Effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. / é’ˆåˆºæ²»ç–—å¯¹æ ¢æ€§å‰åˆ—è ºç‚Ž/æ ¢æ€§ç›†è ”ç–¼ç—›ç»¼åˆå¾æ‚£è€ ç”Ÿæ´»è´¨é‡çš„å½±å“ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect and safety of acupuncture on quality of life, pain, and prostate symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: Seventy patients with CP/CPPS were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case was eliminated) and a sham acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped out). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture at bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), while the patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with shallow needling at non-meridian and non-acupoint points beside bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6),without manipulation to induce arrival of qi (deqi). Both groups retained the needles for 30 min, with one session every other day, three times a week, for a total of 8 weeks (24 sessions). Before and after treatment, and at the follow-up of 24 weeks after treatment completion, the scores of MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36, including 8 dimensions of physical function [PF], role physical function [RP], bodily pain [BP], general health status [GH], vitality [VT], social function [SF], role emotional [RE], and mental health [MH], which can be summarized as physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]), pelvic pain visual analogue scale (VAS), National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were evaluated, and safety of both groups was assessed. RESULTS: After treatment and at the follow-up, the scores of each dimension and PCS, MCS scores of SF-36 in the acupuncture group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01); compared before treatment, the RP, BP, and SF scores and PCS score in the sham acupuncture group were increased after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the acupuncture group had higher scores in RP, BP, GH, MH and PCS, MCS than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01); at the follow-up, except for PF and RE dimensions, the scores in each dimension and PCS, MCS scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment and at the follow-up, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI, IPSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01); in the sham acupuncture group, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI scores were lower after treatment, and NIH-CPSI score at the follow-up was lower compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). After treatment and at the follow-up, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI, IPSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in both groups, and the incidence rates of adverse reactions had no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture could effectively improve the quality of life, reduce pain levels, alleviate prostate symptoms, and shows favorable long-term efficacy in patients with CP/CPPS.

Changes in Pelvic Floor Ultrasonographic Features after Flat Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain and Levator Ani Muscle Hypertonicity.

Background and Objectives: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) represents a major public health problem for women with a significant impact on their quality of life. In many cases of CPP, due to gynecological causes-such as endometriosis and vulvodynia-improper pelvic floor muscle relaxation can be identified. Treatment of CPP with pelvic floor hypertonicity (PFH) usually involves a multimodal approach. Traditional magnetic stimulation has been proposed as medical technology to manage muscle hypertonicity and pelvic pain conditions through nerve stimulation, neuromodulation, and muscle relaxation. New Flat Magnetic Stimulation (FMS)-which involves homogeneous rather than curved electromagnetic fields-has the potential to induce sacral S2-S4 roots neuromodulation, muscle decontraction, and blood circulation improvement. However, the benefits of this new technology on chronic pelvic pain symptoms and biometrical muscular parameters are poorly known. In this study, we want to evaluate the modification of the sonographic aspect of the levator ani muscle before and after treatment with Flat Magnetic Stimulation in women with chronic pelvic pain and levator ani hypertonicity, along with symptoms evolution. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary-level Urogynaecology department and included women with CPP and PFH. Approval from the local Ethics Committee was obtained before the start of the study (protocol code: MAGCHAIR). At the baseline, the intensity of pelvic pain was measured using a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS), and patients were asked to evaluate their pelvic floor symptoms severity by answering the question, "How much do your pelvic floor symptoms bother you?" on a 5-answer Likert scale. Transperineal ultrasound (TPU) was performed to assess anorectal angle (ARA) and levator ani muscle minimal plane distance (LAMD). Treatment involved Flat Magnetic Stimulation alone or with concomitant local or systemic pharmacological therapy, depending on the patient's preferences. FMS was delivered with the DR ARNOLD system (DEKA M.E.L.A. Calenzano, Italy). After the treatment, patients were asked again to score the intensity of pelvic pain using the 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) and to evaluate the severity of their pelvic floor symptoms on the 5-answer Likert scale. Patients underwent TPU to assess anorectal angle (ARA) and levator ani muscle minimal plane distance (LAMD). Results: In total, 11 patients completed baseline evaluation, treatment, and postoperative evaluation in the period of interest. All patients underwent eight sessions of Flat Magnetic Stimulation according to the protocol. Adjuvant pharmacological treatment was used in five (45.5%) patients. Specifically, we observed a significant increase in both ARA and LAMD comparing baseline and post-treatment measurements (p < 0.001). Quality of life scale scores at baseline and after treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in both tools (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Flat Magnetic Stimulation, with or without adjuvant pharmacological treatment, demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing pelvic floor hypertonicity, resulting in improvement in symptoms' severity and sonographic parameters of muscular spasm.

