Journal article
Experimental pain sensitivity in women with vestibulodynia: a pilot study
Proceedings in obstetrics and gynecology, Vol.7(1), 3
03/09/2017
DOI: 10.17077/2154-4751.1348
Abstract
Objective: Investigate pain sensitivity in women with vestibulodynia using two experimental pain assessments outside the vulvar region: intramuscular infusion of an acidic phosphate buffer and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the lower limb.
Methods: Three women with a history of vestibulodynia (all 24 years old) participated after providing written informed consent. PPTs of the lower limb were assessed using a hand-held Somedic digital algometer (30 kilopascal (kPa)/sec) at baseline (pre-infusion) and during the intramuscular infusion. The acidic phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) was infused into the anterior tibialis muscle at a rate of 40 ml/hr for 15 min (10 ml total). Peak local (infusion site) and referred (ankle) pain ratings were assessed verbally, as well as vulvar pain at the time of the infusion (0 – 10 Borg Scale).
Results: Peak local pain was higher in two of the three subjects (2.5, 4.0, 9.5) than the average pain ratings in 34 healthy age-matched (21 – 27 years old) women from our laboratory, mean 3.0/10 (standard deviation (SD) 2.2; range 0.5 to 10). Peak referred pain was also higher in the same two subjects (0, 4.25, and 7.5) than the average of the controls (mean 1.5; SD 1.8; range 0 – 9.0). Similarly, vulvar pain patients all exhibited greater mechanical pain sensitivity (lower PPT values) than the average of the healthy controls (mean [SD] 246.3 [101.7] kPa in patients vs. 431.3 [109.33] in controls).
Conclusion: Preliminary data suggests women with vestibulodynia may exhibit greater generalized pain sensitivity to noxious stimuli than the general population of women.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Experimental pain sensitivity in women with vestibulodynia: a pilot study
- Creators
- Laura Frey Law - University of IowaAvery M. Whitis - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineColleen K Stockdale - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Proceedings in obstetrics and gynecology, Vol.7(1), 3
- DOI
- 10.17077/2154-4751.1348
- ISSN
- 2154-4751
- eISSN
- 2154-4751
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/09/2017
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984317113802771
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