Development of a patient-centered text message-based platform for the self-management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a patient-centered text message-based platform that promotes self-management of symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). METHODS: Adult women with IC/BPS interested in initiating a first- or second-line treatments per American Urological Association guidelines (recategorized as "behavioral/non-pharmacologic treatments" and "oral medicines" in the 2022 version) participated in rapid cycle innovation consisting of iterative cycles of contextual inquiry, prototype design and development. We delivered treatment modules and supportive messages using an algorithm-driven interactive messaging prototype through a HIPAA-compliant texting platform. Patients provided feedback through narrative text messages and an exit interview. Feedback was analyzed qualitatively and used to iteratively revise the platform until engagement ≥ 85% and accuracy ≥ 80% were achieved. The final version consisted of four treatment module categories (patient education and behavioral modification, cognitive behavioral therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, and guided mindfulness practices) and supportive messages delivered through an automated algorithm over 6 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty IC/BPS patients with moderate symptom bother (median IC Problem Index score 9, range 6-12) participated in five cycles of contextual inquiry. Qualitative analysis identified three overarching concepts that informed the development of the platform: preference for patient centered terms, desire to gain self-efficacy in managing symptoms, and need for provider support. Patients preferred the term "interstitial cystitis" to "bladder pain syndrome" which carried the stigma of chronic pain. Patients reported greater self-efficacy in managing symptoms through improved access to mind-body and behavioral treatment modules that helped them to gain insight into their motivations and behaviors. The concept of provider support was informed by shared decision making (patients could choose preferred treatment modules) and reduced sense of isolation (weekly check in messages to check on symptom bother). CONCLUSION: A patient centered text message-based platform may be clinically useful in the self-management of IC/BPS symptoms.

Gynecological associated disorders and management.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is complex and involves multiple organ systems. The gynecological aspects of chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be divided into four different areas: intra-abdominal, vaginal, pelvic floor muscles and sexual pain. This article provides an overview of gynecological evaluation in patients with chronic pelvic pain and reviews the most common gynecological diagnoses and their management. METHODS: An extensive review of the literature including guidelines from the International Continence Society, the European Association of Urology, and the International Association for the Study of Pain was performed. RESULTS: Gynecological evaluation of patients with chronic pelvic pain begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Laboratory tests, imaging studies and diagnostic procedures can be used as adjuncts to make a diagnosis. Treatment modalities include physical therapy, medications, trigger points injections, and surgery. CONCLUSION: Common gynecological diagnoses of chronic pelvic pain include endometriosis, adenomyosis, vulvodynia, high tone pelvic floor dysfunction, and genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder. Gynecology is one of the many systems that can be associated with chronic pelvic pain. Managing patients with chronic pelvic pain requires a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach.

Hunner lesion versus non-Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Global consensus on the standardization of terminology for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is lacking and is in the formative stages. The Workshop on Hunner lesion versus non-Hunner lesion at the 2018 International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan discussed prevalence, performance and outcome of endoscopy, the role of histopathology, and markers. METHODS: A panel of experts reviewed the literature regarding Hunner lesion vs. non-Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. RESULTS: The prevalence of Hunner lesion has been reported to be 5-57%. Older age and smaller anatomic bladder capacity were associated with Hunner lesions. Cystoscopy using local anesthesia is not adequate in diagnosing interstitial cystitis but is needed to rule out confusable diseases. Cystoscopy with hydrodistention and redistention of the bladder is considered standard. A Hunner lesion is visualized as a quite typical inflammatory reaction: a reddened mucosal area with small vessels radiating towards a central scar, splitting at distension, usually associated with a waterfall bleeding pattern. Biopsies from the inflamed area show inflammatory infiltrates, granulation tissue, detrusor mastocytosis, and fibrin deposits. Ablation of Hunner lesions includes transurethral resection of lesions, fulguration, laser ablation, and cortical steroid injections. Mast cell density is a somewhat controversial matter, described differently in different studies: marked increase in Hunner lesion vs. non-Hunner lesion in the majority of studies, no difference in a few. Nitric oxide appears to be a definitive marker in distinguishing Hunner lesion vs. non-Hunner lesion disease. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is elevated in Hunner lesion patients. Increased level of urinary proinflammatory genes expression has also been found in Hunner lesion subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Hunner lesion patients are clinically and pathologically distinct from non-Hunner lesion bladder pain syndrome patients.

