Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis
Guaifenesin
Bignoniaceae
Euphausiacea
Dicyclomine
Menstruation
Textile Industry
Nitric oxide in the endometrium. (1/131)
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of paracrine interactions, especially within the vascular system. It is a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation and a potent vasodilator. NO is also a neurotransmitter and it plays a role in cell-mediated cytotoxicity. NO-generating enzymes (nitric oxide synthases, NOS) have been described in the endometrium of a number of species, suggesting that NO might be involved in endometrial function. In human endometrium, endothelial NOS and inducible NOS have been localized to glandular epithelium in the non-pregnant uterus. Weak inducible NOS immunoreactivity has been observed in decidualized stromal cells. NO might participate in the initiation and control of menstrual bleeding. Furthermore, it may play a part in the inhibition of platelet aggregation within the endometrium, where menstrual haemostasis is thought to occur primarily by vasoconstriction rather than clot organization. Endometrially derived NO could also suppress myometrial contractility. Recent attention has focused on the part that NO might play in maintaining myometrial quiescence during pregnancy. NO also appears to relax the non-pregnant myometrium, an action which could be exploited for the medical treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. (+info)Primary dysmenorrhea. (2/131)
Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring just before or during menstruation, in the absence of other diseases such as endometriosis. Prevalence rates are as high as 90 percent. Initial presentation of primary dysmenorrhea typically occurs in adolescence. It is a common cause of absenteeism and reduced quality of life in women. The problem is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women with primary dysmenorrhea have increased production of endometrial prostaglandin, resulting in increased uterine tone and stronger, more frequent uterine contractions. A diagnostic evaluation is unnecessary in patients with typical symptoms and no risk factors for secondary causes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are the mainstay of treatment, with the addition of oral contraceptive pills when necessary. About 10 percent of affected women do not respond to these measures. It is important to consider secondary causes of dysmenorrhea in women who do not respond to initial treatment. Many alternative treatments (ranging from acupuncture to laparoscopic surgery) have been studied, but the supporting studies are small, with limited long-term follow-up. (+info)High nocturnal body temperatures and disturbed sleep in women with primary dysmenorrhea. (3/131)
Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful uterine cramps, near and during menstruation, that have an impact on personal life and productivity. The effect on sleep of this recurring pain has not been established. We compared sleep, nocturnal body temperatures, and hormone profiles during the menstrual cycle of 10 young women who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea, without any menstrual-associated mood disturbances, and 8 women who had normal menstrual cycles. Dysmenorrheic pain significantly decreased subjective sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep but not slow wave sleep (SWS), compared with pain-free phases of the menstrual cycle and compared with the controls. Even before menstruation, in the absence of pain, the women with dysmenorrhea had different sleep patterns, nocturnal body temperatures, and hormone levels compared with the controls. In the mid-follicular, mid-luteal, and menstrual phases, the dysmenorrheics had elevated morning estrogen concentrations, higher mean in-bed temperatures, and less REM sleep compared with the controls, as well as higher luteal phase prolactin levels. Both groups of women had less REM sleep when their body temperatures were high during the luteal and menstrual phases, implying that REM sleep is sensitive to elevated body temperatures. We have shown that dysmenorrhea is not only a disorder of menstruation but is manifest throughout the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, dysmenorrheic pain disturbs sleep, which may exacerbate the effect of the pain on daytime functioning. (+info)Leukotrienes in gynaecology: the hypothetical value of anti-leukotriene therapy in dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis. (4/131)
The lipoxygenase products (leukotrienes) have been demonstrated in many mammalian tissues including humans. They are widely distributed in the lungs, gut, uterus, kidneys, skin, heart and the liver. Their roles as mediators of inflammation have made them therapeutic targets. Significant amounts of leukotrienes have been demonstrated in the endometrium of women with primary dysmenorrhoea who do not respond to treatment with anti-prostaglandins. Also, in endometriosis, cytokines, which can initiate the cascade for the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, have been shown to be elevated. It is estimated that 10-30% of patients with painful periods fail to respond to prostaglandin (PG) synthetase inhibitors. Of adult females approximately 40% have painful menstruation and 10% of these are incapacitated for 1-3 days per month, and approximately 10% of women aged between 15-45 years suffer from endometriosis, which is a significant cause of infertility. Leukotriene receptor antagonists have recently been licensed for the treatment of asthma in the UK. In this review, we present the case for the potential use of these products in the management of primary dysmenorrhoea (especially in patients who are not responding to the traditional treatment using PG synthetase inhibitors) and possibly also in cases of endometriosis. (+info)Delayed oral estradiol combined with leuprolide increases endometriosis-related pain. (5/131)
