous questionnaire. Cyclists were queried on their demographics, cycling experience, and sexual function using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). ED was diagnosed when a completed SHIM score was <22. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of ED in men with genital/pelvic pain or numbness after riding. The survey was designed in the United States. Quantitative characterization of cycling habits, onset and timing of genital pain and numbness, and SHIM score. A total of 1635 participants completed the survey. A majority of men were over the age of 50 (58%, 934/1,607), Caucasian (88%, 1,437/1,635), had been active cyclists for over 10 years (63%, 1,025/1,635) and used road bikes (97%, 1,578/1,635). Overall, 22%, 30%, and 57% of men reported ED, genital pain, and genital numbness, respectively. While controlling for cohort demographics, body mass index, cycling intensity and equipment, and medical comorbidities, no saddle characteristics were associated with the risk of developing genital numbness. However, men reporting penile numbness were at higher risk of reporting ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.453, P =.048). In addition, quicker onset of numbness and resolution of numbness within a day was associated with impaired erectile function. For example, numbness occurring less than 1 hour after cycling had greater odds of leading to ED than numbness after 5 hours (OR = 2.002, P =.032). Similarly, genital pain occurring less than 1 hour (OR = 2.466, P =.031) after cycling was associated with higher ED risk. Strengths include a large sample size of high-intensity cyclists and validated questionnaire use. Limitations include reliance on anonymous self-reported survey data and minimal inquiry into the riding preferences and terrain traversed by cyclists. Pelvic pain and numbness are common complaints among male riders in the United States. Men with such complaints are more likely to also report ED especially if it occurs earlier in the ride. Although direction of causality and temporality are uncertain, alleviation of factors resulting in pelvic discomfort may reduce cycling's impact on sexual function. Such interventions are critical given that cycling for both active travel and aerobic exercise confers numerous health benefits. Balasubramanian A, Yu J, Breyer BN, et al. The Association Between Pelvic Discomfort and Erectile Dysfunction in Adult Male Bicyclists. J Sex Med 2020;17:919–929. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endometriosis is a burdensome chronic disease that can be difficult to diagnose, yet few studies examine experiences along the continuum of disease state. We sought to explore women's journeys to an endometriosis diagnosis, experience with endometriosis pain, and interactions with healthcare practitioners. Methods: An anonymous 23-question online survey was distributed to women (aged >19 years) who self-identified as having a surgical or nonsurgical diagnosis of endometriosis and living in seven English-speaking countries through the social media network MyEndometriosisTeam.com. Results: From January through April 2018, 317 women in the United States and 134 women outside the United States completed the survey. More than 50% of the women waited 6 or more years for a diagnosis of endometriosis. Overall, 54.3% experienced endometriosis-related pain daily. Respondents (US/non-US) reported a significant impairment in quality of life that interfered with their family (45.7%/45.5%) and social life (40.1%/44.0%), education/career (42.9%/46.3%), and sexual function (68.1%/70.1%). Women reported their disease led to other conditions, including fatigue (93.6%), gastrointestinal issues (91.8%), and difficulty sleeping (87.4%). Many women were not satisfied with their practitioner's ability to listen to concerns and felt that their practitioner's treatment recommendations lacked consistency with their own goals/needs. Conclusion: Women still experience long delays and difficult journeys to an endometriosis diagnosis. Disease-associated pain is pervasive and has direct and indirect impacts on quality of life. Women are frequently not satisfied with disease-management options presented to them by their practitioners. These results suggest a need for improved medical education on disease state for both patients and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Endometriosis in adolescents presents differently than adult women. • Adolescents with endometriosis are at a particular risk for pain due to diagnostic delays. • A multidimensional research method is needed: Inflammation; Nerve, Brain; Psychology. • Literature review with research suggestions for adolescents with endometriosis. Endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, is a debilitating disease, affecting millions of women and costing the United States approximately $78 billion annually in pain- related disability. It is also the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP), which is often unresponsive to existing treatments. Adolescent women with the disease are at particular risk as there are often significant diagnostic delays, which in turn can exacerbate pain. Research and treatment guidelines for adolescents with endometriosis are largely based on studies for adult women due to the limited number of studies focusing on adolescents. The current paper critically reviews the literature as it pertains to endometriosis pathophysiology, mechanisms contributing to CPP, and treatment implications and recommendations with a focus on gaps related to adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a chronic pelvic pain condition with no known etiology that affects millions of women and men in the United States. Current management can be aggressive for individuals who are refractory to less invasive options, often resulting in the use of opioid narcotics and/or surgical procedures under general anesthesia, with higher risks and side effects to patients. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is a noninvasive therapeutic strategy that is thought to reduce inflammation and pain via alteration of cellular function and microcirculation. This therapy has demonstrated efficacy in management of other chronic pain syndromes including fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Herein, we describe a case of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome that resulted in decreases in pelvic pain, burning with bladder filling, and other nonpelvic pain symptoms. This case provides support for a formal clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the management of chronic pelvic pain in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testosterone use among transgender people likely impacts their experience of sexual function and vulvovaginal pain via several complex pathways. Testosterone use is associated with decreased estrogen in the vagina and atrophic vaginal tissue, which may be associated with decreased vaginal lubrication and/or discomfort during sexual activity. At the same time, increased gender affirmation through testosterone use may be associated with improved sexual function. However, data on pelvic and vulvovaginal pain among transgender men and nonbinary people assigned female at birth are scarce. This study aimed to assess the association between testosterone and sexual function with a focus on symptoms that are commonly associated with vaginal atrophy. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1219 participants aged 18 to 72 years using data collected from 2019 to 2021 from an online, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of sexual and/or gender minority people in the United States (The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality Study). Our analysis included adult transgender men and gender diverse participants assigned female at birth who were categorized as never, current, and former testosterone users. Sexual function was measured across 8 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction domains. Overall, 516 (42.3%) participants had never used testosterone, and 602 (49.4%) currently used testosterone. The median duration of use was 37.7 months (range, 7 days to >27 years). Most participants (64.6%) reported genital pain or discomfort during sexual activity in the past 30 days, most commonly in the vagina or frontal genital opening (52.2%), followed by around the clitoris (29.1%) and labia (24.5%). Current testosterone use was associated with a greater interest in sexual activity (β=6.32; 95% confidence interval, 4.91–7.74), higher ability to orgasm (β=1.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-2.81), and more vaginal pain or discomfort during sexual activity (β=1.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–3.00). No associations were observed between current testosterone use and satisfaction with sex life, lubrication, labial pain or discomfort, or orgasm pleasure. Testosterone use among transgender men and gender diverse people was associated with an increased interest in sexual activity and the ability to orgasm, as well as with vaginal pain or discomfort during sexual activity. Notably, the available evidence demonstrates that >60% of transgender men experience vulvovaginal pain during sexual activity. The causes of pelvic and vulvovaginal pain are poorly understood but are likely multifactorial and include physiological (eg, testosterone-associated vaginal atrophy) and psychological factors (eg, gender affirmation). Given this high burden, there is an urgent need to identify effective and acceptable interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal changes occur during pregnancy; one-half of pregnant women experienced low back pain and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy. Prescription opioid use for Medicaid enrolled pregnant women has increased dramatically due to severe low back pain/pelvic pain., Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of low back pain/pelvic pain and related risk factors among a broader population., Design: This is a retrospective cohort study., Methods: This study utilized de-identified Medicaid claims data provided by the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, including individuals who gave birth between 2016 and 2021 during pregnancy. Low back pain/pelvic pain and a group of musculoskeletal risk factors were identified with International Classification of Diseases v10. Comparisons were made for the prevalence of low back pain and pelvic pain between those with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal risk and those without., Results: Among 167,396 pregnancies, 65.6% were affected by musculoskeletal risk factors. The overall prevalence of low back pain was 15.6%, and of pregnancy-related pelvic pain was 25.2%. The overall prevalence for either low back pain or pelvic pain was 33.3% (increased from 29.5% in 2016 to 35.3% in 2021), with 24.6% being pregnancy-induced. Pregnancies with musculoskeletal risk factors were more likely to be diagnosed with low back pain (20.7% versus 5.7%, p  < 0.001) or pelvic pain (35.3% versus 6.0%, p  < 0.001) than those without., Conclusion: This study found a very high prevalence of musculoskeletal risk and a high prevalence of low back pain or pelvic pain, with an increasing trend, among South Carolina pregnancies enrolled in Medicaid during the period 2016-2021. Most of the diagnosed low back pain or pelvic pain were pregnancy induced. Musculoskeletal risk factors were associated with low back pain or pelvic pain.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of co-occurring pain sites among older adults with persistent back pain and associations of multisite pain with longitudinal outcomes. Design Secondary analysis of a cohort study. Setting Three integrated health systems in the United States. Subjects Eight hundred ninety-nine older adults with persistent back pain. Methods Participants reported pain in the following sites: stomach, arms/legs/joints, headaches, neck, pelvis/groin, and widespread pain. Over 18 months, we measured back-related disability (Roland Morris, scored 0–24), pain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale), health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D], utility from 0–1), and falls in the past three weeks. We used mixed-effects models to test the association of number and type of pain sites with each outcome. Results Nearly all (N = 839, 93%) respondents reported at least one additional pain site. There were 216 (24%) with one additional site and 623 (69%) with multiple additional sites. The most prevalent comorbid pain site was the arms/legs/joints (N = 801, 89.1%). Adjusted mixed-effects models showed that for every additional pain site, RMDQ worsened by 0.65 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43 to 0.86), back pain intensity increased by 0.14 points (95% CI = 0.07 to 0.22), EQ-5D worsened by 0.012 points (95% CI = –0.018 to –0.006), and the odds of falling increased by 27% (odds ratio = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.43). Some specific pain sites (extremity pain, widespread pain, and pelvis/groin pain) were associated with greater long-term disability. Conclusions Multisite pain is common among older adults with persistent back pain. Number of pain sites was associated with all outcomes; individual pain sites were less consistently associated with outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To quantify patient preferences for endometriosis-associated pain treatments and risk tolerance in exchange for pain reduction and to explore whether preferences vary on the basis of patient characteristics.Methods: US women with a self-reported physician diagnosis of endometriosis and moderate to severe dysmenorrhea and nonmenstrual pelvic pain (NMPP) completed an online discrete choice experiment survey. Each choice question had a pair of hypothetical treatments characterized by attributes with varying levels: improvements in severe dysmenorrhea, severe NMPP, and severe dyspareunia; mode of administration; and treatment-related risks of pregnancy-related problems, bone fracture later in life, and moderate to severe hot flashes. A random-parameters logit model was used to quantify preferences and the attributes' conditional relative importance.Results: A total of 250 women (mean age 34 years) completed the survey. The conditional relative importance of attributes was 3.66 for risk of moderate to severe hot flashes among respondents with and 3.58 among respondents without experience with moderate to severe hot flashes; 1.70, 1.49, and 1.48 for improvements in dyspareunia, NMPP, and dysmenorrhea, respectively; 0.60 for risk of pregnancy-related problems; 0.53 for mode of administration; and 0.49 for bone fracture risk. Preference weights for bone fracture risk levels were not statistically significantly different. In exchange for a greater improvement in dysmenorrhea from severe to mild (vs moderate), respondents without a history of hot flashes accepted a greater increase in the risk of moderate to severe hot flashes (38%) than did respondents with this history (16%).Conclusions: Respondents