The fundamentals of chronic pelvic pain assessment, based on international continence society recommendations.

AIMS: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as a noncyclical pain that has duration of at least 6 months and can lead to decreased quality of life and physical performance. The pain can be attributed to problems in the pelvic organs and/or problems in related systems, and possible psycho-social attributes may contribute to the manifestation. Due to the complex nature, CPP syndromes are multifactorial and the terminology needs to reflect the setting. METHODS: The current review is a synthesis of key aspects of the recent International Continence Society Standardization for Terminology in CPP Syndromes. RESULTS: Nine domains can be used for a detailed description of CPP. They include four domains specific to the pelvic organs (lower urinary tract, female genital, male genital, gastrointestinal), two related to other sources of pain which may be perceived in the pelvis (musculoskeletal, neurological) and three which may influence the response to the pain or its impact on the individual (psychological, sexual, and comorbidities). For an individual patient with CPP, each domain should be reviewed in terms of symptoms and signs, noting that positive findings could reflect either a primary cause or a secondary consequence. The findings will guide further evaluations and subsequent treatment. CONCLUSION: We present a synthesis of the standard for terminology in CPP syndromes in women and men, which serves as a systematic framework to consider possible sources of pain (pelvic organs or other sources) and the individual responses and impact.

An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for the assessment of sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

AIMS: The terminology in current use for sexual function and dysfunction in women with pelvic floor disorders lacks uniformity, which leads to uncertainty, confusion, and unintended ambiguity. The terminology for the sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction needs to be collated in a clinically-based consensus report. METHODS: This report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees. Internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). Importantly, this report is not meant to replace, but rather complement current terminology used in other fields for female sexual health and to clarify terms specific to women with pelvic floor dysfunction. RESULTS: A clinically based terminology report for sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction encompassing over 100 separate definitions, has been developed. Key aims have been to make the terminology interpretable by practitioners, trainees, and researchers in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Interval review (5-10 years) is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible. CONCLUSION: A consensus-based terminology report for female sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research.

An international Urogynecological association (IUGA)/international continence society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for the assessment of sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The terminology in current use for sexual function and dysfunction in women with pelvic floor disorders lacks uniformity, which leads to uncertainty, confusion, and unintended ambiguity. The terminology for the sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction needs to be collated in a clinically-based consensus report. METHODS: This report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees. Internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). Importantly, this report is not meant to replace, but rather complement current terminology used in other fields for female sexual health and to clarify terms specific to women with pelvic floor dysfunction. RESULTS: A clinically based terminology report for sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction encompassing over 100 separate definitions, has been developed. Key aims have been to make the terminology interpretable by practitioners, trainees, and researchers in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Interval review (5-10 years) is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus-based terminology report for female sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research.

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.

Pentosan polysulfate sodium for treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: insights from a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy and safety of the currently recommended dose of pentosan polysulfate sodium with a third of the daily dose and with placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study 368 adults with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, defined as an ICSI total score of 8 or greater and a score of greater than 0 on the 4 ICSI component items, received pentosan polysulfate sodium 100 mg once daily or 3 times daily, or matching placebo for 24 weeks. Study eligibility was not based on cystoscopy findings. ICSI was administered at baseline, and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24. Unblinded interim analysis performed at 6 years with 54% of the target number of 645 patients enrolled resulted in early study termination. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the pentosan polysulfate sodium group and the placebo group or between the 2 pentosan polysulfate sodium groups for the primary end point, defined as responder achieving a 30% or greater reduction from the baseline ICSI total score at study end. This primary end point was achieved by 48 of 118 patients (40.7%) in the placebo group, and by 51 of 128 (39.8%) and 52 of 122 (42.6%) in the pentosan polysulfate sodium 100 mg once daily and 3 times daily groups, respectively. Pentosan polysulfate sodium was well tolerated with a similar percent of patients (range 10.2% to 13.3%) across the groups discontinuing due to an adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study in a broad population of patients with symptoms consistent with interstitial cystitis revealed no treatment effect vs placebo for pentosan polysulfate sodium at the currently established dose or at a third of the daily dose.