[Endometriosis and pain]. / Endométriose et douleur.

Managing chronic pain in endometriosis requires multidisciplinary assessment and care. The aim is not complete disappearance of symptoms, but rehabilitation through medication, non-medication treatments and overall follow-up.

App-Mohedo®: A mobile app for the management of chronic pelvic pain. A design and development study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) has been described as a public health priority worldwide, and it is among the most prevalent and costly healthcare problems. Graded motor imagery (GMI) is a therapeutic tool that has been successfully used to improve pain in several chronic conditions. GMI therapy is divided into three stages: laterality training (LRJT, Left Right Judgement Task), imagined movements, and mirror therapy. No tool that allows working with LRJT in pelvic floor has been developed to date. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to describe the process followed for the development of a highly usable, multi-language and multi-platform mobile application using GMI with LRJT to improve the treatment of patients with CPP. In addition, this will require achieving two other goals: firstly, to generate 550 pelvic floor images and, subsequently, to carry out an empirical study to objectively classify them into different difficulty levels of. This will allow the app to properly organize and plan the different therapy sessions to be followed by each patient. METHODOLOGY: For the design, evaluation and development of the app, an open methodology of user-centered design (MPIu + a) was applied. Furthermore, to classify and establish the pelvic floor images of the app in different difficulty levels, an observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 132 volunteers through non-probabilistic sampling. RESULTS: On one hand, applying MPIu+a, a total of 5 phases were required to generate an easy-to-use mobile application. On the other hand, the 550 pelvic floor images were classified into 3 difficulty levels (based on the percentage of correct answers and response time used by the participants in the classification process of each image): Level 1 (191 images with Accuracy = 100 % and RT = [0-2.5] seconds); Level 2 (208 images with Accuracy = 75-100 % and RT = [2.5-5] seconds); and Level 3 (151 images with Accuracy = 50-75 % and RT > 5 s). CONCLUSION: App-Mohedo® is the first multi-platform, multi-language and easy-to-use mobile application that, through GMI with LRJT, and with an adequate bank of images classified into three levels of difficulty, can be used as a complementary therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients with CPP. This work can also serve as an example, model or guide when applying a user-centered methodology, as MPIu + a, to the development of other apps, especially in the field of health.

Factors related to acupuncture response in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Acupuncture has been recommended as an effective therapy to improve symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). We conducted this secondary analysis to explore the factors that may influence the response of patients with CP/CPPS to acupuncture. METHODS: This secondary analysis was based on a randomized controlled trial demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture among patients with CP/CPPS. Responder is defined as a patient with a decrease of ≥ 6 points in National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) total score from baseline at the 32 week. 206 patients who received acupuncture treatment and completed 32-week follow-up were included in this secondary analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of both responders and non-responders in acupuncture group. Logistic regression analysis with bootstrapping was made to identify potential factors that contributed to the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating CP/CPPS. Responders and non-responders were listed as dependent variables. RESULTS: In this study, 130 (63.11%) patients were assessed as responders. The results showed that men with non-sedentariness (OR 4.170 [95%CI 1.837 to 9.463; P = 0.001]), non-smoking habit (OR 2.824 [95%CI 1.453 to 5.487; P = 0.002]), without comorbidity (OR 8.788 [95%CI 1.912 to 40.295; P = 0.005]), and severe NIH-CPSI total score (OR 0.227 [95%CI 0.114 to 0.450; P < 0.0001]) benefited more from acupuncture intervention. CONCLUSION: CP/CPPS patients who are active, non-smokers, without comorbidity, and had severe symptoms may be more likely to respond to acupuncture.

