Guidelines on

Chronic
Pelvic Pain
M. Fall (chair), A.P. Baranowski, S. Elneil, D. Engeler, J. Hughes,
E.J. Messelink, F. Oberpenning, A.C. de C. Williams

© European Association of Urology 2009

Table of Contents page

1. INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Background 5
1.1.1 Definition of pain (WHO) 5
1.1.2 Innervation of the urogenital system 6
1.1.3 References 6
1.2 Pain evaluation and measurement 7
1.2.1 Pain evaluation 7
1.2.2 Pain measurement 7
1.2.3 References 8

2. CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN 8

2.1 Background 8
2.1.1 Introduction to urogenital pain syndromes 8
2.2 Definitions of chronic pelvic pain and terminology (Table 2) 10
2.3 Classification of chronic pelvic pain syndromes 11
Table 1: EAU classification of chronic urogenital pain syndromes (page 9)
Table 2: Definitions of chronic pain terminology (page 10)
Table 3: ESSIC classification of types of bladder pain syndrome according to
the results of cystoscopy with hydrodistension and of biopsies (page 12)
2.4 References 12
2.5 An algorithm for chronic pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment 12
2.5.1 How to use the algorithm 12
2.6 Chronic prostate pain/chronic prostatitis associated with chronic pelvic 14
pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
2.6.1 Introduction 15
2.6.2 Definition 15
2.6.3 Pathogenesis 15
2.6.4 Diagnosis 16
2.6.5 Treatment 16
2.6.5.1 Alpha-blockers 16
2.6.5.2 Antibiotic therapy 16
2.6.5.3 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 16
2.6.5.4 Corticosteroids 16
2.6.5.5 Opioids 17
2.6.5.6 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 17
2.6.5.7 Allopurinol 17
2.6.5.8 Phytotherapy 17
2.6.5.9 Muscle relaxants 17
2.6.5.10 Supportive therapies 17
2.6.5.11 Surgical management 17
2.6.6 References 18
2.7 Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) 23
2.7.1 Introduction 23
2.7.2 Definition 23
2.7.3 Pathogenesis 24
2.7.4 Epidemiology 25
2.7.5 Association with other diseases 26
2.7.6 Diagnosis 26
2.7.7 Biological markers 27
2.7.8 IC in children and males 27
2.7.9 Medical treatment 27
2.7.10 Intravesical treatment 29
2.7.11 Interventional treatments 31
2.7.12 Treatments of limited efficacy and absence of recent publications 33
2.7.13 Alternative and complementary treatments 33
2.7.14 Surgical treatment 34
2.7.15 References 38

2 UPDATE MARCH 2008
2.8 Scrotal pain 53
2.8.1 Management of different conditions 53
2.8.2 References 54
2.9 Urethral pain syndrome 55
2.9.1 Treatment 56
2.9.2 References 56

3. PELVIC PAIN IN GYNAECOLOGICAL PRACTICE 57

3.1 Introduction 57
3.2 Clinical history 57
3.3 Clinical examination 57
3.3.1 Investigations 57
3.4 Dysmenorrhoea 57
3.5 Infection 57
3.5.1 Treatment 57
3.6 Endometriosis 57
3.6.1 Treatment 57
3.7 Gynaecological malignancy 58
3.8 Injuries related to childbirth 58
3.9 Conclusion 58
3.10 References 58

4. NEUROLOGICAL ASPECTS 59
4.1 Physiology of the urogenital system 59
4.2 Physiology of the bladder 59
4.2.1 Bladder filling 59
4.2.2 Afferent innervation of the bladder 60
4.2.3 Efferent innervation of the bladder 60
4.2.4 Central control of micturition 60
4.2.5 Physiology of the genital organs 61
4.3 Sexual dysfunction in men and women 63
4.4 References 64

5. NEUROGENIC CONDITIONS 66
5.1 Introduction 66
5.2 Pudendal nerve entrapment 66
5.3 Other neurogenic conditions 67
5.4 References 67

6. PELVIC FLOOR FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION 67

6.1 Introduction 67
6.2 Function 67
6.3 Dysfunction 68
6.4 Myofascial trigger points 68
6.5 Therapy 69
6.6 References 69

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN 70

7.1 Introduction 70
7.2 Psychological models of pain 70
7.3 Methodology 71
7.4 Psychological factors in assessment of pelvic pain 71
7.4.1 Psychological risk factors in the development of pelvic pain and adaptation to it 71
7.4.2 Anxiety 71
7.4.3 Depression and catastrophizing 72
7.4.4 Impact of pain 72
7.5 Summary: assessment recommendations 72
7.5.1 Anxiety 73
7.5.2 Depression 73
7.5.3 Sexual and physical abuse in childhood 73

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7.6 Psychological factors in treatment of pelvic pain 73
7.7 References 74

8. GENERAL TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN 77

8.1 Simple analgesics 77
8.1.1 Paracetamol 77
8.1.2 Acidic antipyretic analgesics 77
8.1.3 Guidelines for use of NSAIDs and COX-2 selective agents 78
8.2 Neuropathic analgesics 78
8.2.1 Tricyclic antidepressants 78
8.2.2 Anticonvulsants 78
8.2.3 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists 78
8.2.4 Sodium channel blockers 79
8.3 Opioids 79
8.3.1 Guidelines for the use of opioid-like agents in chronic/non-acute urogenital pain 79
8.3.2 Morphine 80
8.3.3 Transdermal fentanyl 80
8.3.4 Methadone 80
8.3.5 Oxycodone 80
8.3.6 Other opioids and opioid-like agents 80
8.4 References 82
8.5 Nerve blocks 84
8.5.1 References 85
8.6 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 85
8.6.1 Results of suprapubic TENS in BPS/IC 86
8.7 Sacral neuromodulation in pelvic pain syndromes 86
8.7.1 References 87

9. ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TEXT 89

4 UPDATE MARCH 2008
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Definition of pain (WHO)
‘Pain management is a necessity in the work of each physician.’ F. Sauerbruch, 1936

Pain can be defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with either real or potential
tissue damage, or it can be described in terms of such damage (1). Pain is the most common symptom of any
illness. In its management, firstly, the physician needs to discover and treat the cause of the pain; secondly, to
treat the pain itself, whether or not the underlying cause is treatable; and thirdly to relieve the suffering caused
by the pain.
One function of the nervous system is to provide information about the occurrence of or the threat
of injury. The sensation of pain, by its inherent aversive nature, contributes to this function. The response of
the peripheral neural apparatus via primary sensory neurones (known as nociceptors), to noxious (injurious
or potentially injurious) stimuli alerts the organism to injury (potential injury). Acute pain is an important and
adaptive element of the normal nervous system. In chronic or persistent pain, the purpose of the pain is lost.
Such pain often represents an aberration of neural processing.

Nociceptive or neuropathic pain. ‘Pain’ is used to describe all sensations that are perceived as hurting; it
requires the higher centres. The causes of pain may be many. For example, pain can be nociceptive or
neuropathic, with many pains having both a neuropathic and nociceptive component:
• Nociceptive pain is caused by direct stimulation of nociceptors in the periphery; peripheral
inflammation may or may not be pressent. An example of physiological nociceptive pain is when
an individual perceives pain due to hot water running over their skin resulting in the individual
withdrawing from the stimulus and there is no injury. Pathological nociceptive pain, however, is often
associated with tissue damage and inflammation, with inflammation having the effect of increasing the
perception of pain associated with peripheral stimulation.
• Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion to the peripheral or central nervous system.

Acute or chronic pain. Pain may also be described as either acute or chronic pain:
• Acute pathological pain has an acute onset and is short-lived, usually less than a week or so, and is
associated with tissue trauma, e.g. following surgery. Transient acute pain may also be caused by
acute nerve injury, e.g. local injury to the ulnar nerve from hitting the elbow. Although the mechanisms
of acute and chronic pain may overlap, the mechanisms of acute pain resolve quickly in contrast to
chronic pain.
• Chronic (also known as persistent) pain occurs for at least 3 months. However, the mechanisms
involved are more important than the duration of the pain. Chronic pain is associated with changes in
the central nervous system (CNS), which may maintain the perception of pain in the absence of acute
injury. These changes may also magnify perception so that non-painful stimuli are perceived as painful
(allodynia), while painful stimuli are perceived as more painful than expected (hyperalgesia).

The bladder provides a good example of how changes in the CNS affect sensory perception. An
acute pain insult to the bladder can produce functional changes within the CNS, so that pain persists even
after removal of the stimulus. These central functional changes may also be associated with a dysaesthetic
(unpleasant sensation) response; for instance, mild distension or stimulation of the bladder by urine not
normally perceived, may produce the urge to urinate. Furthermore, core muscles, including pelvic muscles,
may become hyperalgesic with multiple trigger points, while other organs may also become sensitive, e.g. the
uterus with dyspareunia and dysmenorrhoea, the bowel with irritable bowel symptoms. The spread of abnormal
sensory responses between the organs and musculoskeletal system is a well-described consequence of the
CNS changes and a crucial cause of complex chronic pelvic pains. Functional abnormalities such as urinary
retention may also occur.
Chronic pain is associated with various psychological responses, partly due to the long duration of
the pain and partly due to neuroplasticity of the CNS. Chronic pain inhibits feelings, emotions, thinking and
reactions, while reduced mobility and inhibited physiological functions restrict social interactions and work.
Although there are established management strategies, pain is often undertreated because many
clinicians have a poor understanding of the principles of pain therapy. Efforts are needed to improve this
situation. When appropriate, management should be both holistic and multidisciplinary.

