Endometriosis

Clinical eye – Sexual pain – penetration disorder: clinical history is key to optimize the diagnosis

Editor , ArticlesLRIOG 2022-1 , , , , , .
Clinical eye – Sexual pain – penetration disorder: clinical history is key to optimize the diagnosis

Alessandra Graziottin 1,2 – Orcid, Elena Boero 1 – Orcid

1 – Alessandra Graziottin Foundation for the cure and care of pain in women NPO

2 – Center of Gynecology and Medical Sexology, San Raffaele Resnati Hospital, Milan, Italy

Corresponding Author: Alessandra Graziottin

direzione@studiograziottin.it

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202161

Abstract

Sexual pain at intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a common symptom affecting up to 1 in 5 women. Despite its high prevalence, sexual pain is still underdiagnosed. When recognized it is poorly characterized in its etiology and consequently undertreated by clinicians, especially when they are not trained in sexual medicine. Sexual pain always has precise biological causes and is often comorbid with other gynecological, pelvic, muscular, urinary, and/ or intestinal pathologies. Correct diagnosis and treatment of sexual pain require collecting a detailed clinical history aimed at identifying the most relevant predisposing, precipitating, and maintenance factors. The goal of the work is to provide the clinician with a questionnaire to make the anamnesis of sexual pain “physician-friendly”, and facilitate the in-depth diagnosis of sexual pain. The clinical reasoning is carefully discussed as well, to guide the reading of the symptoms and signs of the pathologies potentially responsible for sexual pain to identify a tailored multimodal therapy.

Keywords: sexual pain; superficial dyspareunia; deep dyspareunia; clinical history; vulvar pain; endometriosis.

Available in LRIOG Nr.1 – 2022

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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The role of environmental pollutant in the pathogenesis of endometriosis: a systematic review of literature

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The role of environmental pollutant in the pathogenesis of endometriosis: a systematic review of literature

Alessandro Conforti1 – Orcid, Silvia Picarelli1 – Orcid , Giuseppe Gabriele Iorio1 – Orcid, Luigi Carbone1 – Orcid, Ida Strina1 – Orcid, Carlo Alviggi1 – Orcid

1 – Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Corresponding Author: Alessandro Conforti

alessandro.conforti@unina.it

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202143

Abstract

Based on preliminary data, environmental pollutants such as bisphenols, perfluorochemicals, particulate matter and benzophenone derivatives have been suspected to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis. Ho- wever, data from recent epidemiological studies are still mixed and the real impact of environmental pollutants on endometriosis is still a matter of de- bate. Consequently, this important issue, which has wide-ranging implica- tions, remains to be solved. In the attempt to clarify this issue, we carried out a systematic review of studies related to the aforementioned pollutants and endometriosis with no time restriction. Only articles regarding the asso- ciation between endometriosis and environmental pollutants published on peer reviewed articles were included. Exclusion criteria were: in vitro studies; case report or case series; unpublished data; study involving animals; the use of a not conservative statistical method (Bayesian analysis). The following studies were included in our analysis; 4 papers bisphenols; 1 paper about perfluorochemicals and particulate matter; 2 papers about benzophenone derivatives. Regarding bisphenol A, results are mixed despite an increased risk was observed in women with non-ovarian pelvic endometriosis. A signi- ficantly associations between perfluorochemicals [perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic (PFNA)] and two benzophenone metaboli- tes [2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (2OH-BP)] with endometriosis. No associa- tion with particulate matter was reported. Relevant differences were found among studies regarding the diagnostic method, type of pollutant analyzed, selection of controls and method adopted for the assessment of contami- nants. Due to the relevant heterogeneity among studies no definitive con- clusion could be still drawn. According to the current data, the possible as- sociation between endometriosis and environmental pollution could not be excluded. More prospective well-designed and less heterogeneous trials are demanded.

Keywords: endometriosis; environmental pollution; perfluorochemicals; bisphenols, air pollution.

Available in LRIOG Nr.4 – 2021

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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Medical therapy for endometriosis: choice from puberty to menopause

Editor , , ArticlesLRIOG 2021-3 , , , , , .
Medical therapy for endometriosis: choice from puberty to menopause

Simone Ferrero1,2 – Orcid, Giulio Evangelisti1,2 – Orcid, Fabio Barra1,2 – Orcid

1 – IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa

2 – DINOGMI, University of Genoa

Corresponding Author: Simone Ferrero

simoneferrero@me.com

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202131

Abstract

Medical therapies aim to improve endometriosis-related pain and to decrease the post-operative recurrence of endometriosis, but they have no role in improving surgery for endometriosis or infertility. Since medical treatments do not cause the disappearance of endometriosis, they should ideally be administered from the diagnosis up to the menopause. First-line therapies for the treatment of endometriosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, progestins and combined oral contraceptives. When these therapies fail to provide adequate pain relief, patients may be treated with gonadotropin- releasing hormone agonists, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, danazol and aromatase inhibitors. During treatment, patients must be monitored in order to evaluate symptoms and the potential progression of endometriosis by transvaginal ultrasonography.