Current advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) have moved away from targeting a specific organ to multifactorial and multidisciplinary individualized approach to treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to review the current advancements in diagnosis and treatment of CPP. RECENT FINDINGS: Recognition that response to current treatment approach to CPP syndrome is variable; organizations such as the European Association of Urology, American Urologic Association, International Continence Society, International Association for the Study of Pain, and others have integrated the most current evidence and management strategies from multiple specialties (urology, gynecology, pain medicine, gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, neurology, physiotherapy, and psychology). The 1 World Congress on Pelvic Pain met in 2013 to further collaborate on diagnosis and management of CPP. A multimodal clinical phenotype system has also been implemented to help understand cause and guide therapy. SUMMARY: New classification systems allow for overlap of mechanisms between conditions and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Construct validity of an instrument to measure neuropathic pain in women with bladder pain syndrome.

AIMS: To determine the construct validity of an instrument to measure neuropathic pain in women with bladder pain syndrome (BPS). Our hypothesis is that neuropathic, bladder, and bowel pain represent different constructs in women with BPS. METHODS: Secondary planned analysis of a prospective cross-sectional study of 150 women with BPS. The relationship between neuropathic pain, urinary, and bowel symptoms was assessed. RESULTS: The correlation of the total neuropathic pain score with total urinary and bowel symptom scores was low to moderate (r = 0.28-0.49). The correlation of specific neuropathic pain items with bladder and bowel pain was also low to moderate (r = 0.12-0.36). Women with neuropathic pain had significantly higher scores for urinary urgency, bladder pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation than women with non-neuropathic pain (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Somatosensory neuropathic pain and "visceral" bladder and bowel pain represent separate but related constructs in women with BPS.

Botulinum toxin for conditions of the female pelvis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Botulinum toxin has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of urinary incontinence associated with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. However, it has also been used off-label for a multitude of other conditions in the female pelvis, including urological, gynecological, and colorectal. This article reviews the most recent data regarding its efficacy and safety, and administration techniques for those conditions. METHODS: A literature review of the most relevant reports published between 1985 and 2012. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence related to neurogenic detrusor overactivity is currently the only approved indication in the female pelvis. Other supported off-label uses include: idiopathic detrusor overactivity, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction, anal fissure, anismus, and functional anal pain. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin may effectively and safely be used in many conditions of the female pelvis. More high quality research is needed to better clarify its role in the therapeutic algorithm for those indications.

Interstitial cystitis patients' use and rating of complementary and alternative medicine therapies.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies among interstitial cystitis (IC) patients, patients' perception of CAM therapies' effectiveness, and the association of time since diagnosis with perceived effectiveness of these therapies. METHODS: In April 2009, the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) initiated an Internet-based survey on CAM. Respondents indicated whether they received an IC diagnosis and how long ago, whether they tried CAM, and who recommended it. On a 5-point scale, respondents rated 49 therapies. For respondents confirming a diagnosis, we used a chi-square goodness-of-fit test to assess which therapies were rated positively or negatively by a majority of patients who tried them. Using separate one-way analyses of variance, we assessed differences in mean perceived effectiveness among groups based on time since diagnosis and conducted post hoc tests, if necessary. Using chi-square tests, we explored the association of time since diagnosis with the use of CAM and the number of therapies tried. RESULTS: A total of 2,101 subjects responded to the survey; 1,982 confirmed an IC diagnosis. Most (84.2 %) had tried CAM, and 55 % said physicians had recommended CAM. Of those trying CAM, 82.8 % had tried diet or physical therapy and 69.2 % other therapies. Of the therapies, 22 were rated positively and 20 negatively; 7 were inconclusive. Therapies patients perceived to be helpful included dietary management and pain management adjuncts such as physical therapy, heat and cold, meditation and relaxation, acupuncture, stress reduction, exercise, and sleep hygiene. Many therapies worked better for those diagnosed recently than for those diagnosed long before. CONCLUSIONS: Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to demonstrate which therapies may indeed control IC symptoms and help send research in new and productive directions.