Deep visceral pain. There are important differences between cutaneous and deep visceral pain. Unlike
cutaneous pain, deep visceral pain is diffuse and poorly localized. It may be accompanied by strong autonomic

UPDATE MARCH 2008 5

responses, such as sweating and changes in heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Deep visceral pain
may also be produced by stimuli that are not tissue-damaging, e.g. bowel and bladder distension (2,3), and
may be associated with referred pain and cutaneous and deep tissue hyperalgesia.

Modulation of pain. Pain transmission from the periphery to the higher brain centres via the spinal cord is not
a simple, passive process involving exclusive pathways. The relationship between a stimulus causing pain and
the way it is perceived by an individual is dramatically affected by circuitry within the spinal cord and the brain.
The sensation of pain is modulated as it is transmitted upwards from the periphery to the cortex. It is modu-
lated at a segmental level and by descending control from higher centres, with the main neurotransmitters
involved being serotonin, noradrenaline and the endogenous opioids.

1.1.2 Innervation of the urogenital system

Studies on the response properties of visceral afferents from the urinary tract have highlighted the differences
between nociception in the skin and viscera. Most visceral primary afferents from the bladder, urethra,
reproductive and other pelvic organs are encoded for both noxious and non-noxious stimuli (4-6). Increasing
afferent traffic results in a change from non-noxious sensation to noxious.

Ureter. Ureteric afferents are thinly myelinated or unmyelinated and respond to direct probing of a limited area
of tissue. They can be differentiated into two groups (7):
• The first group responds to ureteral contractions and is excited by low levels of distension (average
threshold 8 mmHg). They appear to encode levels of distension throughout and beyond the
physiological range.
• The second group does not respond to peristaltic contractions of the ureter, but can be excited by
distension with a wide range of thresholds.

Urinary bladder. Two groups of afferent fibres signal noxious stimuli in the urinary bladder, mostly non-
myelinated fibres, with some myelinated fibres (4).
Graded distension of the healthy urinary bladder in humans initially gives rise to a sensation of fullness
and eventually pain, as the volume of urine increases and the intravesical pressure exceeds about 25-35
mmHg (8-11). In the inflamed bladder, the sensations during bladder emptying become unpleasant and painful.
Nearly all visceral primary afferents from the bladder are small myelinated or unmyelinated fibres.
Some afferents exhibit a low level of ongoing discharge when the bladder is empty. Distension excites
mainly thin myelinated afferents, with pressure thresholds corresponding to levels at which humans report
the first sensation of fullness. Nearly all afferents are activated by the intraluminal pressures reached during
normal, non-painful micturition. The activation of a large number of initially unresponsive afferents indicates
that peripheral afferent mechanisms encoding pain from pelvic viscera are highly malleable and are strongly
affected by tissue state. These changes are important for signalling pain and discomfort in inflammatory
conditions where there is a group of afferents that become activated by the inflammation.

Male reproductive organs. More than 95% of fibres of the superior spermatic nerve are unmyelinated,
with most showing polymodal properties (i.e. responses to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli) (12).
Myelinated and unmyelinated afferent fibres form a homogeneous group with polymodal receptors in the testis
and/or epididymis. Prostaglandins sensitize the afferents to other stimuli (13).

1.1.3 REFERENCES
1. Foley KM, Posner J.B. Pain and its management. In: Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 18th edn.
Philadelphia: WB Saunders 1988, pp. 104-112.
2. Dubner R. Basic mechanisms of pain associated with deep tissues. Can J Physiol Pharmacol
1991;69(5):607-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1863910
3. Ness TJ, Gebhart GF. Visceral pain: A review of experimental studies. Pain 1990;41(2):167-234.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2195438
4. Häbler H-J, Jänig W, Koltzenburg M. Activation of unmyelinated afferent fibres by mechanical stimuli
and inflammation of the urinary bladder in the cat. J Physiol 1990;425:545-62.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2213588
5. Bahns E, Ernsberger U, Jänig W, Nelke A. Functional characteristics of lumbar visceral afferent fibres
from the urinary bladder and the urethra in the cat. Pflügers Arch 1986;407(5):510-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3786110

6 UPDATE MARCH 2008
6. Bahns E, Halsband U, Jänig W. Responses of sacral visceral afferent fibres from the lower urinary
tract, colon, and anus to mechanical stimulation. Pflügers Arch 1987;410(3):296-303.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3684516
7. Cervero F, Jänig W. Visceral nociceptors: A new world order? Trend Neurosci 1992;15(10):374-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1279857
8. Roberts WJ, Elardo SM. Sympathetic activation of A-delta nociceptors. Somato Res 1985;3(1):33-44.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2999942
9. Seltzer Z, Devor M. Ephaptic transmission in chronically damaged peripheral nerves. Neurology
1979;29(7):1061-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/224343
10. Kruger L, Perl ER, Sedivec MJ. Fine structure of myelinated mechanical nociceptor endings in cat
hairy skin. J Comp Neurol 1981;198(1):137-54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7229137
11. Treede R-D, Meyer RA, Raja S N, Campbell JN. Peripheral and central mechanisms of cutaneous
hyperalgesia. Prog Neurobiol 1992;38(4):397-421.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1574584
12. Kumazawa T. Sensory innervation of reproductive organs. Prog Brain Res 1986;67:115-31.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3823468
13. Meyer RA, Campbell JN, Raja SN. Peripheral neural mechanisms of nociception In: Wall PD, Melzack
R, eds. Textbook of Pain. 3rd edn. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1994.

1.2 Pain evaluation and measurement

1.2.1 Pain evaluation
The symptom of pain must be fully evaluated. As pain is subjective, the history provides the main evaluation.
Examination and investigations provide further understanding of the pain syndrome and exclude other
conditions. Pain rating(s) are essential in patient and treatment evaluation.
Pain evaluation includes:
• Baseline and ongoing regular evaluation of severity
• An initial detailed history to include: chronology of onset and progression, character, site pain
perceived and radiation, aggravating and relieving factors, associated symptoms
• Questions about thoughts, emotions and behaviour associated with the pain
• Detailed examination, not only of the painful area but of the whole patient, particularly the
musculoskeletal and nervous systems
• Investigations to identify well-defined/confusable/non-pain syndromes
• Regular review of the condition as appropriate and its response to interventions.

1.2.2 Pain measurement

Pain can only be measured subjectively. The most reliable and well-understood method is a numerical rating
scale, from 0 (no pain) to 10 (extreme pain), with half-points marked. This is superior to the widely used visual
analogue scale (VAS), which is a 10-cm line with the same labels at the ends. Alternatively, a simple verbal
rating scale can be used, e.g. ‘none’, ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, ‘severe’. Both numerical and verbal scales can be
used by patients without the need for paper and pen, unlike the visual analogue scale.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No pain Extreme pain

Since pain is multidimensional, a single rating scale combines these dimensions in unknown
quantities. Depending on the clinical question, treatment, patient and setting, it can be helpful to assess
separately pain intensity, pain distress, and interference of pain with activities of daily life. It can also be
helpful to ask about average pain, worst pain (as even if this only occurs rarely, it can still reveal what patients
should avoid) and pain on, for example, bladder voiding. Pain reduction or relief is measured directly using a
percentage, from 0% = no relief up to 100% = total relief.
See www.britishpainsociety.org/members_pain_scales.htm for pain scales in English and other
languages.
The Brief Pain Inventory (1) consists of four 0 to 10 numerical scales for pain (current, average, worst,
and least) and seven scales for interference with aspects of daily life: general activity, mood, walking ability,
normal work, relationships with other people, sleep and enjoyment of life. The EuroQoL is a quality-of-life scale
(2) available in several European languages and free for non-commercial use. It asks about mobility, self-care,
pain, usual activities, and psychological status (www.euroqol.org).