Keywords: endometriosis; estrogen-progestins; progestogens; GnRH analogues; GnRH antagonists; aromatase inhibitors.

Available in LRIOG Nr.3 – 2021

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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The role of a reference center in the multidisclipinary and interdisciplinary treatment of pelvic endometriosis

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The role of a reference center in the multidisclipinary and interdisciplinary treatment of pelvic endometriosis 

Daniele Mautone1 – Orcid, Simone Orlandi1 – Orcid, Giuseppe Caleffi1 – Orcid, Giuseppe Deledda1 – Orcid, Giovanni Foti1– Orcid, Elena Rossato1– Orcid, Stefano Cavalleri1, Giacomo Ruffo1 – Orcid, Luca Garriboli1 – Orcid,  Marcello Ceccaroni1– Orcid

1 – IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona

Corresponding Author: Daniele Mautone

daniele.mautone@sacrocuore.it

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202130

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic hormone-dependent disease affecting approximately 25-30% of women in the third and fourth decade. Despite its frequency, it is often detected late. The aim of this article was to present a standardized treatment algorithm for an interdisciplinary endometriosis consultation considering medical and surgical approaches. Despite the frequency of endometriosis and a high number of publications dealing with the disease there is a lack of evidence in literature for standardized treatment algorithms allowing a rational diagnostic, medical, multiprofessional and therapeutic approach. The diagnosis includes a structured medical history with the identification of endometriosis-typical symptoms and a gynecological rectovaginal examina- tion, if necessary additional examinations. The treatment algorithm is essentially divided into the phase of diagnosis and the phase of therapy as well as the prevention of recurrence or long-term treatment. A multi-professional team of gynaecology, visceral surgery, vascular surgery ,urology, nutritional medicine, physiatry, gastroenterology, physiotherapy, psychology and psychiatry can be consulted for support. The treatment of endometriosis should be multiprofessional, standardized and reproducible during specialized consultations at certified centers.

Keywords: endometriosis; referral center; endometriosis unit; interdisciplinary approach.

Available in LRIOG Nr.3 – 2021

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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The role of pain relief in the management of chronic pelvic pain in deep endometriosis

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The role of pain relief in the management of chronic pelvic pain in deep endometriosis

Gilberto Pari, Gianfranco Sindaco, Marco La Grua – Orcid, Valentina Paci, Matteo Zanella – Orcid, Alberto Merlini – Orcid, Simone Vigneri – Orcid

Interdisciplinary Operative Unit of Pain Medicine and Therapy. Regional Reference Center – Accredited Hospital of Santa Maria Maddalena, Rovigo

Advanced Algology Research – Recognized association for scientific research, Rimini

Corresponding Author: Gilberto Pari

g.pari@medicinadeldolore.org

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202139

Abstract

In some patients endometriosis causes persistent or chronic pain, becoming a specialistic algologic problem. Considering various possible pathogenic pain mechanisms, when pain therapy of endometriosis cannot be etiologic, far from being only symptomatic, it is based on a pathogenetic criterion. We must consider that in endometriosis pain can be due to activation of nociceptors sensibilized by endometriosic tissues (tissutal nociceptive pain), unresponding to NSAIDs and opioids, or to the nerve damage by nerve compression from endometriosic cistis or by involvement of nerve structures in scar tissue (neuropathic pain), unresponding to antinociceptive therapy but responding, at least partially, to some neuropathic specific pain drugs and to electrostimulation of the nervous system. And finally, we can have nociplastic pain, where cerebral and spinal neuroplasticity is the main mechanism causing pain: when facing this type of pain, the only effective management should follow a biopsychosocial and interdisciplinary model.

Keywords: endometriosis; chronic pelvic pain; pain therapy; interdisciplinary management.

Available in LRIOG Nr.3 – 2021

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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Pelvic floor dysfunction: role of proctologist and rehabilitator

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Pelvic floor dysfunction: role of proctologist and rehabilitator

Simone Orlandi1 – Orcid, Daniela Sorrentino2

1 – Proctologist Surgeon and Medical Director at the Digestive Endoscopy Department of the Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (VR)

2 – Pelvic floor therapist at Sacro Cuore Diagnostic Therapeutic Center, Verona

Corresponding Author: Simone Orlandi. Daniela Sorrentino

simone.orlandi@sacrocuore.it, daniela.sorrentino@sacrocuore.it

DOI: 10.53146/lriog1202138

Abstract

The importance of pelvic floor evaluation and rehabilitation is now recognized in the scientific world. In particular, pelvic pain, proctological and sexual dysfunctions are often present in women with endometriosis, strongly affecting their quality of life. Knowing the symptoms, related disorders and sharing the patients taken in care among the specialists, allows to better clarify the clinical picture, improve the therapeutic path and help to give a new self vision.

Keywords: pelvic floor dysfunctions; endometriosis; pelvic floor overactive; chronic pelvic pain.

Available in LRIOG Nr.3 – 2021

e-ISSN: 1824-0283

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