placed the greatest weight on risk of hot flashes, followed by improvements in dyspareunia, NMPP, dysmenorrhea. Bone fracture risk did not drive preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elagolix (Orilissa™), an oral non-peptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, is approved for the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in the USA and Canada. It reduces levels of gonadotropins, thereby suppressing ovarian sex hormones, ovulation, and endometrial proliferation. In phase 3 trials in women with moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain, elagolix 150 mg once daily and 200 mg twice daily improved clinical response rates for dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pelvic pain to a significantly greater extent than placebo at 3 and 6 months of treatment. Improvements from baseline in several other endometriosis pain-related outcomes were also better with elagolix than with placebo, with the benefits of treatment being maintained with treatment for an additional 6 months in extension studies. Elagolix is generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being of mild to moderate severity. However, elagolix is associated with a dosage-dependent risk of bone loss, which limits its duration of therapy, use in at-risk patients, and concomitant use with certain drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To identify the rate of catastrophizing in a cohort of subjects with chronic pain after self-reported mesh complications and identify interactions of catastrophization with other patient factors, such as age, number of pelvic surgeries, and intent to sue. Catastrophizing has been shown to be a risk factor for chronicity of pain, disability, and depression. Methods The pain catastrophization scale (PCS) identifies patients likely to have an exaggerated, negative thought process in response to pain. Subjects throughout the United States with self-described complications of vaginal mesh completed an internet-based, anonymous survey, featuring multiple standardized questionnaires including the PCS and female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI). A previously defined threshold score of >30 on the PCS defined high-pain catastrophizing. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² test and t test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results Ninety of 167 participants (54%) were found to have high-pain catastrophizing. Age, intent to sue, or number of previous pelvic surgeries did not correlate with high catastrophization. Subjects who catastrophized were significantly more likely to have a higher overall GUPI score (35.0 vs 30.5, P <.001), which came from increases in the pain (18.0 vs 14.2, P <.001) and quality of life (11.0 vs 9.5, P <.001) GUPI subdomains. Conclusion Subjects with self-described mesh complications have a high rate of pain catastrophizing associated with significantly worse quality of life and higher pain. Identifying high catastrophizing patients in the setting of chronic pelvic pain from mesh complications may help guide treatment and be an indicator for early or adjunctive psychosocial intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elagolix, an orally active non-peptidic GnRH antagonist, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. As the degree of ovarian suppression obtained with elagolix is dose-dependent, pain relief may be achieved by modulating the level of hypo-oestrogenism while limiting side effects. Elagolix may thus be considered a novelty in terms of its endocrine and pharmacological properties but not for its impact on the pathogenic mechanisms of endometriosis, as the target of this new drug is, yet again, alteration of the hormonal milieu. Given the oestrogen-dependent nature of endometriosis, a reduction of side effects may imply a proportionate decrease in pain relief. Furthermore, if low elagolix doses are used, ovulation is not consistently inhibited, and patients should use non-hormonal contraceptive systems and perform serial urine pregnancy tests to rule out unplanned conception during periods of treatment-induced amenorrhoea. If high elagolix doses are used to control severe pain for long periods of time, add-back therapies should be added, similar to that prescribed when using GnRH agonists. To date, the efficacy of elagolix has only been demonstrated in placebo-controlled explanatory trials. Pragmatic trials comparing elagolix with low-dose hormonal contraceptives and progestogens should be planned to verify the magnitude of the incremental benefit, if any, of this GnRH antagonist over currently used standard treatments. The price of elagolix may impact on patient adherence and, hence, on clinical effectiveness. In the USA, the manufacturer AbbVie Inc. priced elagolix (OrilissaTM) at around $10 000 a year, i.e. $845 per month. When faced with unaffordable treatments, some patients may choose to forego care. If national healthcare systems are funded by the tax payer, the approval and the use of a new costly drug to treat a chronic condition, such as endometriosis, means that some finite financial resources will be diverted from other areas, or that similar patients will not receive the same level of care. Thus, defining the overall 'value' of a new drug for endometriosis also has ethical implications, and trade-offs between health outcomes and costs should be carefully weighed up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the 5-year contraceptive efficacy and safety of a levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg intrauterine system (IUS) from an ongoing 10-year phase 3 contraceptive trial.Methods: Study investigators enrolled 1,751 nulliparous and parous females aged 16-45 years and desiring contraception to receive a novel LNG 52-mg IUS at 29 centers in the United States, including reproductive health clinics, private offices, and university centers. Participants had scheduled follow-up visits four times during the first year. After year 1, study visits occurred every 6 months, with phone contact at the 3-month point between visits. We assessed the primary outcome of pregnancy rate (Pearl Index) in females aged 16-35 years at enrollment through 60 months. The safety evaluation included all females for their entire duration of participation.Results: The 1,751 enrollees included 1,600 females aged 16-35 years and 151 aged 36-45 years. Successful IUS placement occurred in 1,714 (97.9%) participants. At the time of the data evaluation, 495 participants finished 5 years and 176 had entered the seventh year of IUS use. Nine pregnancies occurred, six of which were ectopic. The Pearl Indices for years 1 and 5 were 0.15 (95% CI 0.02-0.55) and 0.20 (95% CI 0.01-1.13) pregnancies per 100 women-years, respectively. The cumulative life-table pregnancy rate was 0.92% (0.46-1.82%) through 5 years. Participants aged 16-35 years at enrollment were significantly more likely to report new or worsening acne, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea; participants aged 36-45 years at enrollment were more likely to report new or worsening weight increase. Discontinuation for adverse events occurred in 322 (18.8%) participants, most commonly related to expulsion (n=65 [3.8%]). Only 39 (2.2%) IUS users discontinued as a result of bleeding symptoms. Pelvic infection was diagnosed in 14 (0.8%) participants.Conclusion: This LNG 52-mg IUS is highly effective and safe over 5 years of use in U.S. females.Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00995150.Funding Source: Medicines360. