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

Objective: To develop a patient-centered text message-based platform that promotes self-management of symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Methods: Adult women with IC/BPS interested in initiating a first- or second-line treatments per American Urological Association guidelines (recategorized as "behavioral/non-pharmacologic treatments" and "oral medicines" in the 2022 version) participated in rapid cycle innovation consisting of iterative cycles of contextual inquiry, prototype design and development. We delivered treatment modules and supportive messages using an algorithm-driven interactive messaging prototype through a HIPAA-compliant texting platform.

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

Purpose: The pathogenesis of bladder pain is poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that in women with urinary urgency without incontinence, bladder pain is associated with the presence of neurogenic inflammation in the bladder wall and neuroinflammatory biomarkers in the urine.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of women with urinary urgency without incontinence.

Hunner lesion disease differs in diagnosis, treatment and outcome from bladder pain syndrome: an ESSIC working group report.

There is confusion about the terms of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC). The European Society for the Study of IC (ESSIC) classified these according to objective findings [9]. One phenotype, Hunner lesion disease (HLD or ESSIC 3C) differs markedly from other presentations.

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

Background: Global consensus on the standardization of terminology for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is lacking and is in the formative stages. The Workshop on Hunner lesion versus non-Hunner lesion at the 2018 International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan discussed prevalence, performance and outcome of endoscopy, the role of histopathology, and markers.

Methods: A panel of experts reviewed the literature regarding Hunner lesion vs.

Gynecological associated disorders and management.

Background: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is complex and involves multiple organ systems. The gynecological aspects of chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be divided into four different areas: intra-abdominal, vaginal, pelvic floor muscles and sexual pain. This article provides an overview of gynecological evaluation in patients with chronic pelvic pain and reviews the most common gynecological diagnoses and their management.

Thermal and Mechanical Pain Thresholds of Women With Provoked Localized Vulvodynia: A Pilot Study.

Context: Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition defined as vulvar pain lasting at least 3 months in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings. Provoked, localized vulvodynia (PLV), a subtype of vulvodynia, is characterized by vestibular pain in response to light touch. The cause of PLV remains largely unknown, and triggering events have yet to be determined.

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

Aims: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as a noncyclical pain that has duration of at least 6 months and can lead to decreased quality of life and physical performance. The pain can be attributed to problems in the pelvic organs and/or problems in related systems, and possible psycho-social attributes may contribute to the manifestation. Due to the complex nature, CPP syndromes are multifactorial and the terminology needs to reflect the setting.

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

Introduction And Hypothesis: The terminology in current use for sexual function and dysfunction in women with pelvic floor disorders lacks uniformity, which leads to uncertainty, confusion, and unintended ambiguity. The terminology for the sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction needs to be collated in a clinically-based consensus report.

Methods: This report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees.

Sequence of Pelvic Examination Affects Patient-Reported Pain.

Objective: The purpose of this trial is to compare patient-reported pain based on the sequence of the pelvic examination and to assess the relationship between pain during the examination and quality of life, self-esteem, and sexual function.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of women presenting for annual gynecologic examinations. Women were assigned to either group A: a Q-tip touch test, speculum examination, then bimanual examination or group B: Q-tip touch test, bimanual examination, then speculum examination.

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

Aims: The terminology in current use for sexual function and dysfunction in women with pelvic floor disorders lacks uniformity, which leads to uncertainty, confusion, and unintended ambiguity. The terminology for the sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction needs to be collated in a clinically-based consensus report.

Methods: This report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees.

The evaluation and management of female sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction has complex physiologic and psychological components that require a detailed screening, history, and physical examination. Our goal in this review is to provide family physicians with insights and practical advice to help screen, diagnose, and treat female sexual dysfunction, which can have a profound impact on patients' most intimate relationships.

Kenalog Injection into Hunner's Lesions as a Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of kenalog injection into Hunner's lesions.

Materials And Methods: All patients had cystoscopy and bladder hydrodistention with corticosteroid injection into Hunner's lesions over a 2.5-year period.

A case of pelvic organ prolapse in the setting of cirrhotic ascites.