Actualización del tratamiento de fisioterapia en el abordaje de la endometriosis. Una revisión sistemática / Update on physiotherapy treatment in endometriosis: A systematic review

La endometriosis es una patología ginecológica crónica e inflamatoria caracterizada por la presencia de tejido endometrial fuera del útero. Entre las manifestaciones clínicas están el dolor pélvico crónico, la fatiga, la dismenorrea, la dispareunia, la infertilidad, la disuria y la disquecia. La fisioterapia puede formar parte del tratamiento sintomático de la endometriosis, es por ello, que con esta revisión se pretende analizar la bibliografía científica para evaluar el efecto de la fisioterapia en este padecimiento. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica durante las dos primeras semanas del mes de diciembre de 2022 en las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) y Enfermería-Fisioterapia-Podología (ENFISPO). Se emplearon los descriptores «Endometriosis» «Physical Therapy Modalities», «Physiotherapy», «Physiotherapist», «Physical therapy» y «Physical rehabilitation». Los resultados se limitaron a estudios clínicos aleatorizados publicados en inglés o español. Se obtuvieron un total de 943 artículos, de los cuales seis fueron seleccionados tras aplicar los criterios de elegibilidad. Las investigaciones seleccionadas desarrollaron diferentes intervenciones de fisioterapia con técnicas tales como la electroterapia con estimulación nerviosa transcutánea (TENS) y láser pulsado de alta intensidad (HILT), el entrenamiento de relajación muscular progresiva, la actividad física aeróbica, la terapia manual y el ejercicio terapéutico a través del yoga. La fisioterapia parece aportar beneficios en cuanto a la reducción del dolor pélvico y mejora de la calidad de vida en mujeres con endometriosis.(AU)

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological pathology characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Clinical manifestations include chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility, dysuria and dyschezia. Physical therapy can be part of the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis; therefore, this review aims to analyze the scientific literature to evaluate the effect of physical therapy in endometriosis. A bibliographic search was carried out during the first two weeks of December 2022 in the databases PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL and ENFISPO. The descriptors “Endometriosis” “Physical Therapy Modalities”, “Physiotherapy”, “Physiotherapist”, “Physical therapy” and “Physical rehabilitation” were used. Results were limited to randomized clinical studies published in English or Spanish. A total of 943 results were obtained, of which 6 were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. The selected studies develop different physiotherapy interventions with techniques such as electrotherapy with TENS and high intensity pulsed laser, progressive muscle relaxation training, aerobic training, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise through yoga. Physiotherapy appears to provide benefits in terms of reducing pelvic pain and improving quality of life in women with endometriosis.(AU)

Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females. TARGET POPULATION: This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability. EVIDENCE: Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

A Treatment Algorithm for High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence- and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for management of high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction (HTPFD). High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction is a neuromuscular disorder of the pelvic floor characterized by non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles, resulting in lower urinary tract and defecatory symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Despite affecting 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain, there are no uniformly accepted guidelines to direct the management of these patients. METHODS: A Delphi method of consensus development was used, comprising three survey rounds administered anonymously via web-based platform (Qualtrics XM) to national experts in the field of HTPFD recruited through targeted invitation between September and December 2021. Eleven experts participated with backgrounds in urology, urogynecology, minimally invasive gynecology, and pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) participated. Panelists were asked to rate their agreement with rated evidence-based statements regarding HTPFD treatment. Statements reaching consensus were used to generate a consensus treatment algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 31 statements were reviewed by group members at the first Delphi round with 10 statements reaching consensus. 28 statements were reposed in the second round with 17 reaching consensus. The putative algorithm met clinical consensus in the third round. There was universal agreement for PFPT as first-line treatment for HTPFD. If satisfactory symptom improvement is reached with PFPT, the patient can be discharged with a home exercise program. If no improvement after PFPT, second-line options include trigger or tender point injections, vaginal muscle relaxants, and cognitive behavioral therapy, all of which can also be used in conjunction with PFPT. Onabotulinumtoxin A injections should be used as third line with symptom assessment after 2-4 weeks. There was universal agreement that sacral neuromodulation is fourth-line intervention. The largest identified barrier to care for these patients is access to PFPT. For patients who cannot access PFPT, experts recommend at-home, guided pelvic floor relaxation, self-massage with vaginal wands, and virtual PFPT visits. CONCLUSION: A stepwise approach to the treatment of HTPFD is recommended, with patients often necessitating multiple lines of treatment either sequentially or in conjunction. However, PFPT should be offered first line.

