Savi Scout Localization for Extrapelvic Endometriosis Resection.

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain among women globally. Pharmacological therapy for endometriosis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives, while surgical therapy often involves either laparoscopic excision and ablation of endometriosis implants or open surgery. Surgical therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment especially for extrapelvic endometriomas. However, little guidance exists for the treatment of non-palpable or intermittently palpable lesions of this nature. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old woman with a previous cesarean section presented with complaints of intermittent discomfort in the area between her umbilicus and the surgical incision, for the previous 7 years, that worsened during her menstrual cycle. A 3×3-cm area of fullness was only intermittently palpable during various clinic visits, but was visualizable on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Given the lesion's varying palpability, a Savi Scout radar localization device was placed into the lesion pre-operatively to aid with surgical resection. The mass was excised, pathologic examination revealed endometrial tissue, and the patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course with resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Surgical removal of extrapelvic endometrioma lesions can be made difficult by varying levels of palpability or localizability due to a patient's menstrual cycle. The Savi Scout, most commonly used in breast mass localization, is a useful tool in guiding surgical excision of non-palpable or intermittently palpable extrapelvic endometrioma lesions.

Acute diverticulitis of the appendix.

Acute diverticulitis of the appendix (ADA), though uncommon, often presents similarly to acute appendicitis but carries a higher risk of complications such as perforation and malignancy. We report the case of a male patient in his 50s with acute right iliac fossa abdominal pain, diagnosed via CT scan with ADA. Urgent laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged without further issues. This case highlights the importance of promptly identifying and managing such conditions to minimise complications and improve outcomes. Despite the overlap in symptoms between appendiceal diverticulitis and acute appendicitis, accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in older patients presenting with an acute appendicitis, like clinical picture to ensure timely intervention and optimal patient care.

Emergency department attendances for persistent pelvic pain are not reduced following laparoscopic surgery for women with or without endometriosis.

AIM: To explore the change in emergency department (ED) attendances for persistent pelvic pain (PPP) following laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. METHODS: A retrospective service evaluation was conducted on a convenience sample of 1 calendar year of elective gynaecological laparoscopies for PPP. Data were collected on ED visits for surgical complications, and for PPP in the 12 months prior to and following surgery. RESULTS: Of the 195 women undergoing laparoscopy, 30 had attended the ED owing to their PPP in the preceding year. Endometriosis was found and treated in 51% of the cohort and no cause for pain was found in the other 96 women. Eighteen women suffered postoperative complications. In the subsequent 12 months, 31 of the cohort attended the ED for PPP. Likelihood of unscheduled hospital visits for post-operative complications and for exacerbations of pain in the year prior to and following surgery was independent of the presence of endometriosis lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of women living with PPP, laparoscopic surgery failed to reduce the need to attend the ED owing to their pain. Further investigation into interventions that can reduce the burden of pain on these women and the healthcare system is required.

Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections and Adverse Reproductive Health Conditions Among Patients Assigned Female at Birth in the Veterans Health Administration.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive age female individuals comprise the fastest-growing segment of Veterans Health Administration patients, but little is known about rates of reproductive health outcomes among those with chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. Our aim was to estimate the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic pain in female veterans tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of female veterans tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020. We calculated rates of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic pain per 100,000 person-years and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the risk of these reproductive health conditions according to infection status after adjustment for age, race, ethnicity, military sexual trauma, mental health diagnoses, and substance use disorder. RESULTS: Of female veterans, 232,614 were tested at least once for chlamydia or gonorrhea, with a total of 1,665,786 person-years of follow-up. Of these, 12,971 had positive chlamydia or gonorrhea results (5.8%, 796 cases per 100,000 person-years). Compared with people who tested negative, those testing positive had double the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81-2.07), 11% increased risk of infertility (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.18), 12% increased risk of pelvic pain (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.17), and 21% increased risk of any of these conditions (aHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17-1.25). People with positive chlamydia or gonorrhea testing tended to have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.0-1.30). Among those with a positive test result, 2218 people (17.1%) had 1 or more additional positive test results. Compared with those with 1 positive test result, people with more than 1 positive test result had a significantly increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18-1.58), infertility (aHR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04-1.39), and pelvic pain (aHR1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.28), but not ectopic pregnancy (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80-1.47). CONCLUSIONS: Female veterans with positive chlamydia or gonorrhea results experience a significantly higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and pelvic pain, especially among those with repeat infection.

