By Stephanie Prendergast
In a previous blog post I described my experience while participating in an International Nomenclature Consensus Conference. As you may recall, the motivation for a consensus meeting originated because there was “an unmet medical need for a comprehensive, evidence-based set of vulvovaginal pain diagnoses that can be easily utilized by both expert and non-expert healthcare providers to establish diagnoses in their patients and to guide treatment.” Now, the organizers and participants of the conference are pleased to announce new consensus guidelines on the terminology of vulvar pain!
After numerous discussions and lectures from leading experts, a consensus terminology proposal was unanimously reached on April 8-9, 2015. It was decided by the three societies that the consensus terminology proposal would be brought to discussion and voted on by each Society. On August 19th, the Board of Directors of IPPS was the final society to vote on and unanimously approve the new terminology.
At this time, we would like to present you with the new terminology. For more information please follow the link to a brief explanatory from the consensus committee. The new guidelines will be published in their entirety in several peer-review journals.
2015 Consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain
Jacob Bornstein MD, MPA, Andrew Goldstein MD, and Deborah Coady MD for the consensus vulvar pain terminology committee
From the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
The consensus vulvar pain terminology committee:
For the ISSVD – Jacob Bornstein (co-chair), Gloria A. Bachmann, Ione Bissonnette, Sophie Bergeron, Nina Bohm Starke, David Foster, Hope Katharine Haefner, Micheline Moyal Barracco, Barbara Reed, Colleen Stockdale1. For the ISSWSH – Andrew Goldstein (co-chair), , Laura Burrows, Irwin Goldstein, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, Sharon Parish, Caroline Pukall. For the IPPS – Denniz Zolnoun (co-chair), Deborah Coady, A. Lee Dellon, Sarah Fox, Richard Gracely, Richard Marvel, Pam Morrison2, Stephanie Prendergast. Observers: Lori Boardman (ACOG), Lisa Goldstein (NVA), Phyllis Mate (NVA)
1 Representing also the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP)
2 Representing also the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA)
Table 1: 2015 Consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain
A. Vulvar pain caused by a specific disorder*
- Infectious (e.g. recurrent candidiasis, herpes)
- Inflammatory (e.g. lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, immunobullous disorders)
- Neoplastic (e.g. Paget disease, squamous cell carcinoma)
- Neurologic (e.g. post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve compression or injury, neuroma)
- Trauma (e.g. female genital cutting, obstetrical)
- Iatrogenic (e.g. post-operative, chemotherapy, radiation)
- Hormonal deficiencies (e.g. genito-urinary syndrome of menopause [vulvo-vaginal atrophy], lactational amenorrhea)
B. Vulvodynia – Vulvar pain of at least 3 months duration, without clear identifiable cause, which may have potential associated factors Descriptors:
- Localized (e.g. vestibulodynia, clitorodynia) or Generalized or Mixed (Localized and Generalized)
- Provoked (e.g. insertional, contact) or Spontaneous or Mixed (Provoked and Spontaneous)
- Onset (primary or secondary)
- Temporal pattern (intermittent, persistent, constant, immediate, delayed) —————
*Women may have both a specific disorder (e.g. lichen sclerosus) and vulvodynia
Table 2: 2015 Consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain – Appendix: Potential factors associated with Vulvodynia*
- Co-morbidities and other pain syndromes (e.g. painful bladder syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder) [Level of evidence 2a]
- Genetics [Level of evidence 2b]
- Hormonal factors (e.g. pharmacologically induced) [Level of evidence 2b]
- Inflammation [Level of evidence 2b]
- Musculoskeletal (e.g. pelvic muscle overactivity, myofascial, biomechanical) [Level of evidence 2b]
- Neurologic mechanisms:
– Central (spine, brain) [Level of evidence 2b]
-Peripheral [Level of evidence 2b]
- Neuroproliferation [Level of evidence 2b]
- Psychosocial factors (e.g. mood, interpersonal, coping, role, sexual function) [Level of evidence 2b]
- Structural defects (e.g. perineal descent) [Level of evidence 2b]
—*The factors are ranked by alphabetical order
Comment to the 2015 Consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain
Since the previous terminology of Vulvodynia was accepted by the ISSVD in 2003, studies have been carried out to explore possible causative factors and treatment options.
Several studies and treatments have been introduced, based on putative etiologies of Vulvodynia, for example: tricyclic antidepressants for a neuropathic etiology; nerve surgery for excision of neuroma or removal of compression from branches of the pudendal nerve.
