Browsing by Subject "Pelvic Pain"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    An Update on Surgical versus Expectant Management of Ovarian Endometriomas in Infertile Women.
    (BioMed research international, 2015-01) Keyhan, Sanaz; Hughes, Claude; Price, Thomas; Muasher, Suheil
    Ovarian endometriomas are a common manifestation of endometriosis that can represent a more severe stage of the disease. There is much debate over the treatment of these cysts in infertile women, particularly before use of assisted reproductive technologies. Evidence exists that supports surgical excision of ovarian endometriomas, as well as evidence that cautions against surgical intervention. Certain factors need to be examined closely before proceeding with surgery or continuing with expectant management. These include the patient's symptoms, age, ovarian reserve, size and laterality of the cyst, prior surgical treatment, and level of suspicion for malignancy. The most recent evidence appears to suggest that certain patient profiles may benefit from proceeding directly to in vitro fertilization (IVF). These include symptomatic infertile patients, especially those that are older, those that have diminished ovarian reserve, those that have bilateral endometriomas, or those that have had prior surgical treatment. Although endometriomas can be detrimental to the ovarian reserve, surgical therapy may further lower a woman's ovarian reserve. Nevertheless, the presence of an endometrioma does not appear to adversely affect IVF outcomes, and surgical excision of endometriomas does not appear to improve IVF outcomes. Regardless of treatment plan, infertile patients with endometriomas must be counseled appropriately before choosing either treatment path.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Impact of Endometriosis across the Lifespan of Women: Foreseeable Research and Therapeutic Prospects.
    (BioMed research international, 2015-01) Hughes, CL; Foster, WG; Agarwal, SK
    In addition to estrogen dependence, endometriosis is characterized by chronic pelvic inflammation. The impact of the chronic pelvic inflammatory state on other organ systems and women's health is unclear. Endometriosis associated chronic inflammation and potential adverse health effects across the lifespan render it imperative for renewed research vigor into the identification of novel biomarkers of disease and therapeutic options. Herein we propose a number of opportunities for research and development of new therapeutics to address the unmet needs in the treatment of endometriosis per se and its ancillary risks for other diseases in women across the lifespan.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
    (2010-09) Martinez-Bianchi, Viviana; Halstater, Brian H
    Painful bladder syndrome or urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a chronic condition that presents with lower urinary tract symptoms that include dysuria, urgency, frequent urination, and chronic pelvic pain. Diagnoses included in the painful bladder syndrome are interstitial cystitis and prostatodynia. The history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms are important in ruling out other diagnoses. Treatment options that are US Food and Drug Administration approved and evidence based are limited; however, many symptom-based treatment options can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.