An artificial intelligence approach for investigating multifactorial pain-related features of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a debilitating, chronic disease that is estimated to affect 11% of reproductive-age women. Diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult with diagnostic delays of up to 12 years reported. These delays can negatively impact health and quality of life. Vague, nonspecific symptoms, like pain, with multiple differential diagnoses contribute to the difficulty of diagnosis. By investigating previously imprecise symptoms of pain, we sought to clarify distinct pain symptoms indicative of endometriosis, using an artificial intelligence-based approach. We used data from 473 women undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for a variety of surgical indications. Multiple anatomical pain locations were clustered based on the associations across samples to increase the power in the probability calculations. A Bayesian network was developed using pain-related features, subfertility, and diagnoses. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed by querying the network for the relative risk of a postoperative diagnosis, given the presence of different symptoms. Performance and sensitivity analyses demonstrated the advantages of Bayesian network analysis over traditional statistical techniques. Clustering grouped the 155 anatomical sites of pain into 15 pain locations. After pruning, the final Bayesian network included 18 nodes. The presence of any pain-related feature increased the relative risk of endometriosis (p-value < 0.001). The constellation of chronic pelvic pain, subfertility, and dyspareunia resulted in the greatest increase in the relative risk of endometriosis. The performance and sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the Bayesian network could identify and analyze more significant associations with endometriosis than traditional statistical techniques. Pelvic pain, frequently associated with endometriosis, is a common and vague symptom. Our Bayesian network for the study of pain-related features of endometriosis revealed specific pain locations and pain types that potentially forecast the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Quality of life and symptoms of pain in patients with endometriomas compared to those with other endometriosis lesions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriomas are genetically distinct from other endometriosis lesions and could be associated with a predisposition to excessive inflammation. However, differences in clinical presentation between types of endometriosis lesions have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and pain scores of patients with endometriomas compared to those with other types of endometriosis lesions. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January 2020 and August 2023. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis completed the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 pain subscale questionnaire for their quality of life score and rated their endometriosis-associated pain symptoms using an 11-point numerical rating scale. The data were analyzed for comparison through multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients were included and divided into endometrioma (81, 33%) and nonendometrioma (167, 67%) groups. The mean age of the patients was 37.1 ± 7.5 years. Most participants were Canadian or North American (84%). One-third of the patients reported experiencing up to four concurrent pain symptoms. The most reported pain included deep dyspareunia (90%), chronic pelvic pain (84%) and lower back pain (81%). The mean quality of life score was 45.9 ± 25.9. We observed no difference in quality of life scores between patients with and without endometriomas. Patients with endometriomas had lower mean scores for deep dyspareunia (0.8; 95% CI [0 to 1.5]; p = 0.049) and higher mean scores for superficial dyspareunia (1.4; 95% CI [0.2 to 2.6]; p = 0.028). Comorbid infertility (p = 0.049) was a factor that modified superficial dyspareunia intensity in patients with endometriomas. CONCLUSION: In patients with endometriosis, evidence was insufficient to conclude that the presence of endometriomas was not associated with a greater or lesser quality of life, but differences in specific symptoms of dyspareunia were identified.

Evaluation and Management of Endometriosis in the Adolescent.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, with debilitating symptoms affecting all ages. Dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain often begin in adolescence, affecting school, daily activities, and relationships. Despite the profound burden of endometriosis, many adolescents experience suboptimal management and significant delay in diagnosis. The symptomatology and laparoscopic findings of endometriosis in adolescents are often different than in adults, and the medical and surgical treatments for adolescents may differ from those for adults as well. This Narrative Review summarizes the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of endometriosis in adolescents. Given the unique challenges and complexities associated with diagnosing endometriosis in this age group, it is crucial to maintain a heightened level of suspicion and to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms. By maintaining this lower threshold for consideration, we can ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, enabling early intervention and improved management in our adolescent patients.