In addition, over the years, several descriptors of Vulvodynia and terms that were not in use at the time of the 2003 terminology have been introduced. For example: Primary and Secondary Vulvodynia, intermittent and persistent pattern.
Therefore, the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) discussed a possible revision to the 2003 terminology, and organized an international meeting in order to reach a consensus on the terminology of vulvar pain, on April 8-9, 2015 in Annapolis, Maryland. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) were represented in that meeting. After discussions, a consensus terminology proposal was unanimously reached at that meeting. It was decided by the three societies that the consensus terminology proposal would be brought to discussion and voted by each Society. Comments regarding the terminology proposal were sent by email to Professor Jacob Bornstein, presented and discussed at the ISSVD world congress. Minor amendments were made in response to these discussions. The final terminology was accepted by all three societies during July and August, 2015.
Compared to the 2003 terminology, the following has stayed the same:
- The division to sections – with the first being: “Vulvar pain caused by a specific disorder”. This section contains vulvar pain conditions for which a cause has been clearly identified.
- The descriptors of Vulvodynia regarding location (Generalized or Localized) and provocation.
The following has been revised in the new terminology:
- “Unprovoked” has been replaced with – “spontaneous”, a more appropriate term.
- The title of the terminology has been changed to “Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain…” rather than the 2003 “Terminology and Classification of Vulvodynia…”, because it does not pertain to acute vulvar pain or only to Vulvodynia.
- The 2003 definition of Vulvodynia: “Chronic vulvar discomfort, mainly described as burning, occurring in the absence of visible relevant findings”, has been changed in 2015 to: “Vulvar pain of at least 3 months duration, without clear identifiable cause, which may have potential associated factors”.
The following is new in the terminology:
-
- The main addition is an appendix to the terminology named: “Potential factors associated with Vulvodynia”. In the continued search for causation and new treatments for Vulvodynia, some factors have been discussed. The current data were reviewed and the committee concluded that some factors have stronger association with Vulvodynia, while some have weaker associations.
- Please note that once a factor is considered to have a definite causative role of vulvar pain, it will be mentioned in the first part of the Table (“A. Vulvar pain caused by a specific disorder”). For example: Herpes Genitalis or genital cutting. Other factors have not reached that level of causal certainty, but have a significant association and may be used to choose treatment of Vulvodynia. For example – if a musculoskeletal factor is considered to be present, the patient may be referred to undergo physical therapy.
Why do we add “potential associated factors” to the terminology, although they are not terminology terms?
Vulvodynia may not be a specific entity, but a multifactorial condition. The inclusion of the associated factors emphasizes that treatment should be chosen according to the characteristics of the individual case and the possible associated factors, rather than be uniform (like surgery for all, physical therapy for all, etc (. Instead – choose physical therapy if musculoskeletal factors are present, and prefer specific neural medication or surgery if neuroproliferation exists. The associated factors show that a multidisciplinary approach to vulvar pain is needed and help direct future research.
Indeed, over the years, factors that were claimed to have a causative role in Vulvodynia have been later found to be only coincidental. This may also happen with the associated factors of the current terminology. Therefore, a level of evidence was assigned to each factor, based on a review of the literature. The associated factors were grouped in an appendix, and not in the main table, because they are not terminology terms, and also to allow future amendment, when research yields further knowledge, without revising the whole terminology.
Conclusion
This 2015 terminology of vulvar pain was reached by a consensus between societies. It is expected to replace the previous terminology and to improve the diagnosis and management of women with vulvar pain, as well as research in the field.
All my best,
Stephanie Prendergast, MPT
Stephanie grew up in South Jersey, and currently sees patients in our Los Angeles office. She received her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from Rutgers University, and her master’s in physical therapy at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. For balance, Steph turns to yoga, music, and her calm and loving King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Abbie (Abbie is a daily fixture at PHRC Los Angeles). For adventure, she gets her fix from scuba diving and global travel.
FAQ
What are pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that run from the coccyx to the pubic bone. They are part of the core, helping to support our entire body as well as providing support for the bowel, bladder and uterus. These muscles help us maintain bowel and bladder control and are involved in sexual pleasure and orgasm. The technical name of the pelvic floor muscles is the Levator Ani muscle group. The pudendal nerve, the levator ani nerve, and branches from the S2 – S4 nerve roots innervate the pelvic floor muscles. They are under voluntary and autonomic control, which is a unique feature only they possess compared to other muscle groups.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy. Currently, physical therapists need advanced post-graduate education to be able to help people with pelvic floor dysfunction because pelvic floor disorders are not yet being taught in standard physical therapy curricula. The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center provides extensive training for our staff because we recognize the limitations of physical therapy education in this unique area.