Clinical observation on inverted T-shaped herb-separated moxibustion for chronic pelvic pain in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases. / 倒Tå­—å½¢éš”è¯ç¸æ²»ç–—ç›†è ”ç‚Žæ€§ç–¾ç— åŽé—ç—‡æ ¢æ€§ç›†è ”ç—›ç–—æ•ˆè§‚å¯Ÿ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical effect between inverted T-shaped herb-separated moxibustion combined with western medication and simple western medication on chronic pelvic pain(CPP)in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with CPP in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The control group was given ibuprofen tablets 10 days before menstruation, 0.2 g each time, once a day for 10 days. After menstruation, the medication was stopped, and the treatment was given for 3 menstrual cycles.On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the observation group was treated with inverted T-shaped herb-separated moxibustion at the connection between Zhongwan(CV 12)and Zhongji(CV 3), and the connection between Zigong(EX-CA 1)on both sides.The treatment was performed once a week, with an interval of 6 days. The moxibustion was stopped during the menstrual period, the treatment was given for 3 menstrual cycles.Before and after treatment, the visual analogue scale(VAS)score of lower abdominal and lumbosacral pain, local symptom (uterine tenderness, adnexal tenderness and uterosacral ligament tenderness) score and quality of life assessment (QOL) score of the two groups were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the lower abdominal and lumbosacral pain VAS scores, the local symptom scores of uterine tenderness, adnexal tenderness, uterosacral ligament tenderness and total scores in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01).The lower abdominal and lumbosacral pain VAS score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.01),and the changes of local symptom scores of uterine tenderness, adnexal tenderness and uterosacral ligament tenderness and total score in the observation group were greater than those in the control group(P<0.01). After treatment, the QOL scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.01), and the score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Inverted T-shaped herb-separated moxibustion combined with western medication can effectively reduce the pain in patients with CPP in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases, relieve the local symptoms, improve the quality of life, and the curative effect is better than western medication alone.

Comparing the effects of trunk stabilisation and activation exercises on pain and disability in postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: A randomised controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of trunk stabilisation and activation exercises on pain and disability in postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain. It was a randomised clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05490810). Twenty-eight females with lumbo-pelvic pain were randomly allocated to two groups with 14 patients in each group. Group A was treated with trunk stabilisation exercises and Group B was treated with trunk activation exercises, three times a week for eight weeks. Numeric pain rating scale was used to measure the intensity of pain. Disability was assessed through Oswestry disability index (ODI). Both the groups were evaluated before and at the end of the last treatment session. Data was analysed by SPSS 21. There was a significant difference between trunk stabilisation versus activation exercises on pain and disability in postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain with p<0.05 in Group A patients. The trunk stabilisation exercises were more effective for the treatment of lumbo-pelvic pain in postpartum females.

Empowered management for pelvic pain: The experiences of women with persistent pelvic pain participating in an online self-directed self-management program while they wait for interprofessional care.

BACKGROUND: Persistent pelvic pain is pain sensed in or around the pelvis and is often associated with negative cognitive, behavioral, sexual, and emotional consequences. The lack of interprofessional persistent pelvic pain management programs that address the complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors result in lengthy wait times and negative health outcomes. Limited access to evidence informed self-management educational resources contributes to poor coping strategies. Evidence shows that self-management education and strategies support patients while they wait for care. However, very few studies explore the patient's lived experience of participating in an online educational program designed for persistent pelvic pain. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to understand the experience of women with persistent pelvic pain participating in an online, self-management education program ("Pelvic Pain Empowered Management" program) while awaiting care at an interprofessional pelvic pain clinic. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative approach was used to explore the experiences of women participating in an online educational program designed for cis women with persistent pelvic pain. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 women, transcribed the data verbatim using NVivo software (NVivo 12, QSR International Pty Ltd.), and analyzed inductively using previously established methods. RESULTS: We identified four main themes relevant to women's experiences of the program: (1) the program shaped expectations around upcoming pelvic pain appointments, (2) the program content is relevant and resonates with people with lived experience of persistent pelvic pain, (3) the program enhanced understanding of persistent pelvic pain, and (4) the program empowered people with skills and strategies to better manage their persistent pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight how self-directed online patient education can be leveraged while persistent pelvic pain patients wait for care to support them in setting expectations around care and in engaging in pain self-management.