Latest insights into the pathophysiology of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a common medical problem in both sexes affecting people of all ages. Patients might report overactive bladder symptoms with additional bladder pain at maximum bladder filling, during and after micturition. This review aims to highlight pathophysiological mechanisms associated with this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Latest literature exposes different pathophysiological mechanisms such as impaired urothelial barrier function, alteration of urothelial factors and cytokines, chronic inflammation, vascular lesions, neurogenic inflammation and processes in the central nervous system leading to central sensitization. According to the involved mechanisms, BPS/IC may be arranged in clusters according to the clinical phenotype thus helping in clinical decision-making and treatment. Moreover, patients with BPS/IC suffer from other comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain and functional syndromes and psychosomatic diseases making the management challenging for medical professionals. SUMMARY: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is a complex heterogeneous medical condition involving different pathomechanisms leading to bladder pain and dysfunction, consequently, impairing quality-of-life in affected individuals. However, these mechanisms are still not fully understood, so that patient treatments often remain unsatisfactory. For this reason, continuing research is important to understand the underlying pathomechanisms to discover biomarkers and treatment targets eventually improving diagnostic and therapeutic measures of BPS/IC.

Endometriosis-related infertility: severe pain symptoms do not impact assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION: Do severe endometriosis-related painful symptoms impact ART live birth rates? SUMMARY ANSWER: Severe pain symptoms are not associated with reduced ART live birth rates in endometriosis patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: ART is currently recognized as one of the main therapeutic options to manage endometriosis-related infertility. Presently, no data exist in the literature regarding the association between the core symptom of the disease, e.g. pain and ART reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Observational cohort study of 354 endometriosis patients, who underwent ART at a tertiary care university hospital, between October 2014 and October 2021. Diagnosis of endometriosis was based on published imaging criteria using transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and histologically confirmed in women who had a previous history of endometriosis surgery (n = 127, 35.9%). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The intensity of painful symptoms related to dysmenorrhea (DM), dyspareunia (DP), noncyclic chronic pelvic pain, gastrointestinal (GI) pain, or lower urinary tract pain was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), before ART. Severe pain was defined as having a VAS of 7 or higher for at least one symptom. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per patient. We analyzed the impact of endometriosis-related painful symptoms on ART live births using univariable and multivariate analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Three hundred and fifty-four endometriosis patients underwent 711 ART cycles. The mean age of the population was 33.8 ± 3.7 years, and the mean duration of infertility was 3.6 ± 2.1 years. The distribution of the endometriosis phenotypes was 3.1% superficial endometriosis, 8.2% ovarian endometrioma, and 88.7% deep infiltrating endometriosis. The mean VAS scores for DM, DP, and GI pain symptoms were 6.6 ± 2.7, 3.4 ± 3.1, and 3.1 ± 3.6, respectively. Two hundred and forty-two patients (68.4%) had severe pain symptoms. The CLBR per patient was 63.8% (226/354). Neither the mean VAS scores for the various painful symptoms nor the proportion of patients displaying severe pain differed significantly between patients who had a live birth and those who had not, based on univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.229). The only significant factors associated with negative ART live births were age >35 years (P < 0.001) and anti-Müllerian hormone levels <1.2 ng/ml (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The diagnosis of endometriosis was based on imaging rather than surgery. This limitation is, however, inherent to the design of most studies on endometriosis patients reverting to ART first. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Rather than considering a single argument such as pain, the decision-making process for choosing between ART and surgery in infertile endometriosis patients should be based on a multitude of aspects, including the patient's choice, the associated infertility factors, the endometriosis phenotypes, and the efficiency of medical therapies in regard to pain symptoms, through an individualized approach guided by a multidisciplinary team of experts. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No funding; no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

A holistic biopsychosocial management approach for cis-gender males with chronic pelvic pain syndrome attending sexual health services: a retrospective case review.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men is a condition associated with significant morbidity which is typically managed in sexual health services. We introduced a modified biopsychosocial approach for managing CPPS in men, reducing use of antibiotics and evaluated its application in a retrospective case review. METHODS: Patients attended for a full consultation covering symptomology, onset and social history. Examination included urethral smear and assessment of pelvic floor tension and pain. A focus on pelvic floor relaxation was the mainstay of management with pelvic floor physiotherapy if required. Prescribing of antibiotics being discontinued if no evidence of urethritis at first consultation. The main outcome was change in the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score (which patients completed at each attendance); significant clinical improvement was defined as a NIH-CPSI score reduction of >25% and/or ≥6 points. RESULTS: Among 77 consecutive patients diagnosed with CPPS between April 2017 and December 2018, the mean NIH-CPSI score at the initial visit was 24.1 (11-42). Antibiotics were prescribed to 38/77 (49.4%) and alpha-blockers to 58/77 (75.3%). Overall, 50 (64.9%) patients with a mean initial NIH-CPSI score of 25.4 (11-42) re-attended a CPPS clinic. Among these, the average NIH-CPSI score at the final CPPS clinic appointment declined to 15.9 (0-39) (p<0.001); 34/50 (68%) men experienced significant clinical improvement. Men who attended only one CPPS clinic compared with those who reattended had a shorter duration of symptoms (18 (1-60) vs 36 (1-240) months; p=0.038), a lower initial NIH-CPSI score (21.7 (11-34) vs 25.4 (11-44); p=0.021), but had attended a similar number of clinics prior to referral (2.9 (0-6) vs 3.2 (0-8); p=0.62). CONCLUSIONS: The biopsychosocial approach significantly reduced the NIH-CPSI score in those who re-attended, with 68% of patients having a significant clinical improvement. The first follow-up consultation at 6 weeks is now undertaken by telephone for many patients, if clinically appropriate.