OBJECTIVES: To determine if low-dose estrogen replacement can be added to GnRH agonist therapy after three months to reduce hypoestrogenic symptoms while allowing continued relief of pain in patients with endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen women with endometriosis and pain were treated with six months of leuprolide acetate in a prospective, randomized double-blind placebo controlled study. After three months of therapy, six subjects initiated oral estradiol 1 mg daily, and seven received an identical placebo. RESULTS: Dysmenorrhea improved in both groups, and dyspareunia significantly improved in the GnRH agonist plus placebo group. The mean pain scores of the oral estrogen group tended to be higher than the placebo group, and hot flushes tended to be less severe with estrogen treatment. However, differences observed between the study and placebo groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In a prospective, randomized study, low-dose estrogen replacement increases endometriosis-related pain during GnRH agonist therapy. The study was terminated after the first 13 subjects due to the concerning trend toward recurrent symptoms in women who received oral estradiol during GnRH agonist therapy for endometriosis-related pain. With the trend toward increasing pain with estrogen add-back therapy, a larger study would not seem to be justifiable. (+info)Relationship between endometriotic foci and nerves in rectovaginal endometriotic nodules. (6/131)
The histological relationships between fibrotic tissue, endometriotic foci and nerves in the rectovaginal septum endometriotic or adenomyotic nodule were studied. This is considered to be one of the most severe forms of deep endometriosis. Masson's trichrome staining for fibrosis detection and immunohistochemistry with the S100 monoclonal antibody for nerve detection were performed in 28 rectovaginal endometriotic nodules from patients presenting with severe dysmenorrhoea and deep dyspareunia (23 patients with no other endometriotic location or potential cause of pain at laparoscopy and ultrasonography; five patients with multiple pelvic endometriotic localizations and other potential causes of pain at laparoscopy). Patients were allocated to two groups on the basis of their preoperative pain scores for pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and deep dyspareunia (group 1, score >7; group 2, score < or =7). For each symptom, the mean number of nerves and endometriotic lesions per high-power field and the mean largest diameter of the lesions were not statistically different in groups 1 and 2. The mean percentages of nerves located within the fibrosis of the nodule and within endometriotic lesions were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Among nerves located within endometriotic lesions, there was a significantly higher proportion showing intraneurial and perineurial invasion by endometriosis in group 1 than in group 2. In rectovaginal endometriotic nodules, there was a close histological relationship between nerves and endometriotic foci, and between nerves and the fibrotic component of the nodule. We postulate that such topographical relationships could at least partially explain the strong association between this lesion and pain. (+info)Prospective study of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and dysmenorrhea. (7/131)
Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecologic disorder in women of reproductive age. Previous studies have found an association between current cigarette smoking and prevalence of dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the occurrence of dysmenorrhea among women without a history of this disorder. The study population consisted of 165 newly wed, nonsmoking Chinese women (in Shenyang, China), who intended to get pregnant and who had no past history of dysmenorrhea at the time of enrollment. These women completed a baseline questionnaire interview upon enrollment and were prospectively followed by daily diary. Dysmenorrhea was defined as a diary recording of abdominal pain or low back pain for at least 2 days during a menstrual period. A subject's ETS exposure was defined as the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day at home by household members over an entire menstrual cycle before the menstrual period. A logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of ETS on the risk of dysmenorrhea, with adjustment for age, body mass index, education, season, area of residence, occupation, shift work, perceived stress, passive smoking at work, and occupational exposure to chemical hazards, dust, and noise. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for autocorrelations as a result of multiple cycles per subject. This report is based on 625 prospectively followed menstrual cycles with complete baseline and diary data. ETS exposure was reported in 77% of cycles, within which average daily exposures throughout the cycle ranged from 0.02 to 10. 3 cigarettes. The incidence of dysmenorrhea was 9.7% and 13.3% among nonexposed and exposed cycles, respectively. Among ETS-exposed cycles, there was a positive dose-response relationship between the numbers of cigarettes smoked and the relative risk of dysmenorrhea. The adjusted odds ratios of dysmenorrhea associated with "low," "middle," and "high" tertiles of ETS exposure versus no exposure were 1.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5-2.6], 2.5 (CI, 0.9-6.7), and 3.1 (CI, 1.2-8.3), respectively. The findings were consistent with those of analyses limited to the first follow-up menstrual cycle from each woman. These data suggest a significant dose-response relationship between exposure to ETS and an increased incidence of dysmenorrhea in this cohort of young women. (+info)Influence of high intensity training on menstrual cycle disorders in athletes. (8/131)