Efficacy and safety of a novel pain management device, AT-04, for endometriosis-related pain: study protocol for a phase III randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis-related pain encompassing dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, reduces the quality of life in premenopausal women. Although treatment options for endometriosis alleviate this pain, approximately one-third of women still experience pain even after receiving treatment, indicating the need for novel approaches to pain relief in those women. The Angel Touch device (AT-04) is a portable magnetic fields irradiation device that incorporates a combination of mixed alternative magnetic fields at 2 kHz and 83.3 MHz. A phase III trial confirmed the efficacy and safety of AT-02, a prototype of AT-04, for pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: This is a phase III, multicenter, prospective, randomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind, parallel study. The participants will be premenopausal women aged > 18 years who have endometriosis-related pain with at least moderate severity. Considering dropouts, 50 participants have been deemed appropriate. Eligible women will be centrally registered, and the data center will randomly allocate them in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention and control groups. Women in the intervention group will receive electromagnetic wave irradiation generated by AT-04 and those who in the control group will wear a sham device for 16 weeks, and both groups will wear AT-04 for another 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the change in the Numeric Rating Scale score at 16 weeks compared with the baseline. Secondary outcome measures are efficacy for pelvic pain including dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pain, and chronic pelvic pain not related to menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia, and improvement of quality of life during the study period. Safety will be evaluated by device defects and the frequency of adverse events. The study protocol has been approved by the Clinical Study Review Board of Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan, and will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Japanese Clinical Trials Act and relevant notifications. DISCUSSION: This study aims to develop a novel method of managing endometriosis-related pain. The AT-04 is an ultralow-invasive device that can be used without inhibiting ovulation, suggesting potential benefits to women of reproductive-age. Trial registration number Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs032230278).

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that negatively impacts reproductive health via endometriosis-related pain, infertility, and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Although current therapeutic options for endometriosis are effective for the endometriosis-related pain, approximately one-third of women still experience pain even after receiving treatment, indicating the need for novel approaches to pain relief in those women. This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel portable pain management device, AT-04, that incorporates a combination of mixed alternating magnetic fields, for endometriosis-related pain. This is a multicenter, prospective, sham device-controlled, double-blind, parallel study. Enrolled women will have undergone standard hormonal treatment for endometriosis at baseline, and this allows for assessing whether the device remains effective when used in conjunction with existing treatment methods. The study also will explore the impact of AT-04 on reducing the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts that reflect the activity of endometriosis. The study reflects the strong desire by physicians to liberate women from the unbearable pain associated with endometriosis. The sole efficacy of AT-04 in treating endometriosis-related pain is difficult to evaluate as there is a possibility that menstrual cycles may influence the assessment of pain and quality of life. However, the study findings regarding the effectiveness of AT-04 for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain may benefit women with endometriosis who have pain that is not effectively relieved by other treatments. Consequently, it may contribute to the improvement of reproductive health within society.

Neuromodulation for the management of chronic pelvic pain syndromes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain is a burdensome condition that involves multiple medical sub-specialties and is often difficult to treat. Sacral stimulation for functional bladder disease has been well established, but little large-scale evidence exists regarding utilization of other neuromodulation techniques to treat chronic pelvic pain. Emerging evidence does suggest that neuromodulation is a promising treatment, and we aim to characterize the use and efficacy of such techniques for treating chronic pelvic pain syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature demonstrating the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndromes with neuromodulation. Abstracts were reviewed and selected for inclusion, including case series, prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case studies and publications in abstract only were not included. The reporting for this systematic review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. RESULTS: A total of 50 studies were included in this review, three of which were randomized controlled trials, and the remaining were prospective and retrospective case series. The range of pelvic pain conditions treated included interstitial cystitis, peripheral neuralgia, pudendal neuralgia, gastrointestinal pain, urogenital pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and visceral chronic pelvic pain. We reported on outcomes involving pain, functionality, psychosocial improvement, and medication reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromodulation is a growing treatment for various chronic pain syndromes. Peripheral nerve stimulation was the least studied form of stimulation. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation appears to offer short-term benefit, but long-term results are challenging. Sacral nerve stimulation is established for use in functional bladder syndromes and appears to offer pain improvement in these patients as well. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation and spinal cord stimulation have been used for a variety of conditions with promising results. Further studies of homogeneous patient populations are necessary before strong recommendations can be made at this time, although pooled analysis may also be impactful.

Chronic pelvic pain; more than just the bladder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic pelvic pain is much of a burden to those who suffer from it. Additionally, in many patients medical doctors, such as urologists are unable to identify a cause or clear pathology that can explain the pain. Still numerous patients and doctors keep on searching for a cause, focussing particularly on the pelvic organs. Lots of diagnostics and treatment methods are used but often without success. In recent years, we have gained increased insight into the mechanisms of pain and adapted the terminology accordingly. RECENT FINDINGS: Two aspects of chronic pelvic pain have gained more attention. First, the myofascial aspects, especially the role of the pelvic floor muscles in maintaining the pain and as a therapeutic option. Second, the role of the brain and the psychological aspects intertwine with the pain and its consequences also open up for alternative management options. In terminology chronic pain is now included in the ICD-11, a historical change. Introducing chronic primary pain (no cause found) helps us to look away from the organ and deal with the patient as a whole human being. SUMMARY: The findings reported here are helpful for your daily practice. Looking from a broad perspective gives the patient the feeling of being seen and heard. Working together in a multidisciplinary team makes your work easier and gives more satisfaction. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COU/A44.