What happens at pelvic floor therapy?
During an evaluation for pelvic floor dysfunction the physical therapist will take a detailed history. Following the history the physical therapist will leave the room to allow the patient to change and drape themselves. The physical therapist will return to the room and using gloved hands will perform an external and internal manual assessment of the pelvic floor and girdle muscles. The physical therapist will once again leave the room and allow the patient to dress. Following the manual examination there may also be an examination of strength, motor control, and overall biomechanics and neuromuscular control. The physical therapist will then communicate the findings to the patient and together with their patient they establish an assessment, short term and long term goals and a treatment plan. Typically people with pelvic floor dysfunction are seen one time per week for one hour for varying amounts of time based on the severity and chronicity of the disease. A home exercise program will be established and the physical therapist will help coordinate other providers on the treatment team. Typically patients are seen for 3 months to a year.
What is pudendal neuralgia and how is it treated?
Pudendal Neuralgia is a clinical diagnosis that means pain in the sensory distribution of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve that exits the S2 – S4 sacral nerve roots, we have a right and left pudendal nerve and each side has three main trunks: the dorsal branch, the perineal branch, and the inferior rectal branch. The branches supply sensation to the clitoris/penis, labia/scrotum, perineum, anus, the distal ⅓ of the urethra and rectum, and the vulva and vestibule. The nerve branches also control the pelvic floor muscles. The pudendal nerve follows a tortuous path through the pelvic floor and girdle, leaving it vulnerable to compression and tension injuries at various points along its path.
Pudendal Neuralgia occurs when the nerve is unable to slide, glide and move normally and as a result, people experience pain in some or all of the above-mentioned areas. Pelvic floor physical therapy plays a crucial role in identifying the mechanical impairments that are affecting the nerve. The physical therapy treatment plan is designed to restore normal neural function. Patients with pudendal neuralgia require pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from medical management that includes pharmaceuticals and procedures such as pudendal nerve blocks or botox injections.
What is interstitial cystitis and how is it treated?
Interstitial Cystitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and hesitancy in the absence of infection. Research has shown the majority of patients who meet the clinical definition have pelvic floor dysfunction and myalgia. Therefore, the American Urologic Association recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line treatment for Interstitial Cystitis. Patients will benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from pharmacologic management or medical procedures such as bladder instillations.
Who is the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Team?
The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center was founded by Elizabeth Akincilar and Stephanie Prendergast in 2006, they have been treating people with pelvic floor disorders since 2001. They were trained and mentored by a medical doctor and quickly became experts in treating pelvic floor disorders. They began creating courses and sharing their knowledge around the world. They expanded to 11 locations in the United States and developed a residency style training program for their employees with ongoing weekly mentoring. The physical therapists who work at PHRC have undergone more training than the majority of pelvic floor physical therapists and as a result offer efficient and high quality care.
How many years of experience do we have?
Stephanie and Liz have 24 years of experience and help each and every team member become an expert in the field through their training and mentoring program.
Why PHRC versus anyone else?
PHRC is unique because of the specific focus on pelvic floor disorders and the leadership at our company. We are constantly lecturing, teaching, and staying ahead of the curve with our connections to medical experts and emerging experts. As a result, we are able to efficiently and effectively help our patients restore their pelvic health.
Do we treat men for pelvic floor therapy?
The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center is unique in that the Cofounders have always treated people of all genders and therefore have trained the team members and staff the same way. Many pelvic floor physical therapists focus solely on people with vulvas, this is not the case here.
Do I need pelvic floor therapy forever?
The majority of people with pelvic floor dysfunction will undergo pelvic floor physical therapy for a set amount of time based on their goals. Every 6 -8 weeks goals will be re-established based on the physical improvements and remaining physical impairments. Most patients will achieve their goals in 3 – 6 months. If there are complicating medical or untreated comorbidities some patients will be in therapy longer.
Comments
Hullo Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your posts and dedication.
Would it be possible to provide a list or recommend a Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist and/or Medical practitioner in Sydney Australia who specialise in PN and PNE.
Kind Regards,
Raylene
Hello Raylene,
Certainly! Below are a few recommendations:
James Angela PT Bondi, South Wales Australia 02 9369 4111 AJ Physio
Tait Alyssa PT Brisbane Australia 61 7 32770226 Equilibria Health
Best,
Stephanie