UPDATE MARCH 2008 7

1.2.3 REFERENCES
1. Tan G, Jensen MP, Thornby JI, Shanti BF. Validation of the Brief Pain Inventory for chronic
nonmalignant pain. J Pain 2004;5(2):133-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15042521
2. Rabin R, de Charro F. EQ-5D: a measure of health status from the EuroQol group. Ann Med
2001;33(5):337-43.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11491192

2. CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN

2.1 Background
2.1.1 Introduction to chronic urogenital pain syndromes
Pain perceived within the pelvis may arise from a range of different mechanisms, many of which remain poorly
understood. Some conditions have become ‘well-defined’ over the years and it is very important that these are
identified and treated by an evidence-based approach, e.g. pudendal neuralgia.
Basic investigations must therefore be undertaken to rule out ‘well-defined’ pathologies. If the results
are negative, a ‘well-defined’ pathology is unlikely. Any further investigations should be done only for specific
indications, e.g. for subdivision of a pain syndrome.
As well as ‘well-defined’ conditions, which are associated with chronic urogenital pain and are
understood better. In many cases, the mechanisms involved are the neural-axial central sensitization described
above and that are so familiar in other fields of chronic pain. There is now no doubt that these central changes
can produce states of visceral and/or muscle hypersensitivity with long-term pain, sensory dysaesthesia and
functional abnormalities. These need to be addressed, as well as the cognitive, behavioural, emotional and
sexual consequences of the underlying disease process and long-term pain. This is why the assessment and
management of these areas are also expanded in these guidelines and for the emphasis on a multidisciplinary
approach.
Earlier EAU guidelines on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) introduced a classification system aimed at
replacing old-fashioned terminology based on spurious assumptions of cause. The main emphasis was
to make clear that it should not be presumed that pathology would be found where the pain is perceived.
The EAU guidelines moved away from using ‘prostatitis’ and ‘interstitial cystitis’ in the absence of proven
inflammation or infection, while the suffixes ‘algia’ and ‘dynia’ have often been used to provide a tangible
diagnosis, which in itself may have a therapeutic benefit. In this edition of the guidelines, however, we have
decided to avoid such terms completely. Instead, our definitions are based on the recommendation for
terminology laid down by the International Continence Society (ICS) (1) and follow the axial structure of the
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) classification (Table 1) (2).
Pain syndrome terms were introduced to indicate the multiple mechanisms involved, both physical
and psychological. This approach has been reviewed on many occasions over the past few years and has been
found to be robust. The EAU guidelines expand this approach, so avoiding spurious diagnostic terms, which
are associated with inappropriate investigations, inappropriate treatments, inappropriate patient expectations
and ultimately, a worse prognostic outlook.

8 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Axis I Axis II Axis III Axis IV Axis V Axis VI Axis VII Axis VIII
Region System End organ as identified from Referral Temporal Character Associated Psychological
Hx, Ex and Ix characteristics characteristics symptoms symptoms

Chronic Pelvic Urological Bladder pain syndrome (See Table 3 on Suprapubic ONSET Aching URINARY ANXIETY
pelvic pain ESSIC classification) Inguinal Acute Burning Frequency About pain
pain syndrome Urethral pain syndrome Urethral Chronic Stabbing Nocturia or putative

UPDATE MARCH 2008

Penile/clitoral Electric Hesitance cause of pain
Prostate pain syndrome Type A inflammatory Perineal ONGOING Poor flow Other
Type B non-inflammatory Rectal Sporadic Other Piss en deux
Scrotal pain syndrome Testicular pain syndrome Back Cyclical Urge DEPRESSION
Buttocks Continuous Urgency Attributed to
Incontinance pain/impact
Epididymal pain TIME Other of pain
syndrome Filling
Post-vasectomy Emptying GYNAECOLOGICAL Attributed to
pain syndrome Immediate post e.g Menstrual other causes
Late post or unattributed
Penile pain syndrome SEXUAL
PROVOKED e.g. Female dyspareunia SHAME,
impotance GUILT related
Gynaecological Endometriosis associated to disclosed
pain syndrome GI or undisclosed
changes in this classification system are likely.*

sexual
experience’s
Vagianal pain syndrome MUSCULAR
Hyperalgesia PTSD
SYMPTOMS
Vulvar pain syndrome Generalised vulvar CUTANEOUS Reexperiencing
pain syndrome Allodynia Avoidance
Localised Vestibular Hyperarousal
vulvar pain pain
syndrome syndrome MONO-
Clitoral SYMPTOMATIC
pain DELUSIONS
syndrome
Anorectal
Neurological e.g. Pudendal
pain syndrome
Muscular
efforts of many groups, as indicated in the main text. The work is in progress and further

Non pelvic e.g. Neurological e.g. Pudendal

Table 1: EAU classification of chronic urogenital pain syndromes. This classification represents the

pain neuralgia
syndrome e.g. Urological

9
Hx = History; Ex = Examination; Ix = Investigation.
*The table presented is not comprehensive; for the purpose of this document the main emphasis has been on the urological pain syndromes.
2.2 Definitions of chronic pelvic pain terminology
Although this latest EAU CPP guideline retains the basic terminology used in previous EAU CPP guidelines,
older terminology has been removed (Table 2).

Table 2: Definitions of chronic pelvic pain terminology

Terminology Description
Chronic pelvic pain Non-malignant pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis of either men or
women. In the case of documented nociceptive pain that becomes chronic, pain
must have been continuous or recurrent for at least 6 months. If non-acute and
central sensitization pain mechanisms are well documented, then the pain may
be regarded as chronic, irrespective of the time period. In all cases, there often
are associated negative cognitive, behavioural, sexual and emotional
consequences (5,6)
Pelvic pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic pelvic pain associated with symptoms suggesting
lower urinary tract, sexual, bowel or gynaecological dysfunction. No proven
infection or other obvious pathology (adopted from ICS 2002 report) (1)
Bladder pain syndrome Suprapubic pain is related to bladder filling, accompanied by other symptoms
such as increased daytime and night-time frequency. There is an absence of
proven urinary infection or other obvious pathology. This term has been adopted
from the ICS 2002 report (1), where the term painful bladder syndrome was used;
the name has been changed to bladder pain syndrome to be consistent with
other pain syndrome terminology (5,6). The European Society for the Study of
IC/PBS (ESSIC) publication places greater emphasis on the pain being perceived
in the bladder (4)
Urethral pain syndrome Recurrent episodic urethral pain, usually on voiding, with daytime frequency and
nocturia. Absence of proven infection or other obvious pathology (1)
Penile pain syndrome Pain within the penis that is not primarily in the urethra. Absence of proven
infection or other obvious pathology (5,6)
Prostate pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic prostate pain, associated with symptoms
suggestive of urinary tract and/or sexual dysfunction. No proven infection or
other obvious pathology (5,6)
Definition adapted from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus
definition and classification of prostatitis (7) and includes conditions described as
‘chronic pelvic pain syndrome’. Using the NIH classification system, prostate pain
syndrome may be subdivided into type A (inflammatory) and type B (non-
inflammatory)
Scrotal pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic scrotal pain associated with symptoms
suggestive of urinary tract or sexual dysfunction. No proven epididymo-orchitis or
other obvious pathology (1)
Testicular pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic pain localized to the testis on examination, which
is associated with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract or sexual dysfunction.
No proven epididymo-orchitis or other obvious pathology. This is a more specific
definition than scrotal pain syndrome (1)
Post-vasectomy pain Scrotal pain syndrome that follows vasectomy (1)
syndrome
Epididymal pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic pain localized to the epididymis on examination.
Associated with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract or sexual dysfunction. No
proven epididymo-orchitis or other obvious pathology (a more specific definition
than scrotal pain syndrome (5,6)
Endometriosis-associated Chronic or recurrent pelvic pain where endometriosis is present but does not fully
pain syndrome explain all the symptoms (5,6)
Vaginal pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic vaginal pain associated with symptoms
suggestive of urinary tract or sexual dysfunction. No proven vaginal infection or
other obvious pathology (1)
Vulvar pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent episodic vulvar pain either related to the micturition cycle
or associated with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract or sexual dysfunction.
There is no proven infection or other obvious pathology (1)

10 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Generalized vulvar pain Vulval burning or pain that cannot be consistently and tightly localized by point-
syndrome (formally pressure ‘mapping’ by probing with a cotton-tipped applicator or similar
dysaesthetic vulvodynia) instrument. The vulvar vestibule may be involved but the discomfort is not limited
to the vestibule. Clinically, the pain may occur with or without provocation (touch,
pressure or friction) (8)
Localized vulvar pain Pain consistently and tightly localized by point-pressure mapping to one or more
syndrome portions of the vulva. Clinically, pain usually occurs as a result of provocation
(touch, pressure or friction) (8)
Vestibular pain syndrome Pain localized by point-pressure mapping to one or more portions of the vulval
(formerly vulval vestibulitis) vestibule (8)
Clitoral pain syndrome Pain localized by point-pressure mapping to the clitoris (8)
Anorectal pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent, episodic rectal pain with associated rectal trigger
points/tenderness related to symptoms of bowel dysfunction. No proven infection
or other obvious pathology (5,6)
Pudendal pain syndrome Neuropathic-type pain arising in the distribution of the pudendal nerve with
symptoms and signs of rectal, urinary tract or sexual dysfunction. No proven
obvious pathology (5,6). (This is not the same as the well-defined pudendal
neuralgia)
Perineal pain syndrome Persistent or recurrent, episodic, perineal pain either related to the micturition
cycle or associated with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract or sexual
dysfunction. No proven infection or other obvious pathology (1)
Pelvic floor muscle pain Persistent or recurrent, episodic, pelvic floor pain with associated trigger points,
syndrome which is either related to the micturition cycle or associated with symptoms
suggestive of urinary tract, bowel or sexual dysfunction. No proven infection or
other obvious pathology (5,6)