Association of neuropathic pain with bladder, bowel and catastrophizing symptoms in women with bladder pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: In this study we determined if there is an association of neuropathic pain with urinary, bowel and catastrophizing symptoms in women with bladder pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female patients with a diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome completed validated questionnaires to assess neuropathic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, quality of life and pain catastrophizing. Women were dichotomized into neuropathic pain and nonneuropathic pain groups. Urinary and bowel symptoms, pain catastrophizing and quality of life scores were compared between the 2 groups using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Of 150 women with bladder pain syndrome 40 (27%) had features of neuropathic pain while 110 (73%) did not. Women with features of neuropathic pain had significantly worse urinary urgency (mean ± SD 3.1 ± 3.1 vs 2.1 ± 1.7, p <0.001), bladder pain (3.0 ± 1.1 vs 2.0 ± 1.3, p <0.001), bowel pain (8.8 ± 4.0 vs 5.3 ± 3.6, p <0.001), diarrhea (7.8 ± 6.1 vs 4.1 ± 4.3, p <0.001), quality of life (12.2 ± 5.5 vs 9.8 ± 3.8, p <0.001) and higher pain catastrophizing (32.2 ± 12.4 vs 23.1 ± 14.3, p <0.001) scores than those without neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: In women with bladder pain syndrome the presence of neuropathic pain is significantly associated with the severity of bladder and bowel pain, urinary urgency and diarrhea. Women with features of neuropathic pain also have worse pain catastrophizing and quality of life than those without features of neuropathic pain.

The impact of neuropathic pain in the chronic pelvic pain population.

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic pelvic pain disorders often present with neuropathic features. We examined a cohort of patients with a primary complaint of chronic pelvic pain for the presence of neuropathic pain symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic pelvic pain disorders from 2 tertiary referral centers were prospectively evaluated. The validated S-LANSS (Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) survey was used to examine pain symptoms of neuropathic origin. Patients completed SF-12v2™ to assess mental/physical health domains. The 2-tailed t test and chi-square analysis were used to compare physical and mental component summaries in patients with vs without neuropathic symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients mean age of 45 years were included in analysis. Of the patients 72.5% with chronic pelvic pain carried more than 1 primary diagnosis. The S-LANSS survey identified symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain in 44 patients (31%). A greater proportion of patients with a neuropathic component had altered sensation in the affected area (86.4% vs 24.5%). Patients with neuropathic pain scored 4.28 and 5.45 points lower on the physical and mental component summaries (p = 0.053 and 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of patients with chronic pelvic pain present with neuropathic features and report decreased quality of life compared with the general population. Those with neuropathic symptoms have significantly lower quality of life than those without such symptoms. Clinicians can identify patients to use targeted therapies and use a multidisciplinary approach to care.

An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for reporting outcomes of surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Standardized terminology has yet to be developed for reporting the outcomes for surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This report combines the input of the Terminology and Standardization Committees of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS) and a joint Working Group on this topic, as well as expert external referees. The aim was to present a standardized terminology for the definitions of surgery and propose a structure for reporting the outcomes of surgical procedures for POP. An extensive drafting and review process was undertaken, as well as open review on both IUGA and ICS websites. RESULTS: A terminology report was developed outlining the recommended structure for reporting outcomes of surgical trials involving POP. This document does not define success and failure. The report includes patient-reported subjective and objective outcomes to enable researchers to report on their results and compare them with other studies. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus-based method for standardizing terminology for reporting outcome measures of POP surgery was developed to aid clinicians working in this area of research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:415-421, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Developing evidence-based standards for diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract or pelvic floor dysfunction.

The International Continence Society (ICS) has a key role in standardizing terminology related to lower urinary tract and pelvic organ dysfunction. The ICS Standardization Steering Committee (SSC) presents the new structure and process by which future ICS Standards will be developed. The new processes aim to meet present-day evidence-based practice requirements, and to foster unbiased, inclusive, and transparent development. For each new ICS Standard, the SSC will oversee a dedicated ad hoc Working Group (WG). Applications to chair or contribute to a WG will be invited from the ICS membership. The SSC will select the Chairperson, and work with him or her to select the WG composition, balanced to represent key disciplines, stakeholders, and regions. Consultants can be invited to contribute to the WG where specific need arises. Every WG will review current knowledge, adhering to evidence-based medicine requirements. Progress reports will be reviewed by the SSC, and amendments recommended, culminating in a first draft. The draft will be offered to the ICS membership and additional relevant experts for comment. Further revision, if needed, will result in a document, which the SSC will submit to the ICS Trustees, as arbiters of whether the document should be adopted as an ICS Standard. The SCC will then coordinate with the WG to ensure that the new ICS Standard is published and disseminated. Implementation strategies, such as education, audit, accreditation, and research initiatives will be linked to the Standards where appropriate. Revisions of ICS Standards will be undertaken to maintain contemporaneous relevance.