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 40% of women experience some type of sexual problem over their lifetimes (Kingsberg & Woodard, 2015). Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects almost half of the women in the United States, yet is underdiagnosed and undertreated. This article examines female sexuality from a historical perspective, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) terminology, and the assessment and treatment of FSD. Since women with urogenital signs and symptoms seek urological services, it is essential for urologic nurses and associates to familiarize themselves with how to empower women with FSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects an estimated 30% of women Veterans. Previous research shows high rates of narcotic abuse in the women Veteran population. Narcotics are not recommended for the treatment of CPP. Understanding how CPP impacts narcotic prescribing in the women Veteran population is critical to addressing the public health crisis of opioid abuse. Our objective was to compare chronic opioid therapy (COT) prescribed 5 yr prior to and following CPP diagnosis and to identify predictors of COT as well as adverse events associated with COT. We choose to look at 10 yr of data because we thought this time period would provide unique insight into the longitudinal associations of CPP and COT and was available in the database.Materials and Methods: Women with non-cancer CPP were included for analyses from the Veteran's Affairs Corporate Database Warehouse. COT was defined as 90 d of opiates/calendar year for each of the 5 yr proceeding and following the diagnosis of CPP. Patient characteristics and potential variables influencing COT were collected. We compared baseline demographics between the women who received COT to the women who did not receive COT to find additional demographic predictors of COT in association with CPP. Multivariable analysis identified predictors of COT in this population of women with CPP. We utilized an interrupted time series analysis to understand the impact of the diagnosis of CPP on COT.Results: A total of 49,601 women met inclusion criteria with an average age of 40.1 ± 11.5 yr; 37.3% self-characterized as being a racial minority and 24% had a history of military sexual trauma. Chronic use increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 5 yr preceding the diagnosis of CPP from 6.3% (n = 3124) of women at time -5 to 13.6% (n = 6746) at time 0. In the first year following the diagnosis of CPP, 16.8% (n = 8,333) of women with CPP met the criteria for COT (p < 0.001) and 15% (n = 7440) of women with CPP remained in the COT group for the remaining 5 yr following the diagnosis. On average women in the COT group had 250-292 d of opioids/year. When comparing women who received chronic narcotics following the diagnosis of CPP versus those who did not receive chronic narcotics, women who received COT were older, more likely to smoke and more frequently diagnosed with other pain conditions such as back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia. (All p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, predictors of COT following CPP diagnosis included prior COT (OR = 10.0 (95% CI 9.4, 10.6), a positive history of military sexual trauma, smoking, and other chronic pain conditions.Conclusions: The distinct pattern of prescribing shown in this cohort may mean COT is prescribed for CPP and this prescribing pattern contributes to the adverse events associated with COT. As COT is not recommended for CPP, physicians need more education on the therapies available to help CPP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) are characterized by aberrant central nervous system processing of pain. This "centralized pain" phenotype has been described using a large and diverse set of symptom domains, including the spatial distribution of pain, pain intensity, fatigue, mood imbalances, cognitive dysfunction, altered somatic sensations, and hypersensitivity to external stimuli. Here, we used 3 cohorts, including patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, a mixed pain cohort with other COPCs, and healthy individuals (total n = 1039) from the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network to explore the factor structure of symptoms of centralized pain. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, we identified 2 general factors in all 3 cohorts, one characterized by a broad increased sensitivity to internal somatic sensations,environmental stimuli, and diffuse pain, termed Generalized Sensory Sensitivity, and one characterized by constitutional symptoms-Sleep, Pain, Affect, Cognition, Energy (SPACE). Longitudinal analyses in the urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome cohort found the same 2-factor structure at month 6 and 1 year, suggesting that the 2-factor structure is reproducible over time. In secondary analyses, we found that Generalized Sensory Sensitivity particularly is associated with the presence of comorbid COPCs, whereas SPACE shows modest associations with measures of disability and urinary symptoms. These factors may represent an important and distinct continuum of symptoms that are indicative of the centralized pain phenotype at high levels. Future research of COPCs should accommodate the measurement of each factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstrual pain is highly prevalent among women of reproductive age. As the general public increasingly obtains health information online, Big Data from online platforms provide novel sources to understand the public's perspectives and information needs about menstrual pain. The study's purpose was to describe salient queries about dysmenorrhea using Big Data from a question and answer platform. Materials and Methods: We performed text-mining of 1.9 billion queries from ChaCha, a United States-based question and answer platform. Dysmenorrhea-related queries were identified by using keyword searching. Each relevant query was split into token words (i.e., meaningful words or phrases) and stop words (i.e., not meaningful functional words). Word Adjacency Graph (WAG) modeling was used to detect clusters of queries and visualize the range of dysmenorrhea-related topics. We constructed two WAG models respectively from queries by women of reproductive age and bymen. Salient themes were identified through inspecting clusters of WAG models. Results: We identified two subsets of queries: Subset 1 contained 507,327 queries from women aged 13–50 years. Subset 2 contained 113,888 queries from men aged 13 or above. WAG modeling revealed topic clusters for each subset. Between female and male subsets, topic clusters overlapped on dysmenorrhea symptoms and management. Among female queries, there were distinctive topics on approaching menstrual pain at school and menstrual pain-related conditions; while among male queries, there was a distinctive cluster of queries on menstrual pain from male's perspectives. Conclusions: Big Data mining of the ChaCha® question and answer service revealed a series of information needs among women and men on menstrual pain. Findings may be useful in structuring the content and informing the delivery platform for educational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and may increase women’s risk for developing other chronic pain conditions. Although it is highly variable, symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes have not been identified. The aims of the study were to identify symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes and examine their