Loyola University
The purpose of this study is to learn about nerve function and pelvic muscle function. To do this we will compare the pelvic nerve and muscle function of women with chronic pelvic pain to those who do not have chronic pelvic pain. Understanding the pain may lead to better treatments in the future.
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) may affect up to a quarter of all women. Traditionally, CPP has been thought to be driven by visceral pain mechanisms such as Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis. It is also established that these visceral pain conditions overlap with vulvodynia, fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. More recently, underlying pelvic floor myofascial (PFMP) and dyssynergia have been identified as additional overlapping CPP conditions. Prior work suggests PFMP may be a viscero-somatic response, however, PFMP as a com…
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex * Age 21 to 80 years * Symptoms of CPP as defined by the American College of Obstetrics \& Gynecology (ACOG) for more than 6 months * At least two of seven overlapping CPP diagnosis (i.e., IC/PBS, IBS, Endometriosis, Vulvodynia, PN, FM, PFMP) * An average CPP pain score of at least three on a 10 point pain scale Exclusion Criteria: * Current or history of GI or GU pelvic cancer * Current pelvic infection (e.g., a UTI or vaginal infection) * Current or imminent planned pregnancy or recent delivery in the last 6 months * Abdominal or pelvic surgery in the last…
Tone is a binary measurement of the pelvic floor muscle on physical examination
Tenderness is a binary measurement of the pelvic floor muscle on physical examination
Contraction is a binary measurement of the pelvic floor muscle on physical examination
Relaxation is a binary measurement of the pelvic floor muscle on physical examination
Electromyography is a measurement of the pelvic floor muscle in microvolts
Transperineal measurements (in millimeters) of the pelvic floor muscle using an ultrasound
Pressure measurements (in millimeters) of the pelvic floor muscle using an algometer
Arctuva estimate
Verify or correct the compensation shown for this listing.