As there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, effective prevention strategies may be the best way to reduce the mortality of this most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that the fallopian tube is the site of origin for the vast majority of high-grade serous carcinomas. Our growing understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease offers a rare opportunity to explore new preventive measures such as bilateral salpingectomy, which may provide great benefit without compromising ovarian function.
If the tubal paradigm is accurate, the impact of bilateral salpingectomy could extend to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, high-risk non-carriers, and average-risk women. We present a review of the literature on the role of risk-reducing salpingectomy in all women and in high-risk groups, with a focus on morbidity, ovarian function, potential clinical applicability, and epidemiological considerations.
Introduction
Bladder base tenderness can be present on pelvic exam in women with pelvic pain. However, its exact prevalence and clinical implications are not well understood.
Aim
The aim of this study was to determine whether bladder base tenderness is associated with specific symptoms or signs in women, particularly dyspareunia.
Methods
Retrospective review of 189 consecutive women seen by a gynecologist in 2012 at a tertiary referral center for pelvic pain was conducted. Associations were tested between bladder base tenderness and variables on history/examination using bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression.
Main Outcome Measure
Deep dyspareunia and superficial dyspareunia (present/absent) were the main outcome measures.
Results
Bladder base tenderness was present in 34% of pelvic pain patients (65/189), which was significantly greater than the prevalence of bladder base tenderness of 3% (1/32) in a control sample of women without pelvic pain (odds ratio [OR] = 16.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17–121.7, Fisher exact test, P < 0.001). For the pelvic pain patients, on bivariate analyses, bladder base tenderness was significantly associated with deep dyspareunia (P < 0.001), superficial dyspareunia (P < 0.001), bladder symptoms (P = 0.026), abdominal wall trigger point (P < 0.001), and pelvic floor tenderness (P < 0.001). In contrast, bladder base tenderness was similarly present in women with or without endometriosis. On logistic regression, bladder base tenderness was independently associated with only deep dyspareunia (OR = 6.40, 95% CI: 1.25–32.7, P = 0.011), abdominal wall trigger point (OR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.01–11.7, P = 0.037), and pelvic floor tenderness (OR = 8.22, 95% CI: 3.27–20.7, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Bladder base tenderness is present in one-third of women with pelvic pain, and contributes specifically to the symptom of deep dyspareunia. Bladder base tenderness was also associated with the presence of an abdominal wall trigger point and with pelvic floor tenderness, suggesting a myofascial etiology and/or nervous system sensitization.
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