2.3 Classification of chronic pelvic pain syndromes

The EAU classification of 2004 has been updated to provide a classification related to investigation and further
management of the pain syndromes. This allows for a possible overlap of mechanisms between different
conditions. It also encourages recognition of overlapping symptoms and their treatment by a multidisciplinary
approach (Table 1) (3). Axes VII and VIII are very important, because they emphasize the importance of
interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary assessment and management. This includes assessment and management of
psychological symptoms and early involvement of the pain management centre.
Currently, there is no ideal classification for conditions considered to be chronic pain syndromes.
The axes used in Table 1 are based on the IASP classification (2). Much of the terminology comes from the
ICS classification of chronic pain (1) with input from the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal
Disease (ISSVD), the IASP special interest group, Pain of Urogenital Origin (PUGO) group and Specialists in
Pain International Network (SPIN). The major controversy in classifying chronic pain is that a pain may involve
multiple sites, aetiologies and mechanisms. At a consensus meeting led by A.P. Baranowski and a PUGO
working group in November 2006, it was suggested that a patient should be described as having one or
two pain syndromes in the case of pain perceived at one or two sites, respectively. If the patient’s pain was
poorly localized or perceived in three or more sites, the patient would be diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain
syndrome (CPPS), with no need for further system or end-organ subdivision. This decision recognized that
poor localization in pain suggests overlapping mechanisms. This approach continues to be discussed and
publications from a further consensus meeting are planned.
A physician using the classification in Table 1 should start on the left of Table 1 and proceed to the
right only if they can truly and confidently confirm the pain to be perceived in the appropriate system and
organ. In many cases, it may not be possible to go further than labelling a condition as a pelvic pain syndrome.
For example, in many cases previously described as ‘prostadynia’, it may not be possible to state categorically
that the pain stems from the prostate and not other sites, e.g. pelvic floor muscles. Such cases are therefore
labelled pelvic pain syndrome.
Although bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/interstitial cystitis (IC) is well defined (see ESSIC reference [4]),
many patients, who have been previously labelled as suffering from IC, would not meet the research criteria.
These patients would therefore be labelled using Table 1 at some point to the left of IC, possibly as bladder
pain syndrome (previously known as the painful bladder syndrome [1]). The term ‘pain syndrome’ is used when
the primary pathology, which may be well defined and at one site to start with, progresses to produce a more
complicated picture of pain, involving multiple sites and mechanisms. The condition has therefore become a
complex of symptoms and signs, i.e. a syndrome.
The axial classification includes referral, temporal and character axes. These descriptors should also
be collected for audit and research purposes. It should also be noted whether or not the pain is provoked,
e.g. by pressure.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 11

This EAU classification system aims to draw together the expertize of specialist groups and continues
to undergo revision. The European Society for the Study of IC/PBS (ESSIC) have recently shown a way forward
by defining the bladder pain syndrome/IC syndrome, supported by an international consensus editorial (3,4).
As with the EAU system, ESSIC excluded well-defined (confusable) conditions. ESSIC has further divided the
bladder pain syndrome/IC syndrome according to the results of cystoscopy and biopsy (Table 3) (4).

Table 3: ESSIC classification of types of bladder pain syndrome according to the results of cystoscopy
with hydrodistension and of biopsies (4).

Cystoscopy with hydrodistension

Not done Normal Glomerulationsa Hunner’s lesionb
Biopsy
Not done XX 1X 2X 3X
Normal XA 1A 2A 3A
Inconclusive XB 1B 2B 3B
Positivec XC 1C 2C 3C
a Cystoscopy: glomerulations grade 2-3.
b With or without glomerulations.
c Histology showing inflammatory infiltrates and/or detrusor mastocytosis and/or granulation tissue and/or

intrafascicular fibrosis.

2.4 REFERENCES
1. Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, Griffiths D, Rosier P, Ulmsten U, van Kerrebroeck P, Victor A, Wein A.
The standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract function: report from the Standardisation
Subcommitte of the International Continence Society. Urology 2003 Jan;61(1):37-49.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12559262
2. Merskey H, Bogduk N. Classification of Chronic Pain. Descriptions of Chronic Pain Syndromes and
Definitions of Pain Terms. IASP Press, 2002.
3. Baranowski AP, Abrams P, Berger RE, Buffington CA, de C Williams AC, Hanno P, Loeser JD,
Nickel JC, Wesselmann U. Urogenital pain–time to accept a new approach to phenotyping and, as a
consequence, management. Eur Urol 2008;53(1):33-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17961909
4. van de Merwe JP, Nordling J, Bouchelouche P, Bouchelouche K, Cervigni M, Daha LK, Elneil S, Fall
M, Hohlbrugger G, Irwin P, Mortensen S, van Ophoven A, Osborne JL, Peeker R, Richter B, Riedl
C, Sairanen J, Tinzl M, Wyndaele JJ. Diagnostic criteria, classification, and nomenclature for painful
bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: an ESSIC poposal. Eur Urol 2008;53(1):60-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17900797
5. Fall M, Baranowski AP, Fowler CJ, Lepinard V, Malone-Lee JG, Messelink EJ, Oberpenning F,
Osborne JL, Schumacher S. EAU Guidelines on Chronic Pelvic Pain. In: EAU Guidelines, edition
published at the 18th Annual EAU Congress, Madrid, 2003, ISBN 90-70244-06-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15548433
6. Fall M, Baranowski AP, Elneil S, Engeler D, Hughes J, Messelink EJ, Oberpenning F, Williams A C
de C. EAU Guidelines on Chronic Pelvic Pain. In: EAU Guidelines. 23rd Annual EAU Congress, Milan,
ISBN 978-90-70244-91-0.
http://www.uroweb.org/nc/professional-resources/guidelines/online/
7. Krieger JN, Nyberg L Jr, Nickel JC. NIH consensus definition and classification of prostatitis. JAMA
1999;282(3):236-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10422990
8. Proceedings of the XVth World Congress. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease,
Santa Fe, NM, September 26-30, 1999. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease
Newsletter, Summer 2000.

2.5 An algorithm for chronic pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment

2.5.1 How to use the algorithm
The algorithm for diagnosing and treating chronic pelvic pain (CPP) (Figure 1) has been written to guide a
physician through the process from diagnosis to management. A physician should follow steps 1 to 6 (Table
4), while referring to the correct column in the algorithm. Further guidance on which diagnostic tools should be
used in specific pain locations is provided in different chapters of this guideline.

12 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Figure 1: An algorithm for diagnosing and managing chronic pelvic pain (CPP)

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Urological Cystitis Treat according to guidelines.

Prostatitis
Urethritis Additional actions to be taken when
Epididymo- this treatment fails are based on the
orchitis location of the pain:

If treatment
Other. Pain Bladder cystoscopy/biopsy of pathology
located in: Prostate TRUS / PSA found has
Urethra uroscopy no effect
Scrotum US
All cases palpation PFM

Treat according to guidelines.

Gynaecological Endometriosis or
Additional actions to be taken when
this treatment fails are based on the
location of the pain:
If no Refer to
Other. Pain pathology is a pain
Abdomen hysteroscopy/
located in: found team
laparoscopy
vaginal US
Vulva internal exam
Vagina inspection / touch
test
All cases palpation PFM

Anorectal Treat according to guidelines.

Proctitis
Anal fissure Additional actions to be taken when
Haemorrhoids this treatment fails are based on the
location of the pain: If treatment
of pathology
Other. Pain found has
Rectum endoscopy / DRE no effect
located in: Anus endo-anal US / DRE
All cases palpation PFM

Neuro- Pudendal Treat according to guidelines. or

muscular neuropathy
Sacral spinal Additional actions to be taken when
cord pathology this treatment fails are based on the
location of the pain:
If no Refer to
Other. Pain Pelvic floor palpation
pathology is a pain
located in: Abdominal palpation
found team
Perineum US
Other sites neurophysiologic
tests
All cases search for trigger
points

Other Refer to
a pain
team
Pain team
Basic: anaesthetist specialized in pain management, nurse specialist.
Additional: psychologist, sexologist

DRE = digital rectal examination; US = ultrasound; PFM = pelvic floor muscles.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 13

Table 4: Step-by-step guidance on using the algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of CPP

Step Action Algorithm

1 Start by considering the organ system where the symptoms appear to First column
be primarily perceived
2 ‘Well-defined’ conditions, such as cystitis, should be diagnosed and Second column and
treated according to national or international guidelines upper part third column
3 When treatment has no effect on the pain, additional tests Lower part third column
(e.g. cystoscopy or ultrasound) should be performed
4 When these tests reveal any pathology, this should be treated Fourth column
appropriately
5 If treatment has no effect, the patient should be referred to a pain team Fifth column
6 If no well-defined condition is present or when no pathology is found by Fifth column
additional tests, the patient should also be referred to a pain team

The only aspect of diagnosis that is specific for CPP is where the pain is localized. However, because
pain is perceived in structures related to the pelvis, this has led to many organ-specific, but often not well-
defined, local disease syndromes.
Because CPP is pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis, it is necessary to approach
diagnosis of a patient with CPP as a chronic pain patient. Confining the diagnosis to a specific organ may
overlook multisystem functional abnormalities requiring individual treatment and general aspects of pain in
planning investigation and treatment.
For the above reasons, we advocate early involvement of a multidisciplinary pain team. In practice,
this should mean that well-known diseases, e.g. ‘true’ cystitis and endometriosis, will be diagnosed and treated
early. If treating such conditions does not reduce symptoms, or such well-defined conditions are not found,
then further investigation may be necessary, depending on where the pain is localized.
It should be noted, however, that over-investigation may be as harmful as not performing appropriate
investigations. The EAU algorithms introduce the concept of the ‘minimum investigations’ required to exclude a
well-defined condition.

