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Original Abstract of the Article

Key research findings

Various studies have explored effective treatments for pelvic pain. 18 found that pregabalin was not superior to placebo in treating men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Pregabalin has been proven effective in other chronic pain syndromes. 29 showed that onabotulinumtoxin A injections were not more effective than saline injections in reducing muscle pain on palpation in women with myofascial pelvic pain. However, those who received onabotulinumtoxin A were more likely to report improvement in their overall pelvic floor pain. 5 suggests that terazosin is an effective treatment for CPPS patients. 37 suggests that low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) may be effective for managing pain in patients with CP/CPPS. 8 suggests that physical therapy is effective in preventing and treating pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. 41 found that therapeutic ultrasound was more effective than local anesthetic injections for women with chronic pelvic pain due to abdominal myofascial syndrome. 30 showed that gabapentin can be effective in reducing pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. These studies suggest that there are a variety of approaches to treating chronic pelvic pain.

Treatment summary

18 found that pregabalin was not superior to placebo in treating men with CP/CPPS. 29 showed that onabotulinumtoxin A injections were not more effective than saline injections in reducing muscle pain on palpation in women with myofascial pelvic pain. 5 suggests that terazosin is an effective treatment for CPPS patients. 37 suggests that LiST may be effective for managing pain in patients with CP/CPPS. 8 suggests that physical therapy is effective in preventing and treating pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. 41 found that therapeutic ultrasound was more effective than local anesthetic injections for women with chronic pelvic pain due to abdominal myofascial syndrome. Lastly, 30 showed that gabapentin can be effective in reducing pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. These studies present a variety of possibilities for treating chronic pelvic pain.

Benefits and risks

Benefits summary

Various treatments for chronic pelvic pain have the potential to provide benefits such as pain reduction, improved quality of life, improved sexual function, improved bladder function, and improved bowel function. For example, 16 found that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in improving pain, quality of life, and voiding conditions in men with CPPS. 29 found that women who received onabotulinumtoxin A injections were more likely to report improvement in their overall pelvic floor pain compared to women who received placebo. 37 suggests that LiST is effective for managing pain in CP/CPPS patients. Furthermore, 34 showed that gabapentin may reduce pain in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Risk summary

Treatments for chronic pelvic pain may come with side effects. For example, 30 showed that gabapentin has a higher risk of side effects, such as dizziness. Also, 23 found that 20% of patients stopped the study due to adverse effects of duloxetine. Other treatments, such as onabotulinumtoxin A injections, may cause side effects such as constipation, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infection. 29 It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits when selecting a treatment option.

Comparison between studies

Commonalities between studies

Many studies are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of various treatments for chronic pelvic pain. For example, studies such as 18 , 29 , 16 , 30 , 34 are using placebo-controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of certain treatments. These studies employ standard methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of treatment options.

Differences between studies

Studies differ in terms of the population studied, the treatments used, and the outcomes evaluated. For example, 18 focused on men with CP/CPPS, while 29 focused on women with myofascial pelvic pain. 16 investigated ESWT, while 30 investigated gabapentin. These differences could make interpreting the results challenging. Furthermore, 14 employed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This study used a blinded controlled trial method to evaluate the effectiveness of TCM treatment principles. The TCM treatment principles are a feature not found in other studies.

Consistency and contradictions in the results

There is no consistent evidence regarding the effectiveness of treatments for chronic pelvic pain. Some studies show that certain treatments are effective, while others do not show effectiveness or require further investigation. For example, 18 found that pregabalin was not superior to placebo in treating men with CP/CPPS. On the other hand, 30 showed that gabapentin may reduce pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. These conflicting results may reflect the complex nature of chronic pelvic pain and the diversity among patients.

Considerations for applying the results to real-life scenarios

There are a variety of options for treating chronic pelvic pain, but the best treatment option varies depending on the individual patient. When selecting a treatment, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits, the patient’s medical history, and the severity of the symptoms. Collaboration with a healthcare professional is essential to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. Avoid self-treating or stopping treatment without consulting a healthcare professional.

Limitations of the current research

Research on treatments for chronic pelvic pain has several limitations. For example, many studies have limited patient populations, making it difficult to generalize the findings to other populations. Some studies also have small sample sizes, which may lead to a lack of statistical significance. Furthermore, research on the long-term effects of treatments for chronic pelvic pain is lacking. These limitations highlight the need for further research on treatments for chronic pelvic pain.

