A standard for terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes: A report from the chronic pelvic pain working group of the international continence society.

AIMS: Terms used in the field of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) are poorly defined and often confusing. An International Continence Society (ICS) Standard for Terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CPPS) has been developed with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The standard aims to facilitate research, enhance therapy development and support healthcare delivery, for healthcare providers, and patients. This document looks at the whole person and all the domains (organ systems) in a systematic way. METHODS: A dedicated working group (WG) was instituted by the ICS Standardisation Steering Committee according to published procedures. The WG extracted information from existing relevant guidelines, consensus documents, and scientific publications. Medline and other databases were searched in relation to each chronic pelvic pain domain from 1980 to 2014. Existing ICS Standards for terminology were utilized where appropriate to ensure transparency, accessibility, flexibility, and evolution. Consensus was based on majority agreement. RESULTS: The multidisciplinary CPPS Standard reports updated consensus terminology in nine domains; lower urinary tract, female genital, male genital, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological aspects, psychological aspects, sexual aspects, and comorbidities. Each is described in terms of symptoms, signs and further evaluation. CONCLUSION: The document presents preferred terms and definitions for symptoms, signs, and evaluation (diagnostic work-up) of female and male patients with chronic pelvic pain syndromes, serving as a platform for ongoing development in this field. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:984-1008, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clitorodynia: A Descriptive Study of Clitoral Pain.

INTRODUCTION: Clitorodynia is classified as a type of localized vulvodynia. Our knowledge of this problem is limited to case studies and one published report. AIMS: The objective of the present study was to describe quantitatively the clinical characteristics of clitoral pain, to assess interference with sexual function, and to investigate whether clitoral pain is a unitary category. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six women with clitoral pain completed an online questionnaire that assessed demographic information, descriptive pain characteristics, intensity and impact on daily activities, sexual function, and gynecological and medical histories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures used for the study are the following: clitoral pain characteristics (e.g., intensity, duration, quality, distress, etc.), short-form McGill pain questionnaire-2, and the female sexual function index. RESULTS: Clitoral pain is characterized by frequent and intense pain episodes that can either be provoked or unprovoked, and causes significant impairment in both daily and sexual function. The pain can be localized to the clitoris only or can occur with other genital pain. Comorbidity with other chronic pain disorders is common. A cluster analysis suggested two distinct patterns of clitoral pain, one localized and one generalized. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that women with clitoral pain suffer from significant, distressing, and often long-term pain, which interferes with sexual and daily activities. Two subtypes of clitoral pain may exist, each with distinct pain characteristics and subjective experiences.

Are primary and secondary provoked vestibulodynia two different entities? A comparison of pain, psychosocial, and sexual characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is suspected to be the most frequent cause of vulvodynia in premenopausal women. Based on the onset of PVD relative to the start of sexual experience, PVD can be divided into primary (PVD1) and secondary PVD (PVD2). Studies comparing these PVD subgroups are inconclusive as to whether differences exist in sexual and psychosocial functioning. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the pain, sexual and psychosocial functioning of a large clinical and community-based sample of premenopausal women with PVD1 and PVD2. METHODS: A total of 269 women (n = 94 PVD1; n = 175 PVD2) completed measures on sociodemographics, pain, sexual, and psychosocial functioning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependent variables were the 0-10 pain numerical rating scale, McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Painful Intercourse Self-Efficacy Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait Subscale, Ambivalence over Emotional Expression Questionnaire, Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale--Revised, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale-Revised. RESULTS: At first sexual relationship, women with PVD2 were significantly younger than women with PVD1 (P < 0.01). The average relationship duration was significantly longer in women with PVD2 compared with women with PVD1 (P < 0.01). Although women with PVD1 described a significantly longer duration of pain compared with women with PVD2 (P < 0.01), no significant subtype differences were found in pain intensity during intercourse. When controlling for the sociodemographics mentioned earlier, no significant differences were found in sexual, psychological, and relational functioning between the PVD subgroups. Nevertheless, on average, both groups were in the clinical range of sexual dysfunction and reported impaired psychological functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that there are no significant differences in the sexual and psychosocial profiles of women with PVD1 and PVD2. Results suggest that similar psychosocial and sex therapy interventions should be offered to both subgroups of PVD.