[The possibility of correcting oxidative stress in patients with inflammatory type of chronic abacterial prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIa)].

INTRODUCTION: The term "chronic prostatitis" includes many different symptomatic patterns, many aspects of which still remain a mystery. The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many diseases, including prostatitis, is undisputable. AIM: To evaluate the capabilities of a mineral-vitamin antioxidant complex for the treatment of patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients with inflammatory type of chronic abacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) were included in the study. The examination, along with standard tests, included evaluation of the antioxidant status. Patients were randomized into the main group (n=26), and the control group (n=21). All men received standard therapy. However, in the main group, Selzinc-plus was additionally prescribed, 2 tablets per day for 2 months. The results were assessed after 2 months of therapy. RESULTS: Standard therapy had a significant effect in patients of both groups, which lasted for two months. However, additional antioxidant therapy practically doubled this effect on the symptom scale, although it had no influence on the number of leukocytes in the expressed prostate secretions. At baseline, all patients in both groups had a decrease in antioxidant protection. Two months of taking Selzinc-plus led to normalization of the overall antioxidant status. In the control group, there was also a positive trend in antioxidant status, but significant differences were obtained only in the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSION: CP/CPPS is accompanied by oxidative stress. Taking Selzinc-plus for two months allows to restore the activity of the antioxidant system.

Acceptability, reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of people with endometriosis experience deep dyspareunia; however, there is no means of objective self-testing of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability, test-retest reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for a self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a tertiary endometriosis center. Inclusion criteria were: 19 to 49 years of age, self-reported deep dyspareunia of ≥4 of 10, and surgically confirmed endometriosis. Participants completed 2 self-assessments using the vaginal insert to self-assess tenderness at the right and left pelvic floor, bladder, cervix-uterus, and posterior cul-de-sac (vaginal fornix). The participants recorded tenderness at each pelvic site and completed a questionnaire regarding the acceptability of the vaginal insert to assess deep dyspareunia. Test-retest reliability was assessed by correlating the tenderness scores between the 2 assessment dates. Over a 4-week period, the participants also recorded deep dyspareunia severity at each penetrative vaginal sex encounter. Validity was assessed by correlating vaginal insert tenderness to deep dyspareunia severity, and also to tenderness reported on a prior gynecologic pelvic examination. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measures were the acceptability index score, tenderness (0-10) at each pelvic site, and prospective deep dyspareunia scores (0-10) over 4 weeks. RESULTS: There were 19 participants (mean age 34 ± 7 years) who completed the study. The majority identified as female (94.7%), heterosexual (89.5%), and white (89.5%). The median acceptability index score was 0.72 (interquartile range, 0.66-0.81). For test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.79 (P = .001) for the left pelvic floor, 0.82 (P < .001) for the right pelvic floor, 0.54 (P = .07) for the bladder, 0.89 (P < .001) for the cervix-uterus, and 0.77 (P = .003) for the cul-de-sac. The correlation between the highest self-assessed mean tenderness in each participant and self-reported deep dyspareunia over 4 weeks was r = 0.32, but correlations for each pelvic site varied significantly. Tenderness at each site on prior gynecologist pelvic exam was associated with higher self-assessed mean tenderness with the vaginal insert in each participant (effect sizes = 0.42-0.88). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The vaginal insert is acceptable and reliable for the objective self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia, with initial evidence of validity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: A strength was the inclusion of participants who were avoiding sexual activity and a limitation was the small sample size. CONCLUSION: Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to further establish the validity of the vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia.

