Opioids and Alternatives in Female Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is a complex condition with peripheral and central mechanisms of pain. Successful nonsurgical management typically relies on a multimodal approach, with integration of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This article reviews nonpharmacologic therapies including pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary modifications, psychotherapy, and acupuncture. These interventions are low risk and should be incorporated into treatment for chronic pelvic pain, as they show promise for successful symptom relief in many overlapping chronic pain conditions. Common nonopioid medications for pelvic are also reviewed, including analgesics, hormone modulating agents, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Guidelines for cautious and responsible opioid use are also summarized. While data specific to chronic pelvic pain management remain limited, evidence supporting treatment of other chronic pain conditions is reviewed to help guide management.

Preservation of gonadal function in women undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the potential role for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature investigating the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) co-treatment for ovarian preservation in women receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed from 1960 through 2017 to identify relevant RCTs. Included patients had lymphoma, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who retained ovarian function after chemotherapy. Extracted data points included study design, patient characteristics, and proportion of women who developed premature ovarian failure (POF). A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The pooled odds ratio was calculated, and outcomes of individual studies were compared using the random-effects model with the inverse-variance method and the DerSimonian-Laird estimator. RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs were identified, and 10 met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. An analysis of patients who did not develop POF after chemotherapy revealed eight studies supporting the use of GnRHa (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.34-2.49). The duration of benefit of GnRHa is unclear. An analysis of three studies with outcome data at 2 years revealed a non-significant OR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.22-1.30) for the preservation of ovarian function with GnRHa treatment. CONCLUSION: GnRHa may have a protective effect against the development of POF after gonadotoxic chemotherapy; however, the duration of benefit is unclear and requires further study.

Hysteroscopy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Fibroids.

Operative hysteroscopy is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for submucosal and intramural leiomyomas. We discuss preoperative evaluation, fluid management, postoperative complications, preventative measures, and hysteroscopic outcomes. Technical instructions and tips for successful hysteroscopy, as well as the various equipment options most commonly utilized in the United States, are also reviewed.

Preservation of gonadal function in women undergoing chemotherapy: a review of the potential role for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

A cancer diagnosis in women of reproductive age has unique medical and psychosocial ramifications, especially with treatments that are known to cause gonadal toxicity. For patients who undergo chemotherapy, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential to ensure that the patients' reproductive wishes are addressed. Currently, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the standard of care for those who wish to preserve their fertility. The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists has been a source of debate with numerous studies that have investigated the efficacy on both fertility and ovarian function preservation. This review evaluates the current literature on the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for preservation of gonadal function. Assisted reproductive technology is excellent for preservation of fertility but will not protect gonadal function. Protection of gonadal function is critical for the broader issues of health and quality of life as a result of a hypogonadal state. At this moment, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are the only drug class available to protect gonadal function.