Multidimensional Evaluation of Myofascial Pelvic Pain and Other Comorbidities in Endometriosis Patients
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Pain associated with endometriosis is complex and influenced by multiple factors. The presence of myofascial pelvic pain (MPP), associated comorbidities, and overlapping symptoms may play a role in endometriosis-associated pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate MPP in patients with endometriosis and correlate it with other self-reported comorbidities and symptoms, health-related quality of life, and mental health. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary hospital referral center on 175 women with endometriosis. MPP was evaluated by clinical examination; if present, the patient was allocated to the MPP group (<i>n</i> = 84), and if absent, the patient was allocated to the non-MPP group (<i>n</i> = 91). Other comorbidities and symptoms frequently found in patients with chronic pain were also recorded. The Short Form 36-Item health questionnaire (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered. Central sensitization-related symptoms were assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). <b>Results</b>: Patients with MPP showed significantly higher scores related to endometriosis-associated pain, reported lower scores in all domains of the SF-36, and higher scores in the HADS questionnaire. This group also reported more comorbid symptoms and showed higher scores in the CSI questionnaire. In the multivariate analysis, severe non-cyclic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, and CSI ≥ 40 remained significantly associated with the presence of MPP. <b>Conclusions</b>: Endometriosis patients with MPP presented more pain comorbidities and general symptoms. Moreover, they reported more endometriosis-associated pain and worse health-related quality of life, and they may be at higher risk of depression and anxiety.
Authors
- Maria Ángeles Martínez‐Zamora (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8917-540X)
- Carla Box
- Mariona Rius (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7640-8588)
- Lara Quintas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7869-348X)
- Meritxell Gràcia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8980-1063)
- Marta Valdés‐Bango (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1661-352X)
- Francisco Carmona (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0172-1761)
Institutions
- Consorci Institut D'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer (ES)
- Universitat de Barcelona (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-05-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14103455
- Primary Topic
- Endometriosis Research and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00