2.6 Chronic prostate pain/chronic prostatitis associated with chronic pelvic pain
syndrome (CP/CPPS)

Figure 2: General diagnostic and treatment algorithm for chronic prostate pain

Chronic prostate pain

Patient’s history Uroflow/PVR abnormal Urodynamics

Symptom Cystoscopy
scores (NIH-
CPSI, I-PSS) Urinary tract infection Antibiotics
Physical
examination CP/CPPS NIH cat. Antibiotics (only once If treatment
including DRE III according to history, for 4-6 weeks) of
PSA, if age >50 symptom score and Alpha-blocker and/ pathology
Uroflow PPMT or Phytotherapy and/ found has
Ultrasound with or NSAID Supportive no effect
PVR therapy
PPMT or

Pelvic muscle spam Amitriptyline or If no Refer to

gabapentin or pathology a pain
muscle relaxant is found team
physiotherapy,
thermotherapy

DRE and/or PSA Prostate biopsy

suggestive of PCA

14 UPDATE MARCH 2008
NIH-CPSI = National Institute of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index; I-PSS = international prostate
symptom score; DRE = digital rectal examination; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; PVR = post-void residual
urine; PPMT = pre-post-massage test; CP/CPPS = chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome; PCA =
prostate cancer; NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

2.6.1 Introduction
Chronic prostatitis is an obscure and poorly understood disease. Restricted physical access has made it
difficult to study the prostate gland, resulting in a lack of certainty about the aetiology, a lack of distinguishing
clinical features, non-uniform diagnostic criteria and a protracted treatment course.
In about 5-10% of cases, clinical prostatitis has a proven bacterial aetiology. The remaining 90% of
cases, in which laboratory methods have not found a bacterial cause, are classified as ‘chronic non-bacterial
prostatitis’ or ‘prostatodynia’ (1-3). An appreciation of the fact that symptoms do not necessarily indicate
isolated prostatic disease has led to a renaming of the condition: ‘Chronic prostatitis associated with chronic
pelvic pain syndrome’ (CP/CPPS). This is now the term used by the NIH for patients with symptomatic
prostatitis of non-bacterial origin (4).

2.6.2 Definition
Chronic prostatitis associated with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is discomfort or pain in the pelvic
region over a minimum of 3 months, with sterile specimen cultures and either significant, or insignificant,
white blood cell counts in prostate-specific specimens (i.e. semen, expressed prostatic secretions and urine
collected after prostate massage) (4). According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK) classification, CP/CPPS is prostatitis category III (5) (Table 5). At present, there are no
clinically relevant diagnostic or therapeutic results arising from differentiating inflammatory (NIH Cat. IIIA) from
non-inflammatory (NIH Cat. IIIB) CP/CPPS. CP/CPPS Cat. III is therefore considered as one entity. According
to the more general definition described in Section 2.2 (see Table 2), the disease is referred to as ‘prostate pain
syndrome (CP/CPPS)’ throughout the rest of this chapter.

Table 5: Classification of prostatitis according to NIDDK/NIH

I. Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP)
II. Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP)
III. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
A. Inflammatory CPPS: WBC in semen/EPS/VB3
B. Non-inflammatory CPPS: no WBC semen/EPS/VB3
IV. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (histological prostatitis)
WBC = white blood cells; EPS = expressed prostatic secretions; VB3 = voided bladder urine-3.

2.6.3 Pathogenesis
The aetiology and pathophysiology of prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) remains a mystery. Acute bacterial
prostatitis is a different disease to chronic prostatitis syndromes. Patients with CPPS show no evidence of
inflammation; they do not have urethritis, urogenital cancer, urethral stricture, or neurological disease involving
the bladder nor exhibit any overt renal tract disease (4).
As often occurs with pelvic pain syndromes, there are several, poorly evidenced, hypotheses to
explain the aetiology of prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS):
• Pain and subsequent irritative and obstructive voiding symptoms may be caused by lower urinary tract
obstruction (LUTS), due to bladder neck problems, detrusor sphincter dysfunction, urethral stricture or
dysfunctional voiding, resulting in high-pressure voiding (6-11)
• Intraprostatic ductal reflux caused by high-pressure turbulent voiding due to an anatomical
abnormality (12-15)
• Microbiological cause, due to apparently harmless lower urinary tract commensals which require more
sensitive isolation methods to be identified (4)
• Immunological processes precipitated by an unrecognized antigen or an autoimmune process (16-18).
Urinary reflux into the prostatic ducts and acini might stimulate a sterile inflammatory response (13)
• A neuromuscular aetiology (19-21), in which symptoms represent a type of reflex sympathetic
dystrophy of the perineum and pelvic floor
• An interstitial cystitis-like pathogenic mechanism based on a significant overlap of symptomatology
(pain, voiding symptoms) and cystoscopic or urodynamic findings. In patients diagnosed with
prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), a bladder-oriented interstitial cystitis mechanism accounts for the
symptoms and the prostate is involved only indirectly (22).

UPDATE MARCH 2008 15

2.6.4 Diagnosis
Despite its name, prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a symptomatic diagnosis, which is diagnosed from
a 3-month history of genitourinary pain and an absence of other lower urinary tract pathologies (see above).
Determination of the severity of disease, its progression and treatment response can be assessed only by
means of a validated symptom-scoring instrument (23,24). Quality of life should also be measured because it
can be as poor as in acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris or Crohn’s disease (25,26). Reliable,
valid indexes of symptoms and quality of life are the NIH Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) (27) and the
International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) (28). These subjective outcome measures are recommended for
the basic evaluation and therapeutic monitoring of patients in urological practice and have been translated and
validated for many European languages.
In prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), urodynamic studies demonstrate decreased urinary flow rates,
incomplete relaxation of the bladder neck and prostatic urethra, as well as abnormally high urethral closure
pressure at rest. The external urethral sphincter is normal during urination (6,29).
Laboratory diagnosis has been classically based on the four-glass test for bacterial localization (‘gold
standard’) (30). Besides a sterile pre-massage urine (voided bladder urine-2 [VB2]), CP/CPPS shows less than
10,000 colony-forming units of uropathogenic bacteria in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) and insignificant
numbers of leucocytes or bacterial growth in ejaculate. However, this test is too complex for use by practising
urologists (4). Diagnostic efficiency may be enhanced cost-effectively by a simple screening procedure, i.e. the
two-glass test or pre-post-massage test (PPMT) (31). In an extensive analysis of both tests, PPMT was able to
indicate the correct diagnosis in more than 96% of patients (32).
A general algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatic pain is shown in Figure 2.

2.6.5 Treatment
Because of the unknown cause of prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), many therapies used are based on
anecdote. Most patients require multimodal treatment aimed at the main symptoms and taking comorbidities
into account. In the past few years, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have led to advances in
standard and novel treatment options. Graded recommendations are given in Table 6.

2.6.5.1 Alpha-blockers. Increasing evidence from recent RCTs has shown that alpha-blockers, e.g. terazosin
(33), alfuzosin (34), doxazosin (35), tamsulosin, reduce urinary symptoms and pain in prostate pain syndrome
(CP/CPPS). The effects of alpha-antagonists may include improved outflow performance by blocking the
alpha-receptors of the bladder neck and prostate and by direct action on alpha1A/1D-receptors in the CNS
(36). Some symptoms may be relieved in roughly 50-60% of patients. Meta-analysis of nine trials (n = 734)
showed that NIH-CPSI or I-PSS was reduced significantly with treatment duration of at least 3 months.
However, in contrast to some individual studies (33-36), the meta-analysis showed no beneficial effect on pain
(37). In addition, treatment-naïve and/or newly diagnosed patients appeared more likely to respond to alpha-
blockers (38), although there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that they are effective (39). Because patients
with heavily re-treated disease may not significantly improve in the short term compared to placebo (40), an
alpha-blocker should be given for at least 3-6 months before assessing treatment (36).

2.6.5.2 Antibiotic therapy. Empirical antibiotic therapy is widely used because some patients have improved
with antimicrobial therapy. Patients responding to antibiotics should be maintained on medication for 4-6
weeks or even longer. Unfortunately, culture, leucocyte and antibody status of prostate-specific specimens
do not predict antibiotic response in patients with prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) (41), and prostate
biopsy culture findings do not differ from those of healthy controls (42). Long-term results with trimethoprim-
sulphamethoxazole have remained poor (43-45). More encouraging results have been obtained with
quinolones, including ciprofloxacin (46) and ofloxacin (41,47), but overall, antibiotic treatment of the prostate
pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is based only on weak evidence. After one unsuccessful course of a quinolone
antibiotic over 4–6 weeks, other therapeutic options should be offered.