AIM: To estimate the influence of intensive training on menstrual cycles in female athletes. METHOD: The questionnaire was used to determine the time of menarche, and the prevalence of primary and secondary amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea in 72 active female athletes from Zagreb (10 volleyball players, 18 basketball players, 10 ballet dancers, and 34 runners) aged between 15 and 21. The control group comprised 96 girls of the same age not engaged in any sports activity. RESULTS: The prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was three times higher in athletes than in the control group (p=0.037). The prevalence of primary amenorrhea was substantially higher in athletes than in the control group (6/72 vs. 0/96, p=0.014), whereas the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was twofold lower in athletes than in the control group (p<0.001). The highest prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was recorded in runners (14/31), particularly long-distance runners (11/17), whereas there was only one case of secondary amenorrhea among basketball players. Menarche was significantly delayed in the athletes who started physical activities before the onset of menstruation (13.8+1.4 vs. 12.6+1.0 years, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: High-intensity training before menarche postpones its onset. Type of training may be related to a significantly higher prevalence of secondary amenorrhea in runners than in basketball players. (+info)Dysmenorrhea is a medical term that refers to painful menstrual cramps and discomfort during menstruation. It's one of the most common gynecological complaints among women of reproductive age. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea: This type is more common and occurs in women who have had normal, pelvic anatomy. The pain is caused by strong contractions of the uterus due to the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that are involved in inflammation and pain). Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts soon after menarche (the beginning of menstruation) and tends to improve with age, particularly after childbirth.
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea: This type is less common and occurs due to an underlying medical condition affecting the reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or adenomyosis. The pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea tends to worsen over time and may be accompanied by other symptoms like irregular menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse, or chronic pelvic pain.
Treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the type and underlying cause. For primary dysmenorrhea, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain by reducing prostaglandin production. Hormonal birth control methods like oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may also be prescribed to reduce menstrual pain. For secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment typically involves addressing the underlying medical condition causing the pain.
Pelvic pain is defined as discomfort or unpleasant sensation in the lower abdominal region, below the belly button, and between the hips. It can be acute (sudden and lasting for a short time) or chronic (persisting for months or even years), and it may be steady or intermittent, mild or severe. The pain can have various causes, including musculoskeletal issues, nerve irritation, infection, inflammation, or organic diseases in the reproductive, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic peritoneum. This misplaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it would inside the uterus, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, because it is outside the uterus, this blood and tissue have no way to exit the body and can lead to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions (tissue bands that bind organs together).
The symptoms of endometriosis may include pelvic pain, heavy menstrual periods, painful intercourse, and infertility. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but several theories have been proposed, including retrograde menstruation (the backflow of menstrual blood through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity), genetic factors, and immune system dysfunction.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed through a combination of methods, such as medical history, physical examination, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, and laparoscopic surgery with tissue biopsy. Treatment options for endometriosis include pain management, hormonal therapies, and surgical intervention to remove the misplaced endometrial tissue. In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, but this is typically considered a last resort due to its impact on fertility and quality of life.
Guaifenesin is a medication that belongs to the class of expectorants. According to the Medical Dictionary by Farlex, guaifenesin is defined as:
"A salicylate-free agent with expectorant properties; it increases respiratory secretions and decreases their viscosity, making coughs more productive. It is used as an antitussive in bronchitis and other respiratory tract infections."
Guaifenesin works by helping to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways of bothersome mucus and phlegm. It is commonly available as an over-the-counter medication for relieving symptoms associated with a common cold, flu, or other respiratory infections.
Guaifenesin can be found in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquid, or extended-release products. Common brand names of guaifenesin include Mucinex and Robitussin. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the product label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions about its use or if your symptoms persist for more than one week.
Hematometra is a medical condition that refers to the accumulation of menstrual blood in the uterus (uterine cavity) due to obstruction of the cervical canal. This condition typically occurs in women who have congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system, such as imperforate hymen or transverse vaginal septum, which prevent the normal flow of menstrual blood out of the uterus.
The accumulation of blood in the uterus can cause it to become distended and painful, and may also lead to endometriosis, infection, and other complications if left untreated. Hematometra is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes laparoscopy. Treatment usually involves surgical correction of the underlying abnormality to restore the normal flow of menstrual blood.
Bignoniaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes approximately 85 genera and around 1,000 species. These plants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in the Americas. The family includes both trees and shrubs, as well as some vines and epiphytes.
Bignoniaceae plants are known for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be quite large and often brightly colored. Many species are popular ornamental plants due to their attractive blooms. Some of the more familiar genera in this family include Catalpa, Campsis (trumpet vine), Tecomaria (cape honeysuckle), and Bignonia (cross vine).