Effects of the combination of exercise and education in the treatment of low back and/or pelvic pain in pregnant women: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lumbopelvic pain is considered the most frequent complication during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To compare whether the combination of exercise with education is more effective for the treatment of low back and/or pelvic pain (PP) than each of these interventions separately in pregnant women. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic review was performed in WOS, PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The terms used were low back pain, PP, pregnancy, pregnant woman, exercise, exercise therapy, health education, and prenatal education. SELECTION CRITERIA: The PICO question was then chosen as follows: P-population: pregnant women with nonspecific low back pain or PP; I-intervention: exercise therapy plus health education; C-control: only exercise therapy or only health education; O-outcome: characteristics of pain, disability, and kinesophobia; S-study designs: randomized controlled trial. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility. The following inclusion criteria were applied for the selection of studies: (i) published in the past 10 years; (ii) exercise plus health education was administered compared with a group receiving either exercise or education alone; and (iii) the sample consisted of pregnant women with nonspecific low back pain or PP. This review excluded: (i) nonrandomized controlled trials; and (ii) articles whose full text was not available. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model, due to the observed heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were selected. There is a significant decrease in pain in the combination of exercise and education compared with education alone (standardized mean difference, -0.29 [95% confidence interval, -0.47 to -0.11]). With respect to disability, there is a significant decrease in the exercise and education group compared with the group that only addressed education (standardized mean difference, -0.37 [95% CI, -0.60 to -0.14]). One article analyzed kinesophobia, reporting no significant changes. CONCLUSION: The combination of exercise and education seems to be more effective in reducing pain and disability in pregnant women with low back and/or PP than the use of education alone. In kinesophobia, the results found are not significant.

Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Flares: A Comprehensive, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Peer-Reviewed Flare Literature.

PURPOSE: We sought to systematically review and summarize the peer-reviewed literature on urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome flares, including their terminology, manifestation, perceived triggers, management and prevention strategies, impact on quality of life, and insights into pathophysiologic mechanisms, as a foundation for future empirical research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched 6 medical databases for articles related to any aspect of symptom exacerbations for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. A total of 1486 abstracts and 398 full-text articles were reviewed, and data were extracted by at least 2 individuals. RESULTS: Overall, we identified 59 articles, including 36 qualitative, cross-sectional, or case-control; 15 cohort-based; and 8 experimental articles. The majority of studies described North American patients with confirmed diagnoses. "Flare" was a commonly used term, but additional terminology (eg, exacerbation) was also used. Most flares involved significant increases in pain intensity, but less data were available on flare frequency and duration. Painful, frequent, long-lasting, and unpredictable flares were highly impactful, even over and above participants' nonflare symptoms. A large number of perceived triggers (eg, diet, stress) and management/prevention strategies (eg, analgesics, thermal therapy, rest) were proposed by participants, but few had empirical support. In addition, few studies explored underlying biologic mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found that flares are painful and impactful, but otherwise poorly understood in terms of manifestation (frequency and duration), triggers, treatment, prevention, and pathophysiology. These summary findings provide a foundation for future flare-related research and highlight gaps that warrant additional empirical studies.

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.

CCL2- and Notch2-mediated Central Sensitization in a Rat Chronic Pelvic Pain Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common gynecological condition in women with multifactorial etiology. Some studies have revealed that patients with CPP have the same structural and functional changes in the pain matrix in the brain to patients with other types of chronic pain. However, the relationship between localized pelvic pain and changes in the structure and function of the central nervous system is still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a rat model of CPP was established by pelvic nerve ligation and behavioral tests were used to validate the model. Afterwards, we compared the expression of CCL2 in CPP and control rats and observed the changes in their behavioral patterns by blocking the expression of CCL2 in the former group. In addition, we upregulated the expression of CCL2 in human microglia cells (HMC3) to further observe the effect of CCL2 on the Notch2 pathway. RESULTS: Our results showed that the expression of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in the serum exosomes, pelvic vascular endothelial cells, and cerebrospinal fluid was higher in the CPP group than the control group (p<0.05). In HMC3 treated with recombinant CCL2 protein, a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of Notch2 was observed. CONCLUSION: CCL2 can activate the Notch2 signaling pathway and plays an important role in the central sensitization of chronic pelvic pain.