2.6.5.3 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have favourable
results in some patients. Immunomodulation using cytokine inhibitors or other approaches may be helpful,
but proper trials are needed before this type of therapy can be recommended (48,49). Only one RCT has been
published. This was for rofecoxib, which is no longer on the market; statistical significance was achieved in
some of the outcome measures (50).

2.6.5.4 Corticosteroids are not recommended. A few anecdotal case reports have shown some improvement.
However, no significant benefits were shown in a low-power, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study of a
short course of oral prednisolone (51).

16 UPDATE MARCH 2008
2.6.5.5 Opioids produce modest pain relief in some patients with refractory prostate pain syndrome (CP/
CPPS), though there is limited data on the long-term efficacy of opioids in non-cancer pain. Opioid treatment
carries the risks of side effects, reduced quality of life, addiction, opioid tolerance and opioid-induced
hyperalgesia (52). Urologists should use opioids for prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) in collaboration with
pain clinics and with other treatments.

2.6.5.6 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. A few small pilot studies with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors supported the
view that finasteride may improve voiding and pain (53-56). In a randomized trial, finasteride provided better
amelioration of symptoms compared to saw palmetto over a 1-year period, but lacked a placebo-control arm
(57). A 6-month placebo-controlled study showed a tendency towards better outcome in favour of finasteride
without statistical significance, possibly because of a lack of power (58).

2.6.5.7 Allopurinol. An RCT of allopurinol was conducted based on the hypothesis that urine reflux into
prostatic ducts causes prostatic inflammation via high concentrations of purine and pyrimidine base-containing
metabolites in prostatic secretions (59). However, positive results were not considered to be sufficient for
recommendation by reviewers of the Cochrane Database (60). In addition, a recent randomized placebo-
controlled trial of allopurinol as an adjunct to ofloxacin has not shown any benefit (61).

2.6.5.8 Phytotherapy. Positive effects of phytotherapy have been documented. Although a validated symptom
score was not used, an RCT of a pollen extract (Prostat/Poltit) showed significant symptom improvement
in the pollen-treated group (62). Another pollen extract, Cernilton N, provided only weak improvement. For
‘uncomplicated’ cases, a 36% cure rate could be shown over a 6-month period in a prospective study (63).
Quercetin, a polyphenolic bioflavonoid with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,
improved NIH-CPSI scores significantly in a small RCT (64). In addition, high-dose oral PPS, as for interstitial
cystitis, is able to ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life significantly in men with prostate pain
syndrome (CP/CPPS), suggesting a possible common aetiology (65). In contrast, treatment with saw palmetto,
most commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, did not improve symptoms over a 1-year period (57).

2.6.5.9 Muscle relaxants (diazepam, baclofen) are claimed to be helpful in sphincter dysfunction or pelvic
floor/perineal muscle spasm, but there have been only few prospective clinical trials to support these claims
(21). In a recent RCT, a triple combination of a muscle relaxant (tiocolchicoside), an anti-inflammatory drug
(ibuprofen) and an alpha-blocker (doxazosin) was effective in treatment-naïve patients, but not superior to an
alpha-blocker alone (66).

2.6.5.10 Supportive therapies, such as biofeedback, relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes (i.e. diet,
discontinuing bike riding), acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic therapy or meditation, have all been
claimed to improve symptoms (4,67). In a small, sham-controlled, double-blind study, 4-week electromagnetic
therapy showed a significant, sustained effect over a 1-year period (68). Some patients have reported
favourable effects from heat therapy, e.g. transrectal hyperthermia (69-72) and transurethral thermotherapy (73-
77).

2.6.5.11 Surgical management, including transurethral incision of the bladder neck (9), radical transurethral
resection of the prostate (78,79) or in particular radical prostatectomy, has a very limited role and requires
an additional, specific indication (67). In addition, the treatment effect of transurethral needle ablation of the
prostate (TUNA) was only comparable to sham treatment (80).

Table 6: Treatment of prostate pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)

Level of evidence Grade of Comment

recommendation
• Alpha-blockers 1a A Effect on total NIH-CPSI
• Muscle relaxants 3 C Only very limited data
• Antimicrobial therapy 3 B Quinolones
If previously untreated
(naïve) only, reassess after
2-3 weeks. Duration 4-6
weeks

UPDATE MARCH 2008 17

• Opioids 3 C As part of multimodal
therapy for treatment-
refractory pain in
collaboration with pain
clinics
• Non-steroidal anti- 1b B Long-term side effects have
inflammatory drugs to be considered
• Steroids 3 Not recommended Not outside clinical trials
• Immunosuppressive agents
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 1b B If benign prostatic
hyperplasia is present
• Phytotherapy 1b-3 B
• Biofeedback, 2a-3 B As supportive, second- line
relaxation exercise therapies
• Lifestyle changes
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractor therapy
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Electromagnetic therapy 1b C Not outside clinical trials
• Transrectal hyperthermia 3 C
• Transurethral thermotherapy
• Transurethral incision of 3 Not recommended Specific additional
the bladder neck general indication required
• Transurethral resection of the prostate
• Radical prostatectomy

2.6.6 References
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treatment of 409 patients with prostatitis syndromes. Acta Cytol 1993 Sep-Oct;37(5):710-2.
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2. Meares EM Jr. Prostatitis. Med Clin North Am 1991;75(2):405-24.
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3. Brunner H, Weidner W, Schiefer HG. Studies on the role of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma
hominis in prostatitis. J Infect Dis 1983;147(5):807-13.
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4. Nickel JC, Weidner W. Chronic prostatitis: current concepts and antimicrobial therapy. Infect Urol
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18 UPDATE MARCH 2008
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chronic bacterial prostatitis in an animal model. Br J Urol 1990;66(1):47-54.
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immunoglobulins. Medicine (Baltimore) 1986;65(6):399-414.
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Medical Media Ltd; 1999, pp. 357-364.
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40. Alexander RB, Propert KJ, Schaeffer AJ, Landis JR, Nickel JC, O’Leary MP, Pontari MA, McNaughton-
Collins M, Shoskes DA, Comiter CV, Datta NS, Flower JE Jr, Nadler RB, Zeitlin SI, Knauss JS,
Wang Y, Kusek JW, Nyberg LM Jr, Litwin MS; Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network.
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41. Nickel JC, Downey J, Johnston B, Clark J; Canadian Prostatitis Research Group. Predictors of patient
response to antibiotic therapy for the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a prospective
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42. Lee JC, Muller CH, Rothman I, Agnew KJ, Eschenbach D, Ciol MA, Turner JA, Berger RE. Prostate
biopsy culture findings of men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome do not differ from those of healthy
controls. J Urol 2003;169(2):587-8.
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43. Drach GW. Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole therapy of chronic bacterial prostatitis. J Urol
1974;111(5):637-9.
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44. McGuire EJ, Lytton B. Bacterial prostatitis: treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Urology
1976;7(5):499-500.
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20 UPDATE MARCH 2008
45. Meares EM. Long-term therapy of chronic bacterial prostatitis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Can Med Assoc J 1975;112(13 Spec No):22-5.
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46. Weidner W, Schiefer HG, Brahler E. Refractory chronic bacterial prostatitis: a re-evaluation of
ciprofloxacin treatment after a median followup of 30 months. J Urol 1991;146(2):350-2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1856930
47. Cox CE. Ofloxacin in the management of complicated urinary tract infections, including prostatitis. Am
J Med 1989;87(6C):61S-68S.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2690622
48. Canale D, Scaricabarozzi I, Giorgi P, Turchi P, Ducci M, Menchini-Fabris GF. Use of a novel
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, nimesulide, in the treatment of abacterial prostatovesiculitis.
Andrologia 1993;25(3):163-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14550427
49. Canale D, Turchi P, Giorgi PM, Scaricabarozzi I, Menchini-Fabris GF. Treatment of abacterial
prostatovesiculitis with nimesulide. Drugs 1993;46 (Suppl 1):147-50.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506156
50. Nickel JC, Pontari M, Moon T, Gittelman M, Malek G, Farrington J, Pearson J, Krupa D, Bach M,
Drisko J; Rofecoxib Prostatitis Investigator Team. A randomized, placebo controlled, multicenter study
to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rofecoxib in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. J
Urol 2003;169(4):1401-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12629372
51. Bates SM, Hill VA, Anderson JB, Chapple CR, Spence R, Ryan C, Talbot MD. A prospective,
randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the role of a short reducing course of oral corticosteroid
therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. BJU Int 2007;99(2):355-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17313424
52. Nickel JC. Opioids for chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis: lessons learned from the 11th World
Congress on Pain. Urology 2006;68(4):697-701.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17070334
53. Olavi L, Make L, Imo M. Effects of finasteride in patients with chronic idiopathic prostatitis: a
doubleblind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Eur Urol 1998;33(Suppl. 1):33.
54. Golio G. The use of finasteride in the treatment to chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. In: Abstracts of the
49th Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Section of the American Urological Association. Phoenix,
1997:128.
55. Holm M, Meyhoff HH. Chronic prostatic pain. A new treatment option with finasteride? Scand J Urol
Nephrol 1997;31(2):213-5.
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56. Leskinen M, Lukkarinen O, Marttila T. Effects of finasteride in patients with inflammatory chronic pelvic
pain syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study. Urology 1999;53(3):502-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10096374
57. Kaplan SA, Volpe MA, Te AE. A prospective, 1-year trial using saw palmetto versus finasteride in the
treatment of category III prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. J Urol 2004;171:284-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14665895
58. Nickel JC, Downey J, Pontari MA, Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI. A randomized placebo-controlled
multicentre study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of finasteride for male chronic pelvic pain
syndrome (category IIIA chronic nonbacterial prostatitis). BJU Int 2004;93(7):991-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15142149
59. Persson BE, Ronquist G, Ekblom M. Ameliorative effect of allopurinol on nonbacterial prostatitis: a
parallel double-blind controlled study. J Urol 1996;155(3):961-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8583618
60. McNaughton CO, Wilt T. Allopurinol for chronic prostatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
2002;(4):CD001041.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12519549
61. Ziaee AM, Akhavizadegan H, Karbakhsh M. Effect of allopurinol in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis: a
double blind randomized clinical trial. Int Braz J Urol 2006;32(2):181-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16650295
62. Elist J. Effects of pollen extract preparation Prostat/Poltit on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients
with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study. Urology 2006;67(1):60-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16413333

