Citation

Garza-Leal JG, Sosa-Bravo FJ, Garza-Marichalar JG, Soto-Quintero G, Castillo-Saenz L, Fernández-Zambrano S. Int. Urogynecol. J. Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00192-021-04772-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Almost 20% of women will suffer from sexual abuse at some point in their lives. This is a known risk factor for developing chronic pelvic pain (CPP), which is a major health problem worldwide. We conducted a pilot study in a Gynecology Outpatient Clinic to find the correlation between these two clinical entities and provide better evidence for their diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS: A semi-structured interview for the evaluation of sexual violence in women (EVS) was used as a screening tool and a complement to routine gynecological examination to identify patients suffering from sexual abuse. Patients included were also assessed for comorbidities, including CPP, and other coexisting mental health problems.

RESULTS: Of the 61 patients screened, 33 (54.1%) had pelvic pain. Also, 11 patients (18%) had suffered sexual abuse at some point in their lives, which was only disclosed when the specific interview was performed. Ten patients (90.8%) out of 11 that had been sexually abused also had pelvic pain. This was found to be statistically significant in this sample (p = 0.008) with a more than 11-fold greater risk of having pelvic pain (OR, 11.7; 95% CI, 1.4-98.7). Most patients did not have psychological violence (77%) but those that did (23%) had a seven-fold greater risk of having pelvic pain (OR, 7.4; 95% CI, 1.5-36.9).

CONCLUSION: Specific tools should intentionally be used for evaluating sexual abuse and chronic pelvic pain, since a strong correlation exists between these two entities and they are seldom reported by patients.

Language: en

Keywords

Violence; Women’s health; Sexual abuse; Chronic pelvic pain; Psychological abuse