The effect of dietary interventions on pain and quality of life in women diagnosed with endometriosis: a prospective study with control group.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the influence of dietary interventions, namely the low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (Low FODMAP) diet and endometriosis diet, on endometriosis-related pain and quality of life (QoL) compared to a control group? SUMMARY ANSWER: After adhering to a dietary intervention for 6 months, women with endometriosis reported less pain and an improved QoL compared to baseline whereas, compared to the control group, they reported less bloating and a better QoL in 3 of 11 domains. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Standard endometriosis treatment can be insufficient or may be accompanied by unacceptable side effects. This has resulted in an increasing interest in self-management strategies, including the appliance of the Low FODMAP diet and the endometriosis diet (an experience-based avoidance diet, developed by women with endometriosis). The Low FODMAP diet has previously been found effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain symptoms, whereas only limited studies are available on the efficacy of the endometriosis diet. A survey study recently found the endometriosis diet effective in improving QoL but currently no guidelines on use of the diet exist. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A prospective one-center pilot study was performed between April 2021 and December 2022. Participants could choose between adherence to a diet-the Low FODMAP diet or endometriosis diet-or no diet (control group). Women adhering to a diet received extensive guidance from a dietician in training. The follow-up period was 6 months for all three groups. For all outcomes, women adhering to the diets were compared to their baseline situation and to the control group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We included women diagnosed with endometriosis (surgically and/or by radiologic imaging) who reported pain scores ≥3 cm on the visual analogue score (0-10 cm) for dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, and/or chronic pelvic pain. The primary endpoint focused on pain reduction for all pain symptoms, including dysuria, bloating, and tiredness. Secondary endpoints, assessed via questionnaires, focused on QoL, gastro-intestinal health, and diet adherence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 62 participants were included in the low FODMAP diet (n = 22), endometriosis diet (n = 21), and control group (n = 19). Compared to their baseline pain scores, participants adhering to a diet reported less pain in four of six symptoms (range P < 0.001 to P = 0.012) and better scores in 6 of 11 QoL domains (range P < 0.001 to P = 0.023) after 6 months. Compared to the control group, analyzed longitudinally over the 6-month follow-up period, participants applying a diet reported significant less bloating (P = 0.049), and better scores in 3 of 11 QoL domains (range P = 0.002 to P = 0.035). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: No sample size was calculated since efficacy data were lacking in the literature. In order to optimize dietary adherence, randomization was not applied, possibly resulting in selection bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our study suggests that women could benefit from adherence to a dietary intervention, since we found lower pain scores and better QoL after 6 months. However, caution is implied since this is a pilot study, no sample size was calculated, and data on long-term effects (>6 months) are lacking. The results of this pilot study underline the importance of further research and the drawing up of guidelines. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): A.v.H. reports receiving a travel grant from Merck outside the scope of this study. J.W., S.V., J.T., and B.D.B. have no conflicts of interest to report. A.d.V. reports having received KP-register points for internship guidance of J.W., performing paid consultations with endometriosis patients outside the study and receiving reimbursements for educational lectures at the local hospital (Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, Dordrecht, the Netherlands). A.S. reports having received expenses for travel and hotel costs as an invited speaker from ESHRE. This was outside the scope of this study. M.v.W. reports that she is a Co-Ed of Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility. V.M. reports receiving travel and speaker's fees from Guerbet and research grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring. The department of reproductive medicine (V.M.) of the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, has received several research and educational grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring not related to the submitted work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on erectile function in Chinese CP/CPPS patients.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on erectile function in Chinese patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). A retrospective study was conducted on 657 CP/CPPS patients who visited The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (Changsha, China) from November 2018 to November 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timeline before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The severity of CP/CPPS, penile erection status, anxiety, and depression was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively. Compared with patients before the COVID-19 outbreak, more CP/CPPS patients developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED) due to depression and anxiety caused by the pandemic. After developing moderate-to-severe ED, mild and moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS patients exhibited more apparent symptoms of anxiety and depression ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), forming a vicious cycle. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the psychological status of CP/CPPS patients, exacerbating their clinical symptoms and complicating ED. The exacerbation of clinical symptoms further worsens the anxiety and depression status of patients, forming a vicious cycle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, paying more attention to the mental health of CP/CPPS patients, strengthening psychological interventions, and achieving better treatment outcomes are necessary.