Ascites is commonly found in patients with liver cirrhosis. Although conservative therapy is often the ideal choice of care with these patients who also have symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, this may fail and surgical methods may be needed. Literature is limited regarding surgical repair of prolapse in the setting of ascites.

A novel approach to mesh revision after sacrocolpopexy.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the herniation of pelvic organs to or beyond the vaginal walls. POP affects 50% of parous women; of those women, 11% will need surgery based on bothersome symptoms. Transvaginal mesh has been used for vaginal augmentation since the 1990s.

A standard for terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes: A report from the chronic pelvic pain working group of the international continence society.

Aims: Terms used in the field of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) are poorly defined and often confusing. An International Continence Society (ICS) Standard for Terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CPPS) has been developed with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The standard aims to facilitate research, enhance therapy development and support healthcare delivery, for healthcare providers, and patients.

The Diagnostic and Treatment Patterns of Urologists in the United States for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

Introduction: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is not completely understood, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. The current literature elucidating this disease process is inconsistent. Without a clear consensus regarding management it is important to evaluate how urologists are treating these patients.

Complementary and alternative medical therapies for interstitial cystitis: an update from the United States.

The diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) has shifted from organ-specific to a multifactorial, multidisciplinary and individualized approach. Patients with refractory and debilitating symptoms may respond to complementary and alternative medical treatments (CAM). Through CAM therapies, practitioners assist the patient to be at the center of their care, empowering them to be emotionally and physically involved.

Botulinum Toxin A Injections Into Pelvic Floor Muscles Under Electromyographic Guidance for Women With Refractory High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A 6-Month Prospective Pilot Study.

Objectives: High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction (HTPFD) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder for many women with significant impact on their quality of life (QoL). Our objective was to determine the efficacy of electromyography-guided onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, Calif) injections in treating patient's perception of pelvic pain and improving QoL measurement scores.

Methods: This is a prospective pilot open-label study of women with chronic pelvic pain and HTPFD who have failed conventional therapy between January 2011 and August 2013.

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

Purpose: We compared the efficacy and safety of the currently recommended dose of pentosan polysulfate sodium with a third of the daily dose and with placebo.

Materials And Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study 368 adults with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, defined as an ICSI total score of 8 or greater and a score of greater than 0 on the 4 ICSI component items, received pentosan polysulfate sodium 100 mg once daily or 3 times daily, or matching placebo for 24 weeks. Study eligibility was not based on cystoscopy findings.

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

Purpose Of Review: The diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) have moved away from targeting a specific organ to multifactorial and multidisciplinary individualized approach to treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to review the current advancements in diagnosis and treatment of CPP.

Recent Findings: Recognition that response to current treatment approach to CPP syndrome is variable; organizations such as the European Association of Urology, American Urologic Association, International Continence Society, International Association for the Study of Pain, and others have integrated the most current evidence and management strategies from multiple specialties (urology, gynecology, pain medicine, gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, neurology, physiotherapy, and psychology).

Botulinum toxin for conditions of the female pelvis.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Botulinum toxin has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of urinary incontinence associated with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. However, it has also been used off-label for a multitude of other conditions in the female pelvis, including urological, gynecological, and colorectal. This article reviews the most recent data regarding its efficacy and safety, and administration techniques for those conditions.

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

Introduction And Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies among interstitial cystitis (IC) patients, patients' perception of CAM therapies' effectiveness, and the association of time since diagnosis with perceived effectiveness of these therapies.

Methods: In April 2009, the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) initiated an Internet-based survey on CAM. Respondents indicated whether they received an IC diagnosis and how long ago, whether they tried CAM, and who recommended it.

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

Purpose: Patients with chronic pelvic pain disorders often present with neuropathic features. We examined a cohort of patients with a primary complaint of chronic pelvic pain for the presence of neuropathic pain symptoms.

Materials And Methods: Patients with chronic pelvic pain disorders from 2 tertiary referral centers were prospectively evaluated.

Urogynecological causes of pain and the effect of pain on sexual function in women.

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon. Screening, identifying and managing urogenital and sexual symptoms often result in significant improvement in women's quality of life. Providers must proactively question patients about possible presence of FSD.