An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for reporting outcomes of surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Standardized terminology has yet to be developed for reporting the outcomes for surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This report combines the input of the Terminology and Standardization Committees of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS) and a joint Working Group on this topic, as well as expert external referees. The aim was to present a standardized terminology for the definitions of surgery and propose a structure for reporting the outcomes of surgical procedures for POP. An extensive drafting and review process was undertaken, as well as open review on both IUGA and ICS websites. RESULTS: A terminology report was developed outlining the recommended structure for reporting outcomes of surgical trials involving POP. This document does not define success and failure. The report includes patient-reported, subjective and objective outcomes to enable researchers to report on their results and compare them with other studies. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus-based method for standardizing terminology for reporting outcome measures of POP surgery was developed to aid clinicians working in this area of research.

A real-world comparative assessment of complications following various mid-urethral sling procedures for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence affects a significant proportion of the adult female population in the United States with prevalence increasing with growing age. Mid-urethral slings are among surgical options offering important improvement in the condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of different mid-urethral sling products with respect to postsurgery complications. This retrospective study utilized data from the Premier Perspective Database for mid-urethral sling procedures between 2005 and 2009. Patients were grouped into retropubic or transobturator cohorts, and these cohorts were further divided by the sling utilized during the procedure. Surgical outcomes and 12-month complication rates were assessed. In general, there were fewer complications noted for transobturator procedures than for retropubic procedures. In the retropubic category, Gynecare TVT had significantly lower rates of urinary obstruction/retention than other retropubic procedures. In the transobturator category, lower rates of overall pelvic complications as well as urologic complications, including urgency incontinence and urinary tract infections, were observed in the Gynecare TVTO subgroup than other transobturator procedures. Results of this study confirm the low overall rate of complications for midurethral sling procedures while at the same time suggesting that product choice may also have an impact on complication rates.

Relationship of Bladder Pain With Clinical and Urinary Markers of Neuroinflammation in Women With Urinary Urgency Without Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of bladder pain is poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that in women with urinary urgency without incontinence, bladder pain is associated with the presence of neurogenic inflammation in the bladder wall and neuroinflammatory biomarkers in the urine. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of women with urinary urgency without incontinence. Urinary symptoms were measured using Female Genitourinary Pain Index. Neuropathic pain, a clinical biomarker of neuroinflammation, was measured using the PainDETECT questionnaire. Inflammatory neuropeptides measured in the urine included nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and osteopontin. Neuropathic pain scores and urinary neuropeptide levels were compared between patients with and without bladder pain using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: In 101 women with urinary urgency without incontinence, 62 (61%) were in the bladder pain group (visual analog scale score, ≤ 3), whereas 39 (39%) were in the no bladder pain group. Urinary symptom scores (5.0 ± 3.1 versus 3.5 ± 2.4, P < 0.001) and neuropathic pain scores (13.3 ± 8.6 vs 5.1 ± 4.8, P < 0.001) were significantly higher for the bladder pain group than for the no bladder pain group. On multivariable analysis after controlling for age, body mass index, and severity of urinary urgency, bladder pain score was significantly associated with elevated urinary levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (P = 0.04) and osteopontin (P = 0.02), whereas the neuropathic pain score was significantly associated with an increased NGF level (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In women with urinary urgency without incontinence, bladder pain is associated with the presence of clinical and urinary biomarkers of neuroinflammation.

Urogenital complaints and female sexual dysfunction (part 1).

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia are common complaints in women with urological disorders. AIM: To provide a comprehensive review of sexual dysfunction related to common hypersensitive/hyperactive urogenital disorders including interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), overactive bladder (OAB) with and without incontinence, and high-tone pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and the appropriate treatment strategies. METHODS: A medical literature search using several related terms including sexual dysfunction, dyspareunia, IC/PBS, OAB, urinary incontinence pelvic floor dysfunction, and levator ani muscle spasm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Review of the medical literature to identify relation between sexual dysfunction and common urological disorders in women and to describe appropriate treatment strategies to improve the women's quality of life. RESULTS: A thorough review of sexual dysfunction in urological disorders and their related treatments modalities including: behavioral, pharmacological, and nonpharmacological therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is a common, underestimated, and untreated complaint in women with urologic disorders. Identifying sexual complaints and treating the underlying etiologies can result in significant improvement in a woman's quality of life. This process requires a focused, multidisciplinary approach tailored to meet the needs of women with urogenital complaints.