Infertility in patients with uterine fibroids: a debate about the hypothetical mechanisms.

Fibroids are benign tumours of the myometrium and are the most common gynaecologic abnormality. Although most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, pressure complaints, and infertility. The association between fibroids and infertility has been debated for decades. It is generally acknowledged that the closer the fibroid is to the uterine cavity and the endometrium lining, the more unfavourable effect it might have on fertility, reducing the odds for successful implantation and gestation. Based on the limited available literature, we propose and discuss seven hypotheses on the underlying mechanism by which fibroids may reduce fertility. (i) Fibroids can cause sexual dysfunction, as fibroids can cause dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, which could interfere with sexual arousal and as a consequence the frequency of intercourse, resulting in a reduced probability of conception. (ii) Mechanical compression by fibroids on theinterstitial part of the fallopian tubes or deformation of uterine cavity could disturb oocyte and sperm transport. (iii) Fibroids can disturb peristalsis of the junctional zone in the myometrium, which could negatively influence oocyte and sperm transport as well as implantation. In addition, fibroids could induce a detrimental environment for implantation in other ways, by: (iv) changing the vagino-uterine microbiome; (v) disturbing the levels of inflammation and autophagy; (vi) inducing molecular changes in the endometrium; and (vii) inducing aberrant angiogenesis and altering the endometrial blood supply. After the discussion of these hypotheses, the implication of the influence of fibroids on early pregnancy loss is discussed. Surgical fibroid treatment is not tailored nor focussed on the pathophysiology of the fibroid; consequently it may be accompanied by recurrence of fibroids and risks of complications. Unravelling the pathogenic mechanisms about how fibroids influence fertility is essential to evolve classic surgical fibroid treatment. Instead of treatment of fibroid-related symptoms, the research should supports development of fibroid-targeted (pharmaceutical) treatment that is compatible with an active wish to become pregnant.

Isthmoceles: A Growing Concern.

An isthmocele is described as a pouch-like defect in the uterus with a thin roof formed by inadequate healing of the smooth muscle of the anterior uterine wall at the site of a hysterotomy. With increased rates of deliveries by cesarean section, isthmoceles are becoming a more common cause of gynecologic and obstetric complications. Gynecologic issues include pelvic pain, postmenstrual bleeding, and reduced fertility or infertility. Therefore, it is important that providers consider these defects in their differential diagnosis as their presentation can mimic other gynecologic conditions, such as endometriosis. Fortunately, many effective treatment options are available, such as conservative hormonal treatment or surgical repair by laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, or transvaginal methods.

The role of CD8+ T cells in endometriosis: a systematic review.

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting 6-10% of women of reproductive age. It is an important cause of infertility and chronic pelvic pain with poorly understood aetiology. CD8+ T (CD8 T) cells were shown to be linked to infertility and chronic pain and play a significant role in lesion clearance in other pathologies, yet their function in endometriosis is unknown. We systematically evaluated the literature on the CD8 T in peripheral blood and endometriosis-associated tissues to determine the current understanding of their pathophysiological and clinical relevance in the disease and associated conditions (e.g. infertility and pelvic pain). Methods: Four databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL), from database inception until September 2022, for papers written in the English language with database-specific relevant terms/free-text terms from two categories: CD8 T cells and endometriosis. We included peer-reviewed papers investigating CD8 T cells in peripheral blood and endometriosis-associated tissues of patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis between menarche and menopause, and animal models with oestrous cycles. Studies enrolling participants with other gynaecological pathologies (except uterine fibroids and tubal factor infertility used as controls), cancer, immune diseases, or taking immune or hormonal therapy were excluded. Results: 28 published case-control studies and gene set analyses investigating CD8 T cells in endometriosis were included. Data consistently indicate that CD8 T cells are enriched in endometriotic lesions in comparison to eutopic endometrium, with no differences in peripheral blood CD8 T populations between patients and healthy controls. Evidence on CD8 T cells in peritoneal fluid and eutopic endometrium is conflicting. CD8 T cell cytotoxicity was increased in the menstrual effluent of patients, and genomic analyses have shown a clear trend of enriched CD8 T effector memory cells in the eutopic endometrium of patients. Conclusion: Literature on CD8 T cells in endometriosis-associated tissues is inconsistent. Increased CD8 T levels are found in endometriotic lesions, however, their activation potential is understudied in all relevant tissues. Future research should focus on identifying clinically relevant phenotypes to support the development of non-invasive diagnostic and treatment strategies. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO identifier CRD42021233304.