relationships with demographic and clinical characteristics. In a cross-sectional study, 762 women with dysmenorrhea rated severity of 14 dysmenorrhea-related symptoms. Using latent class analysis, we identified three distinctive phenotypes. Women in the “mild localized pain” phenotype (n = 202, 26.51%) had mild abdominal cramps and dull abdominal pain/discomfort. Women in the “severe localized pain” phenotype (n = 412, 54.07%) had severe abdominal cramps. Women in the “multiple severe symptoms” phenotype (n = 148, 19.42%) had severe pain at multiple locations and multiple gastrointestinal symptoms. Race, ethnicity, age, and comorbid chronic pain conditions were significantly associated with phenotypes. Identification of these symptom-based phenotypes provides a foundation for research examining genotype–phenotype associations, etiologic mechanisms, and/or variability in treatment responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior studies of complications after sling surgery excluded the large number of women in military treatment facilities (MTFs). Objective: To characterize the postoperative complication rates after sling surgery for Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) within MTFs in the United States. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of women aged 18 and older, with SUI, and who underwent either an outpatient or inpatient mid-urethral sling placement for SUI in any MTF in the United States between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Results: During the study period, 348 surgeons performed 1632 slings. The average patient age was 47.2 years, and 22.4% of the patients had a concomitant pelvic organ prolapse procedure. Overall, 45.5% of subjects had at least one postoperative complication. Of the specific complications, urologic infectious complications were the most frequent, occurring in 25.2% of patients. Overall, only 0.9% of patients underwent a repeat incontinence procedure. In multivariate analyses, concomitant pelvic organ procedure was associated with an increased risk of bladder outlet obstruction and noninfectious urologic complications. Those with a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1 or more were more likely to have an infectious complication and a new diagnosis of pelvic pain. Women older than the median age were less likely than those below to experience treatment failure and a new diagnosis of pelvic pain. Conclusions: The population of women with SUI undergoing sling surgery at MTFs is a young population with postoperative complication rates lower than previously reported. However, the absolute overall complication rate is still high, specifically related to urinary tract infections, suggesting that significant opportunities exist for quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine, lidocaine, and mexiletine are potential nonopioid adjuvant medications for the use of refractory cancer-related pain, particularly when opioids are demonstrating limited objective benefit. This is a case report of a single patient admitted to a large academic medical center in the United States. The patient is a 43-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease complicated by rectal squamous cell carcinoma and complex, progressive, and intractable pelvic and rectal pain. Over the course of hospitalization, her pain demonstrated limited opioid responsiveness despite marked fluctuations of her oral morphine equivalent doses. She also demonstrates variable responsiveness to ketamine. Lidocaine continuous infusion ultimately proves beneficial, and she is discharged after conversion to oral mexiletine. An overview of the hospital system's protocols for ketamine and lidocaine continuous infusions for pain and considerations for transitioning to mexiletine from lidocaine infusion are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: This study was designed to assess the effect of gynecological morbidities on Mexican women's self-rated health status and emotional health. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among Mexican women aged 25-54. We analyzed information on 1,303 participants living in Hermosillo, Mexico. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of having any one of three kinds of pelvic pain, urinary incontinence or both of these conditions on women's self-rated health. Additionally, we conducted analysis of variance and multiple linear regression to test the effect of these gynecological morbidities on women's self-reported emotional health. Results: Nearly one-third (31.2%) of participants rated their health as fair to very poor. Women reporting of at least one gynecological morbidity were more likely to rate their health as fair to very poor. In adjusted analyses, in addition to older age, low educational attainment, marital status other than single, lack of access to medical care, recurrent kidney infection, asthma, diabetes, and, reporting one or concurrent gynecological morbidities were associated with increased odds (adjusted odds ratios = 1.53-3.91) of reporting fair to very poor self-rated health. Women who did not report any gynecological morbidity had significantly lower mean scores for anxiety/fear 0.30 (±0.30) than women with two to four conditions (anxiety/fear 0.45 ± 0.31). Conclusion: Pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and the co-occurrence of these conditions have a negative impact on women's perception of their health status and their emotional health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe obstetrician-gynecologists' (ob-gyns) knowledge and prescribing practices regarding opioid analgesics.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellows and Junior Fellows who are part of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. We used a sequential mixed-method approach. We collected data on opioid knowledge and typical prescribing practices, including number, type, and indication for prescriptions. We determined adherence to four recommended practices: 1) screening for dependence, 2) prescribing the smallest amount required, 3) tailoring prescriptions, and 4) counseling on proper disposal. We also explored variables associated with prescribing practices.Results: Sixty percent (179/300) of sampled members responded. Respondents reported prescribing a median of 26 (5-80) pills per patient across all indications combined. Ninety-eight percent prescribed opioids after surgery and a smaller proportion for nonsurgical indications: vaginal birth (22%), ovarian cysts (30%), endometriosis (24%), and chronic pelvic pain of unknown cause (18%). The number prescribed varied only by indication for the prescription. Nineteen percent reported adherence to three or more (of four) recommended practices. There was no significant difference in the median number of pills prescribed between those who reported adherence to at least one compared with those who did not adhere to any recommended practices (25 [interquartile range 25-30] vs 28 [interquartile range 20-30], P=.58). Regarding knowledge, 81% incorrectly identified the main source of misused opioids, which is through diversion from a friend or family member, and 44% did not know how to properly dispose of unused prescription opioids.Conclusion: Obstetrician-gynecologists reported prescribing a median of 26 opioid pills across all indications combined. Amount prescribed varied widely by indication but not by reported adherence to recommended prescribing practices. This study highlights an urgent need for increased efforts to improve ob-gyns' knowledge of opioid use, misuse, disposal, and