UPDATE MARCH 2008 21

63. Rugendorff EW, Weidner W, Ebeling L, Buck AC. Results of treatment with pollen extract (Cernilton N)
in chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia. Br J Urol 1993;71(4):433-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8499988
64. Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a
preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology 1999;54(6):960-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10604689
65. Nickel JC, Forrest JB, Tomera K, Hernandez-Graulau J, Moon TD, Schaeffer AJ, Krieger JN, Zeitlin SI,
Evans RJ, Lama DJ, Neal DE Jr, Sant GR. Pentosan polysulfate sodium therapy for men with chronic
pelvic pain syndrome: a multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled study. J Urol 2005;173(4):
1252-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15758763
66. Tugcu V, Tasci AI, Fazlioglu, Gurbuz G, Ozbek E, Sahin S, Kurtulus F, Cek M. A placebo-controlled
comparison of the efficiency of triple- and monotherapy in category III B chronic pelvic pain syndrome
(CPPS). Eur Urol 2007;51(4):1113-7; discussion 1118.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17084960
67. Nickel JC. Prostatitis: evolving management strategies. Urol Clin North Am 1999;26(4):737-51.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10584615
68. Rowe E, Smith C, Laverick L, Elkabir J, Witherow RO, Patel A. A prospective, randomized, placebo
controlled, double-blind study of pelvic electromagnetic therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic
pain syndrome with 1 year of followup. J Urol 2005;173(6):2044-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15879822
69. Kamihira O, Sahashi M, Yamada S et al. [Transrectal hyperthermia for chronic prostatitis.] Nippon
Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi 1993;84(6):1095-8. [article in Japanese]
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70. Kumon H, Ono N, Uno S et al. [Transrectal hyperthermia for the treatment of chronic prostatitis.]
Nippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi 1993;84(2):265-71. [article in Japanese]
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71. Montorsi F, Guazzoni G, Bergamaschi F, Galli L, Consonni P, Matozzo V, Barbieri L, Rigatti P. Is there
a role for transrectal microwave hyperthermia of the prostate in the treatment of abacterial prostatitis
and prostatodynia? Prostate 1993;22(2):139-46.
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72. Shaw TK, Watson GM, Barnes DG. Microwave hyperthermia in the treatment of chronic abacterial
prostatitis and prostatodynia: results of a double-blind placebo controlled trial. J Urol 1993;149:405A.
73. Choi NG, Soh SH, Yoon TH, Song MH. Clinical experience with transurethral microwave
thermotherapy for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and prostatodynia. J Endourol 1994;8(1):61-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7514470
74. Michielsen D, Van Camp K, Wyndaele JJ, Verheyden B. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy in the
treatment of chronic abacterial prostatitis: a 2 years follow-up. Acta Urol Belg 1995;63(4):1-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8644548
75. Nickel JC, Sorenson R. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of nonbacterial prostatitis and
prostatodynia: initial experience. Urology 1994;44(3):458-60.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8073567
76. Nickel JC, Sorensen R. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for nonbacterial prostatitis:
a randomized double-blind sham controlled study using new prostatitis specific assessment
questionnaires. J Urol 1996;155(6):1950-4; discussion 4-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8618295
77. Kastner C, Hochreiter W, Huidobro C, Cabezas J, Miller P. Cooled transurethral microwave
thermotherapy for intractable chronic prostatitis–results of a pilot study after 1 year. Urology
2004;64(6):1149-54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15596188
78. Barnes RW, Hadley HL, O’Donoghue EP. Transurethral resection of the prostate for chronic bacterial
prostatitis. Prostate 1982;3(3):215-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7100001
79. Sant GR, Heaney JA, Meares EM. Radical transurethral prostatic resection in the management of
chronic bacterial prostatitis. J Urol 1984;131:184A.
80. Leskinen MJ, Kilponen A, Lukkarinen O, Tammela TL. Transurethral needle ablation for the treatment
of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (category III prostatitis): a randomized, sham-controlled study.
Urology 2002;60(2):300-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12137830

22 UPDATE MARCH 2008
2.7 Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC)
2.7.1 Introduction
Interstitial cystitis describes a chronic, distressing bladder condition (1). The so-called ‘ulcer’, which is a typical
cystoscopic finding in 10-50% of IC patients, was first described by Guy L Hunner at the beginning of the last
century (2,3). Subsequent research (4-6) showed that IC was not a single entity, but had different endoscopic
and histopathological presentations.
It is very important to realise that IC is a heterogeneous spectrum of disorders, which are still poorly
defined, and that inflammation is an important feature in only a subset of patients. To embrace all patients
suffering from bladder pain, the terms painful bladder syndrome (PBS) or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) have
been suggested as more accurate terminology (7,8). This terminology assumes that IC represents a special
type of chronic inflammation of the bladder, while PBS or BPS refers to pain in the bladder region. The term
bladder pain syndrome or BPS will be used in these guidelines.

2.7.2 Definition
An extremely wide variety of diagnostic criteria have been used because of the difficulty in defining IC. In the
late 1980s, NIDDK consensus criteria were established to ensure that scientific studies would be relatively
comparable (Table 7) (9). The NIDDK criteria produce a diagnosis of IC by exclusion. Bladder pain, urgency and
the finding of submucosal haemorrhages, called glomerulations, are the only positive elements. Identification
of circumscribed Hunner-type lesions is an automatic inclusion criterion. Although generally accepted, the
NIDDK criteria provide only a minimum framework to establish the diagnosis and some have felt them to be too
restrictive for clinical use (10). Whatever the method used, heterogeneity seems currently unavoidable (6,11,12).

Table 7: NIDDK workshop research definition* of interstitial cystitis (IC) (9)**

Automatic inclusions
• Hunner’s ulcer

Positive factors
• Pain on bladder filling relieved by emptying
• Pain (suprapubic, pelvic, urethral, vaginal or perineal)
• Glomerulations on endoscopy
• Decreased compliance on cystometrogram.

Automatic exclusions
• < 18 years old
• Benign or malignant bladder tumours
• Radiation cystitis
• Tuberculous cystitis
• Bacterial cystitis
• Vaginitis
• Cyclophosphamide cystitis
• Symptomatic urethral diverticulum
• Uterine, cervical, vaginal or urethral cancer
• Active herpes
• Bladder or lower ureteral calculi
• Waking frequency < five times in 12 hours
• Nocturia < two times
• Symptoms relieved by antibiotics, urinary antiseptics, urinary analgesics, e.g. phenazopyridine
hydrochloride
• Duration < 12 months
• Involuntary bladder contractions (urodynamics)
• Capacity > 400 mL, absence of sensory urgency.
** Bladder distension was defined arbitrarily as 80 cm water pressure for 1 minute (sic). Two positive factors
were necessary for inclusion in the study population. Under anaesthesia, patients were sub-stratified at the end
of the study into two groups according to bladder capacity < 350 mL and > 350 mL.

Recently, the European Society for the Study of IC/PBS (ESSIC) has suggested a standardized
scheme of diagnostic criteria (13) to make it easier to compare different studies. In a consensus statement, the

UPDATE MARCH 2008 23

diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) was preferred as the general term to match the current taxonomy of
chronic pain syndromes.
Bladder pain syndrome should be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms of pain associated with the
urinary bladder, accompanied by at least one other symptom, such as day-time and/or night-time urinary
frequency, the exclusion of confusable diseases as the cause of symptoms, and if indicated, cystoscopy with
hydrodistension and biopsy (Table 8) (8).

Table 8: ESSIC classification of types of bladder pain syndrome according to the results of cystoscopy
with hydrodistension and of biopsies (8).