Future research directions

Further research on treatments for chronic pelvic pain should focus on the following areas:

  • Identifying the optimal treatments for various subtypes of chronic pelvic pain.
  • Conducting large-scale clinical trials with diverse patient populations.
  • Conducting studies evaluating long-term effects.
  • Developing new treatment methods and technologies to improve the effectiveness of treatment options.

Conclusion

Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating symptom for many women. While a variety of treatments are available, the best treatment option for each individual will vary. Working closely with a healthcare professional to select the appropriate treatment is essential. Further research on chronic pelvic pain is crucial to improve the quality of life of patients. We look forward to advances in this field.

List of treatments

Pregabalin, onabotulinumtoxin A injections, terazosin, low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST), physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, gabapentin, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), duloxetine, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, corticosteroid injection, acupuncture, medroxy-progesterone acetate, counselling, multidisciplinary approach, lysis of deep adhesions, hysterectomy, distension of painful structures, digital therapeutics (DTx), tamsulosin, osteopathic treatment, exercise programs, cognitive and behavioral medicine, dietary modification, massage


Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Literature analysis of 42 papers
Positive Content
35
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
4
Article Type
24
6
17
15
41

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Author: NygaardAne S, HaugstadGro K, WilsgaardTom, ØianPål, StedenfeldtMona


Background and aims Women with chronic pelvic pain represent a heterogeneous group, and it is suggested that the existence of sub-groups can explain varying results and inconclusiveness in clinical trials. Some predictors of treatment outcome are suggested, but the evidence is limited. The primary aim of this study was to explore if selected pre-treatment characteristics of the participants in a recently conducted randomized controlled trial were associated with treatment outcome. Methods In this study secondary analysis of data collected in a randomized trial were conducted. The participants were women with chronic pelvic pain randomized to two different physical therapy treatments. Analyses in this study were performed for the whole group as a cohort. The primary outcome measure was change in pain intensity from baseline to 12 months, measured with the numeric rating scale (0-10). The women were asked to rate their mean pelvic pain intensity during the last 7 days. Based on previous research and on available variables from the randomized controlled trial four potential predictive factors were derived from the baseline data and assessed one by one in a linear regression model, adjusted for age and treatment group. The variables with strongest association (p < 0.10) with the primary outcome were further included in a multivariable linear regression model with backward selection, adjusted for age and treatment group. Results Fifty women (mean age 38.1, SD = 12.2) were included in the analysis. For these women the mean change in pain intensity was -1.2 points (95% CI -1.8 to -0.7) from baseline to 12 months. The multivariable regression model showed that pelvic pain duration of 6 years or more was associated with less decrease in pain intensity with a regression coefficient of 1.3 (95% CI 0.3-2.4). Baseline pain intensity was associated with higher pain reduction after PT treatment with a regression coefficient per SD increase in baseline pain of -0.6 (95% CI -1.1 to -0.1). None of the women with main pain site other places than in the pelvis reported any pain reduction after physical therapy treatment, but due to the small numbers the predictor was not included in the regression analysis. Conclusions We identified that pelvic pain duration of 6 years or more was associated with less pain reduction, and that higher baseline pain intensity was associated with higher pain reduction after physical therapy treatment in this sample of women with chronic pelvic pain. For the variable main pain site other places than the pelvis the results are unsure due to small numbers. Implications Based on our finding of long pain duration as a negative predictor for pain reduction, we emphasize that early intervention is important. Many of the participants in our RCT reported pelvic surgeries or other treatments prior to referral for PT, and we suggest that referral to a non-invasive intervention such as PT should be considered at an earlier stage. In order to tailor interventions to the individual women's needs, thorough baseline assessments, preferably in a multidisciplinary setting, should be performed.

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Author: MitidieriAndreia Moreira de Souza, BaltazarMaria Carolina Dalla Vecchia, da SilvaAna Paula Moreira, GurianMaria Beatriz Ferreira, Poli-NetoOmero Benedicto, Candido-Dos-ReisFrancisco Jose, NogueiraAntonio Alberto, Rosa-E-SilvaJulio Cesar


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