best prescribing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To examine the symptomatic burden of endometriosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women in the United States (US).Methods: A cross sectional web-based survey study was conducted among women using survey panels. The survey included study-specific questions and standardized HRQL questionnaires. Participants reviewed a list of endometriosis symptoms and selected all symptoms they had ever or were currently experiencing. For current symptoms, participants rated the severity and bothersomeness of each symptom. Participants completed the endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) core questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes were performed and multivariate regressions were run with each EHP subscale as a dependent variable to examine the impact of symptoms while controlling for age and comorbid conditions.Results: Mean age of the 1269 women was 34.3 ± 0.3; 78% were white. At least 75% reported having ever experienced: pelvic pain/cramping during their menstrual period, anxiety/stress, lower back pain or fatigue/weariness/anemia. EHP-30 scores ranged from 33.6 (95% CI: 31.4, 35.8) (social support) to 37.8 (95% CI: 35.5, 40.1) (control and powerlessness), indicating moderate HRQL impact. For all but one domain and one symptom, EHP-30 scores were significantly higher (worse) for women who had individual endometriosis-related symptoms than for those who did not. EHP-30 scores consistently deteriorated with each increase in the number of symptoms experienced and by increasing perceived disease severity. Pelvic pain/cramping during menstrual period, irregular periods and general abdominal pain were significantly associated with the EHP-30 domain scores in the regression models.Conclusion: Experiencing endometriosis symptoms is associated with lower HRQL. Importantly, as symptom severity and number of symptoms increase, HRQL further deteriorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, cost effective, and increasing in popularity. It is unclear whether changes in IUD use are associated with changes in rates of irreversible tubal sterilization. In this analysis, we evaluate changes in rates of tubal sterilization, insertion of copper or levonorgestrel (LNG) IUDs, and related complications over time. Methods: Data were obtained from a retrospective claims database (Optum™ Clinformatics™ Data Mart) of women aged 15 to 45 years who underwent insertion of copper or LNG IUD or tubal sterilization between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2011. Outcomes of interest included annual rates of insertion or sterilization and annual rates of potential complications and side effects. Results: The number of women included in the analysis each year ranged from 1,870,675 to 2,016,916. Between 2006 and 2011, copper IUD insertion claim rates increased from 0.18 to 0.25% and LNG IUD insertion claim rates increased from 0.63 to 1.15%, while sterilization claims decreased from 0.78 to 0.66% (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Increases in IUD insertion were apparent in all age groups; decreases in tubal sterilization occurred in women aged 20 to 34 years. The most common side effects and complications were amenorrhea (7.36-11.59%), heavy menstrual bleeding (4.85-15.69%), and pelvic pain (11.12-14.27%). Significant increases in claims of certain complications associated with IUD insertion or sterilization were also observed. Conclusion: Between 2006 and 2011, a decrease in sterilization rates accompanied an increase in IUD insertion rates, suggesting that increasing numbers of women opted for reversible methods of long-term contraception over permanent sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Adenomyosis and uterine fibroids (UFs) may coexist in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Relugolix combination therapy (Relugolix-CT: relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) is approved in the United States to treat HMB associated with UFs and moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis. A post-hoc analysis of the pivotal, 24-week LIBERTY 1 and 2 studies evaluated the efficacy of Relugolix-CT versus placebo in the subgroup with ultrasound evidence of adenomyosis. METHODS: Baseline ultrasound images from women enrolled in the replicate, IRB-approved LIBERTY studies were evaluated for adenomyosis using predefined criteria. Primary endpoint: proportion of study completers with baseline adenomyosis who were HMB responders, defined as 50% or higher reduction in menstrual blood loss (MBL) volume from baseline and less than 80-mL MBL over the last 35 days. Pooled LIBERTY 1 and 2 results are presented. RESULTS: Of women who completed the LIBERTY studies, 111/610 (18.2%) had ultrasound evidence of adenomyosis at study entry. The prevalence of adenomyosis was similar between treatment groups (18.3% and 14.0% for Relugolix-CT and placebo, respectively). In this subgroup, 83.8% of women treated with Relugolix-CT were HMB responders versus 27.6% of women who received placebo; responders in the overall population were 72.3% and 16.8%, respectively. Additionally, 64.9% of women in this subgroup who received Relugolix-CT were amenorrheic over the last 35 days of treatment, versus 6.9% of women treated with placebo. CONCLUSION: Relugolix-CT effectively reduced HMB in women with UFs and adenomyosis through 24 weeks. Efficacy in this subgroup of women was generally similar to the overall study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To compare the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) in predicting the laparoscopically defined 2021 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) Endometriosis Staging., Design: Retrospective multicenter study of patients treated at 3 specialized endometriosis centers., Setting: Three specialized endometriosis surgical centers in São Paulo (Brazil), Barcelona (Spain), and Avellino (Italy) participated., Patients: A total of 878 patients aged 15 to 45 years with no history of pelvic malignancy underwent laparoscopic (LPS) treatment for suspected endometriosis., Interventions: Retrospective review of preoperative transvaginal and transabdominal US (index test) assessed for endometriosis at all sites used in the 2021 AAGL Endometriosis Classification and classified patients into AAGL-US stages 1 to 4. Results were compared with reference-standard LPS (AAGL-LPS) staging., Measurements and Main Results: The AAGL-US and AAGL-LPS stage were concordant in 586 cases (66.7%) (weighted kappa [WK] 0.759; intraclass correlation = 0.906), with the highest agreement observed in patients with no endometriosis (n = 70, 75.3% concordance), AAGL-LPS stage 1 (104, 50.7%) and stage 4 disease (358, 88.2%). Endometriosis was most accurately diagnosed in the rectum/sigmoid colon (WK 0.862), bladder (WK 0.911), and ovaries (WK 0.835/0.795 for right/left, respectively) and least accurately diagnosed at superficial peritoneal (WK 0.442), tubal (WK 0.391/0.363 for right/left, respectively), and retrocervical/uterosacral ligament (WK 0.656) sites., Conclusion: Sonographic estimation of the 2021 AAGL Endometriosis Staging is greatest in AAGL-LPS stages 1 and 4 and among patients with no endometriosis. US best identifies endometriosis of the ovaries, bladder, and bowel but is more limited for the tubes and superficial peritoneum., (Copyright © 2022 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the association between patient characteristics and the probability of undergoing any uterine-sparing procedure (endometrial ablation, myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization) compared with hysterectomy as the first uterine leiomyoma (index) procedure and the probability of undergoing a specific uterine-sparing procedure.