Are pelvic pain and increased pelvic floor muscle tone associated in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tone in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) is unclear. AIM: To synthesize the evidence of the association between pelvic pain and PFM tone in women with PNCPP. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted via MEDLINE, Emcare, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus to identify relevant studies. Studies were eligible if pelvic pain and PFM tone outcome measures were reported among women aged >18 years. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies was used to assess study quality. Studies were pooled by assessment of PFM tone via a random effects model. Associations between the presence of pelvic pain and PFM tone were assessed with odds ratio (OR), while linear associations were assessed with Pearson or Spearman correlation. OUTCOMES: Pelvic pain measures (intensity, threshold, and frequency) and resting PFM tone in women with PNCPP, as evaluated by any clinical assessment method or tool. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included in this review. The presence of pelvic pain was significantly associated with increased PFM tone as assessed by digital palpation (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.66-4.89). Pelvic pain intensity was inversely but weakly associated with PFM flexibility when evaluated through dynamometry (r = -0.29; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.17). However, no significant associations were found between pelvic pain and PFM tone when measured with other objective assessment methods. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Pelvic pain and increased PFM tone may not be directly associated; alternatively, a nonlinear association may exist. A range of biopsychosocial factors may mediate or moderate the association, and clinicians may need to consider these factors when assessing women with PNCPP. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. All possible findings from relevant theses and conference abstracts were considered in our search. However, nonlinear associations between pelvic pain and increased PFM tone were not assessed as part of this review. CONCLUSION: Pelvic pain may be linearly associated with increased PFM tone and decreased PFM flexibility when measured with digital palpation or dynamometry; however, this association was not observed when other aspects of PFM tone were assessed through objective methods. Future studies are required using robust assessment methods to measure PFM tone and analyses that account for other biopsychosocial factors that may influence the association.

Influence of interleukin-8 polymorphism on endometriosis-related pelvic pain.

Endometriosis presents a pro-inflammatory microenvironment influenced by cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, which expression may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-8 rs4073 polymorphism in endometriosis' development and its related symptoms. A case-control study was conducted with 207 women with endometriosis and 193 healthy controls. Polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan validated assay. Associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Cases were younger (36 ± 6.8 versus 39 ± 8.4) and had lower body mass index (26.5 ± 5.3 versus 35.7 ± 6.3 Kg/m2) than controls (P < 0.001). Higher prevalence of symptoms and infertility was observed in cases, compared to controls (P < 0.001). Minor allele frequencies of IL-8 rs4073 (T) were 42.3 % and 39.9 % for cases and controls, respectively, and no associations were found between IL and 8 rs4073 polymorphism and endometriosis' prevalence or staging. However, the polymorphism was associated with chronic pelvic pain among cases (OR = 0.54; 95 %CI = 0.29-0.98). The IL-8 rs4073A > T polymorphism may contribute to lower IL-8 expression and, consequently, decrease endometriosis-related pelvic pain. These findings can support the early diagnosis of endometriosis' painful symptoms, preventing its complications, and allowing an individualized treatment.

Adjuvant use of melatonin for pain management in endometriosis-associated pelvic pain-A randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Considering the pharmacological treatment options for endometriosis-associated pain are confined to hormonal therapy and analgesics, we studied the analgesic effect of 20 mg melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain. This randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Research Center for Womens' Health at Södersjukhuset, a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Forty women from 18 to 50 years of age with endometriosis and severe dysmenorrhea with or without chronic pelvic pain were given 20 mg Melatonin or placebo orally daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles or months. The level of pain was recorded daily on the 11-point numeric rating scale, a difference of 1.3 units was considered clinically significant. Clincaltrials.gov nr NCT03782740. Sixteen participants completed the study in the placebo group and 18 in the melatonin group. The difference in endometriosis-associated pain between the groups showed to be non-significant statistically as well as clinically, 2.9 (SD 1.9) in the melatonin group and 3.3 (SD 2.0) in the placebo group, p = 0.45. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial could not show that 20 mg of melatonin given orally at bedtime had better analgesic effect on endometriosis-associated pain compared with placebo. No adverse effects were observed.