The leaves of Bignoniaceae plants are typically simple or palmately compound, with entire or lobed margins. The fruits are usually long, slender capsules that split open to release numerous small seeds. Some species have fleshy fruits that are berry-like in appearance.
In addition to their ornamental value, some Bignoniaceae plants have medicinal uses. For example, the bark of some Catalpa species has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and skin conditions. However, it's important to note that the use of these plants for medicinal purposes should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
"Maytenus" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae. It includes several species that have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in South America and Asia. However, it's important to note that while some compounds derived from these plants have shown potential medicinal properties in laboratory studies, there is currently no widely accepted or established medical definition for "Maytenus" as a whole.
The use of any plant or herbal remedy should be discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand, as they can interact with other medications and may have side effects. Additionally, the quality and safety of herbal supplements can vary greatly depending on the source and manufacturing process.
I apologize for any confusion, but "Meliaceae" is not a medical term. It is a taxonomic category in botany, referring to the Mahogany family of plants, which includes around 50 genera and over 1,300 species of trees and shrubs. Some of these plants have medicinal properties, but "Meliaceae" itself does not have a medical definition.
Euphausiacea is a taxonomic category, specifically an order, that includes various types of planktonic crustaceans commonly known as krill. These small, shrimp-like animals are found in oceans all over the world and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as a key food source for many larger animals, including whales, seals, and fish.
Euphausiids, as they are sometimes called, have a transparent exoskeleton and a distinctive bioluminescent ability that they use for communication, attracting prey, and evading predators. They are filter feeders, consuming large quantities of phytoplankton and other small organisms.
Euphausiacea is part of the larger decapod group, which also includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. The study of these animals and their role in marine ecosystems is important for understanding ocean health and biodiversity.
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a long-acting, reversible contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a small T-shaped piece of flexible plastic with strings attached to it for removal. There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus, preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. Copper IUDs, on the other hand, produce an inflammatory reaction in the uterus that is toxic to sperm and eggs, preventing fertilization.
IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can remain in place for several years, depending on the type. They are easily removable by a healthcare provider if a woman wants to become pregnant or choose another form of contraception. IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is important to use condoms in addition to an IUD for protection against STIs.
In summary, Intrauterine Devices are small, T-shaped plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They come in two types: hormonal and copper, both of which work by preventing fertilization. IUDs are highly effective, long-acting, and reversible forms of contraception.
Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication that is primarily used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction and other functions in the body.
In the GI tract, dicyclomine helps to reduce spasms and relax the muscles, which can alleviate symptoms such as abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. It is important to note that dicyclomine may have side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and constipation.
Additionally, it should be used with caution in older adults, people with certain medical conditions (such as glaucoma or enlarged prostate), and those taking other medications that can interact with dicyclomine. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper dosage and usage instructions.
Menstruation is the regular, cyclical shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) in women and female individuals of reproductive age, accompanied by the discharge of blood and other materials from the vagina. It typically occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts for approximately 2-7 days. This process is a part of the menstrual cycle, which is under the control of hormonal fluctuations involving follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone.
The menstrual cycle can be divided into three main phases:
1. Menstruation phase: The beginning of the cycle is marked by the start of menstrual bleeding, which signals the breakdown and shedding of the endometrium due to the absence of pregnancy and low levels of estrogen and progesterone. This phase typically lasts for 2-7 days.
2. Proliferative phase: After menstruation, under the influence of rising estrogen levels, the endometrium starts to thicken and regenerate. The uterine lining becomes rich in blood vessels and glands, preparing for a potential pregnancy. This phase lasts from day 5 until around day 14 of an average 28-day cycle.
3. Secretory phase: Following ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries), which usually occurs around day 14, increased levels of progesterone cause further thickening and maturation of the endometrium. The glands in the lining produce nutrients to support a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, both estrogen and progesterone levels will drop, leading to menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
Understanding menstruation is essential for monitoring reproductive health, identifying potential issues such as irregular periods or menstrual disorders, and planning family planning strategies.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Textile Industry" and "medical definition" are not related. The textile industry is the overall system of designing, producing, and distributing clothing and their raw materials, which include fiber, yarn, and cloth. It involves several processes such as spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing.
If you're looking for a medical term or definition, please provide me with the term so I can assist you better.
Dyspareunia is a medical term that describes painful sexual intercourse. This condition can affect both men and women, but it is more commonly reported by women. The pain can occur in various locations, such as the vaginal opening, deep inside the vagina, or in the pelvic region. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical conditions like vulvodynia, endometriosis, or vaginal infections, as well as psychological factors like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Treatment for dyspareunia depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.