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using a commercial insurance claims database containing more than 13 million enrollees annually. Based on the index procedure performed 2004-2009, women were classified into one of the four procedure cohorts. Eligible women were aged 25-54 years on the index date, continuously insured through 1-year baseline and 1-year follow-up, and had a baseline uterine leiomyoma diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between patient characteristics and leiomyoma procedure.Results: The study sample comprised 96,852 patients (endometrial ablation=12,169; myomectomy=7,039; uterine artery embolization=3,835; and hysterectomy=73,809). Patient characteristics associated with undergoing any uterine-sparing procedure compared with hysterectomy included health maintenance organization health plan enrollment, Northeast region residence, the highest income and education quintiles based on zip code, an age-race interaction, and baseline diagnoses including menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, anemia, endometriosis, genital prolapse, and infertility. Among those who had a uterine-sparing procedure, characteristics associated with undergoing uterine artery embolization or endometrial ablation compared with myomectomy included increasing age, being from the Midwest relative to the Northeast, and certain baseline conditions including menstrual disorder, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and infertility.Conclusion: Both clinical and nonclinical factors were associated with the receipt of alternatives to hysterectomy for uterine leiomyomas in commercially insured women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Although chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a prevalent urological disorder among men of all ages, its etiology remains unknown. Only a few previous studies have examined associations between lifestyle factors and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, of which most were limited by the cross-sectional study design and lack of control for possible confounders. To address these limitations we performed a cohort study of major lifestyle factors (obesity, smoking and hypertension) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome risk in the HPFS (Health Professionals Follow-up Study), a large ongoing cohort of United States based male health professionals. Materials and Methods The HPFS includes 51,529 men who were 40 to 75 years old at baseline in 1986. At enrollment and every 2 years thereafter participants have completed questionnaires on lifestyle and health conditions. In 2008 participants completed an additional set of questions on recent chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome pain symptoms modified from the NIH (National Institutes of Health)-CPSI (Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index) as well as questions on approximate date of symptom onset. The 653 participants with NIH-CPSI pain scores 8 or greater who first experienced symptoms after 1986 were considered incident chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome cases and the 19,138 who completed chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome questions but did not report chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome related pain were considered noncases. Results No associations were observed for baseline body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, cigarette smoking and hypertension with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome risk (each OR ≤1.34). Conclusions In this large cohort study none of the lifestyle factors examined was associated with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome risk. As the etiology of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome remains unknown, additional prospective studies are needed to elucidate modifiable risk factors for this common condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis is a common endemic cause of abdominal pain outside the United States that can present with symptoms overlapping with endometriosis, a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in reproductive women. In this case, operative laparoscopy aided and resulted in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis., (Copyright © 2022 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Healthcare disparities research is often limited by incomplete accounting for differences in health status by populations. In the United States, hysterectomy shows marked variation by race and geography, but it is difficult to understand what factors cause these variations without accounting for differences in the severity of gynecologic symptoms that drive the decision-making for hysterectomy.Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate a method for using electronic health record-derived data to create composite symptom severity indices to more fully capture relevant markers that influence the decision for hysterectomy.Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of 1993 women who underwent hysterectomy between April 4, 2014, and December 31, 2017, from 10 hospitals and >100 outpatient clinics in North Carolina. Electronic health record data, including billing, pharmacy, laboratory data, and free-text notes, were used to identify markers of 3 common indications for hysterectomy: bulk symptoms (pressure from uterine enlargement), vaginal bleeding, and pelvic pain. To develop weighted symptom indices, we finalized a scoring algorithm based on the relationship of each marker to an objective measure, in combination with clinical expertise, with the goal of composite symptom severity indices that had sufficient variation to be useful in comparing different patient groups and allow discrimination among severe symptoms of bulk, bleeding, or pain.Results: The ranges of symptom severity scores varied across the 3 indices, including composite bulk score (0-14), vaginal bleeding score (0-44), and pain score (0-30). The mean values of each composite symptom severity index were greater for those who had diagnostic codes for vaginal bleeding, bulk symptoms, or pelvic pain, respectively. However, each index demonstrated a variation across the entire group of hysterectomy cases and identified symptoms that ranged in severity among those with and without the target diagnostic codes.Conclusion: Leveraging multisource data to create composite symptom severity indices provided greater discriminatory power to assess common gynecologic indications for hysterectomy. These methods can improve the understanding in healthcare use in the setting of long-standing inequities and be applied across populations to account for previously unexplained variations across race, geography, and other social indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the prevalence, symptoms, and pathologic changes related to chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with significant prostatitis-like symptoms between 2 altitude areas in northwest China. Methods: From October 2009 to March 2010 community male residents at 3000 m (Delingha) and 400 m (Xi''An) constituted the population base for the present cross-sectional study. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire containing the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, and the subjects who met our definition were invited to undergo clinical evaluation. After screening, the subjects considered to have CP/CPPS were separated into 2 groups: those with type IIIa and those with type IIIb CP/CPPS. Results: The prevalence of CP/CPPS with significant prostatitis-like symptoms was significantly different between the 2 groups. Moreover, the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index of patients with type IIIa and IIIb in 2 groups differed significantly, indicating the aggravation of symptoms of CP/CPPS at a high altitude. Additional investigations showed that reactive oxygen species were increased, accompanied by a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity in the expressed prostatic secretions of patients with type IIIa at a higher altitude. In addition, the tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10 levels in the expressed prostatic secretions of patients with type IIIa in Delingha were increased compared with that in the patients with type IIIa in Xi''An. Notably, the interleukin-6 level in the expressed prostatic secretions was greater in those with type IIIa and IIIb at a higher altitude than in those with type IIIa and IIIb at a low altitude. Conclusions: At a high altitude, the symptoms of CP/CPPS were aggravated. Oxidative stress and cytokines might involve in the pathologic process and the aggravation of symptoms. In addition, in a high altitude area the pathomechanisms of type IIIa and IIIb CP/CPPS differed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Men at risk for prostate cancer may concurrently experience chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain. We evaluated the effect of dutasteride on prostatitis-like symptoms in the REDUCE study population. Materials and Methods: REDUCE was a 4-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of prostate cancer risk reduction with 0.5 mg dutasteride vs placebo in men 50 to 75 years old with prostate specific antigen 2.5 to 10 ng/ml and a negative prostate biopsy in the previous 6 months. In this analysis we investigated change from baseline in Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index in men with prostatitis-like pain (Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index pain subscore 5 or greater) and prostatitis-like syndrome (perineal or ejaculatory pain plus Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index pain subscore 4 or greater), the proportion of subjects with at least a moderate Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index response (6-unit or greater improvement) and reports of new onset clinical prostatitis. Results: Of 5,379 men with a total baseline Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index score 678 (12.6%) had prostatitis-like pain and 427 (7.9%) had prostatitis-like syndrome. Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total score decreased significantly at 48 months in the dutasteride group vs placebo in men with prostatitis-like pain (p <0.0001) and with prostatitis-like syndrome (t test p = 0.03). There were significantly more Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index responders with dutasteride vs placebo in the prostatitis-like pain (49% vs 37%, respectively, p = 0.0033) and prostatitis-like syndrome (46% vs 35%, Fisher''s exact test p = 0.0265) subgroups. Prostatitis was reported as an adverse event by significantly more men randomized to placebo (3.6%) than to dutasteride (2.5%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Long-term dutasteride therapy resulted in improvement in prostatitis related symptoms in older men with an increased prostate specific antigen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a debilitating disease which often has a major impact on quality of life. A significant number of patients do not respond to conservative treatment and often no good alternative can be offered except radical surgery. Sacral neuromodulation is a well established therapy for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. This therapy has also been suggested to be useful in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Although currently no Food and Drug Administration approval exists for this indication, several studies have demonstrated promising results. We provide an overview of the published literature on sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain. Materials and Methods: A PubMed® search was performed to identify articles in English from 1990 to February 2010 reporting treatment of pelvic pain with sacral neuromodulation. In addition, the current definitions of pelvic pain syndromes and the mechanisms of action are discussed. Results: A total of 12 relevant articles were identified. Of these articles 10 mainly addressed the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain. The percentage of patients who responded to test stimulation was reported between 51% and 77%. Of the 10 articles 7 reported treatment outcome after implantation. The duration of followup ranged between 5 and 87 months. The mean reduction in pain scores was reported between 40% and 72%. The reoperation rate ranged between 27% and 50% after long-term followup. Two articles included patients with miscellaneous urogenital pain syndromes. The success rates after implantation ranged from 60% to 77% with followup ranging between 19 and 36 months. Conclusions: Currently there is insufficient evidence to determine the role of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Larger prospective trials with long-term evaluation are required to determine the ultimate efficacy of this treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome continues to elude conventional therapy. Evidence supports the concept that phenotypes of pelvic muscular tenderness and psychosocial distress respond to myofascial trigger point release and specific relaxation training. This case series reports long-term outcomes of a 6-day intensive combination of such therapies in refractory cases. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 men with pain for a median of 4.8 years referred themselves to Stanford University Urology for participation in an established protocol. Daily 3 to 5-hour sessions including intrapelvic/extrapelvic physiotherapy, self-treatment training and paradoxical relaxation training provided a solid introduction to facilitate self-management. Subjects answered baseline and followup questionnaires at variable intervals after initiation of therapy including the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, global response assessment and a psychological query. Results: We followed 116 men for a median of 6 months. Baseline total symptom index was 26 out of a maximum 43 points. Scores decreased by 30% (p <0.001) at followup with 60% of subjects demonstrating a 6-point or greater decrease (range 6 to 30). Domains of pain, urinary dysfunction and quality of life showed significant improvement (p <0.001). Global response assessment revealed that 82% of subjects reported improvement (59% marked to moderate, 23% slight). Conclusions: Men with chronic pelvic pain refractory to traditional treatment benefit from intensive myofascial trigger point therapy and concomitant paradoxical relaxation training. Education in techniques for self-administered trigger point release and continued pelvic muscle relaxation help patients reduce pain and dysfunction. Refinement of clinical phenotyping and selection of patients with pelvic muscle tenderness should enhance the success rate with this treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]