Cystoscopy with hydrodistension

Not done Normal Glomerulationsa Hunner’s lesionb
Biopsy
Not done XX 1X 2X 3X
Normal XA 1A 2A 3A
Inconclusive XB 1B 2B 3B
Positivec XC 1C 2C 3C
a Cystoscopy: glomerulations grade 2-3.
b With or without glomerulations.
c Histology showing inflammatory infiltrates and/or detrusor mastocytosis and/or granulation tissue and/or

intrafascicular fibrosis.

2.7.3 Pathogenesis
There are many different hypotheses about the causes of BPS/IC.

Infection. No micro-organism has been found to be the cause despite the extensive use of sophisticated
microbiological detection methods. Although it has been suggested that fastidious bacteria may be responsible
(14), no immunological evidence of recent or remote bacterial infection has been found (15). The results of viral
culture (16,17) and polymerase chain reaction methods (18,19) have been just as disappointing. Although urine
culture from a few IC patients has contained bacteria, antibiotic treatment has been ineffective. Nevertheless,
the possibility of a microbiological contribution has not been looked upon as a ‘closed book’, including
Helicobacter pylori, though no H. pylori DNA has been detected in bladder biopsies (20).

Inflammation is an essential part of classic IC, with pancystitis and perineural inflammatory infiltrates of
lymphocytes and plasma cells (17). Inflammation is scant in non-ulcer IC (6).

Mast cell activation. Mast cells are multifunctional immune cells that contain highly potent inflammatory
mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, serotonin and cytokines (21). Many of the symptoms and findings
in classic IC, such as pain, frequency, oedema, fibrosis and neovascularization in the lamina propria, may be
due to the release of mast cell-derived factors. There is a ten-fold increase in the mast cell count in bladder
tissue from patients with classic IC compared with controls. In non-ulcer IC, however, the mast cell count is
normal or only slightly increased (6,21,22).

Urothelial dysfunction/glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-layer defects. All patients with IC present with fragility of the
bladder mucosa, expressed as fissures or rupture of the bladder urothelium on distension (mucosal cracking).
In classic IC, the presence of granulation tissue indicates a reparative process (23). In patients with classic IC,
urothelial detachment and gross defects of the urothelial lining are characteristic findings. However, in some
non-ulcer IC patients, multiple superficial defects are seen after bladder distension (23), including widened
tight junctions and increased permeability (24,25). These changes could be consistent with defects in the
GAG-layer that expose the submucosal nerve filaments to noxious chemicals in urine (26,27). Urinary uronate
and sulphated GAG levels are increased in patients with severe BPS/IC, suggesting that such substances may
become useful markers for monitoring (28).

Autoimmune mechanisms. Numerous studies of autoantibodies have been performed since the 1970s in
patients with IC (29), but the findings have been far from specific. Some of the clinical and histopathological
characteristics are similar to other autoimmune phenomena. Antinuclear antibodies have been described
(30,31), which has led to the hypothesis of a lupus-like reaction (32,33). In fact, only some BPS patients
demonstrate autoantibodies and the proposal that autoantibody titres could reflect disease severity is untested
(34).
Immune deposits in bladder wall vasculature were found by Mattila (35), while other studies by the

24 UPDATE MARCH 2008
same group have implicated complement activation (36). Immunohistochemical and cytoflourometric analyses
of the bladder mucosa have highlighted differences between classic and non-ulcer IC patients. In classic IC,
intense T-cell infiltrates and B-cell nodules were seen, whereas only some T-cell infiltration was observed
in non-ulcer IC (37). The inadequate description of patients in many studies, particularly when it comes
to subtyping IC patients, has made it difficult to interpret data. Systemic aspects, especially the potential
association with Sjögren’s syndrome, are interesting features of BPS/IC (38).

Nitric oxide metabolism. Inevitably, nitric oxide synthetase activity has been scrutinized (39). Oral administration
of L-arginine (40) has been shown to increase nitric oxide-related enzymes and metabolites in the urine
of patients with BPS/IC (41). However, the relevance of this finding is not clear. An intriguing fact is that
evaporation of nitric oxide from the urine is dramatically increased in patients with classic disease, as well as
during periods of symptoms decreased by treatment; however, patients with non-ulcer IC, have similar nitric
oxide levels to controls (42). To further illustrate the complexity involved, it has been suggested that inducible
nitric oxide synthetase-dependent nitric oxide production may have a role in epithelial barrier dysfunction in
cats with feline interstitial cystitis (43).

Neurobiology. An increase in the sympathetic innervation and activation of purinergic neurotransmission has
been reported in BPS patients. The S-100 family of proteins appears in Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous
system (44). Decreased levels of S-100 protein were found in non-ulcer BPS patients compared with controls
(45). However, this finding conflicts with that of Hohenfellner et al. (46), who used ‘polyclonal antihuman protein
gene product 9.5 antibody’ and found that the overall nerve content increased in IC patients compared with
controls. They did not subtype their patients into classic and non-ulcer forms.
Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme for all catecholamine synthesis. An increase in
tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity has been described in bladder tissue from IC patients but not in controls
(47); this could be interpreted as a sign of increased sympathetic outflow. Recent reports have suggested that
autonomic responses and CNS processing of afferent stimuli are altered in patients with CPP/BPS/IC (48,49).
The distinctive ultrastructural appearance of specimens from patients with non-ulcer IC prompted Elbadawi
and Light to hypothesize neurogenic inflammation as a trigger to a cascade of events (50).

Toxic agents. Toxic constituents in the urine may cause injury to the bladder in BPS. One hypothesis is that
heat labile, cationic urine components of low molecular weight may exert a cytotoxic effect (51). Defective
constitutive cytokine production may decrease mucosal defences to toxic agents (52). Tamm-Horsefall protein
is a factor whose protective function may be due to its sialic acid content, which is compromised in BPS/IC
individuals (53).

Hypoxia. A decrease in the microvascular density in the suburothelium has been observed (54). A recent study,
found that bladder perfusion decreased with bladder filling in IC patients, but that the opposite occurred
in controls (55). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been on trial in an RCT; a total of 30 treatment sessions of
hyperbaric oxygenation appeared to be safe, effective and feasible (56).

Complex pathogenic interactions. In recent years, more complex, multifaceted mechanisms have been
proposed. Theoharides et al. have shown that activation of mast cells in close proximity to nerve terminals
can be influenced by oestradiol as well as corticotrophin-releasing hormone (57). Okragly et al. found elevated
levels of tryptase, nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in IC
compared with controls (58). These findings prompted suggestions that IC may result from interactions
between the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. Recently, it was proposed that the epithelial
distribution of mast cells in classic IC could be explained by the epithelial co-expression of stem cell factor and
interleukin-6 (IL-6). According to Abdel-Mageed et al., IC patients showed an increased expression of p65, a
nuclear factor kappa B subunit (59). Subsequent data has shown a five-fold increase in the expression of the
gene for IL-6 after activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (61), although IL-6 is a ubiquitous cytokine.

2.7.4 Epidemiology
Reports of the prevalence of BPS/IC have varied tremendously. However, it should be remembered when
comparing studies that most of them have used only symptomatic diagnostic criteria and/or have different
study populations. The first systematic study by Oravisto et al. in 1975 found that IC affected approximately
10/100,000 (18/100,000 in women) of the population in Finland (62), with rather similar findings reported 15
years later in the USA (although figures were demonstrated to be dependent on the method of evaluation) (63),
as well as in 1995 in the Netherlands with a prevalence of 8-16/100,000 (64). However, other reports claim that
the prevalence of IC is underestimated and may exceed 0.5% among adults in the USA (65), with recent US
reports suggesting that 50-60/100,000 may be affected (66). Thirty years after the Oravisto study, Leppilahti

UPDATE MARCH 2008 25

et al. (67) reported higher figures in Finland of 239/100,000 clinically confirmed probable IC and 530/100,000
possible/probable IC. These figures suggested that BPS/IC was much more common than previously thought.
Recent reports generally claim higher figures than earlier ones. A recent Austrian study reported the
overall prevalence of IC as 306/100,000 women, with the highest value (464/100,000) in middle-aged women
(aged 40-59 years) (68). A review has claimed that 20% of women may be affected (69). In contrast, the
incidence of physician-diagnosed incidence in Olmsted County (MN, USA) was extremely low at 1.1/100,000
(70).
There is a female predominance of about 10:1 (4,62,71,72) and it seems that the disease is more
common among Caucasians (72).
The relative proportions of classic and non-ulcer disease are unclear. Messing and Stamey reported
that classic IC accounted for about half of all patients with IC (5). The same rate has been reported from
Sweden (12). Centres in the USA with large patient databases have found that the classic Hunner-type
accounts for 5-10% of cases of BPS (74). Koziol et al. recently presented a very large study from the USA, in
which classic IC accounted for approximately 20% of cases (75).
Evidence that BPS may have a genetic component is increasing. According to Parsons (76), 35% of
466 patients with BPS and 33% of 166 patients with urethral syndrome reported urgency/frequency problems
in female relatives. Warren et al. (77) surveyed 2,058 patients of the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) for
first-degree relatives with IC and found a higher prevalence than in the general population. The authors also
determined the concordance of IC among ICA twins (78); among the co-twins of eight monozygotic twin
respondents, five had probable or confirmed IC, while none of 26 dizygotic co-twins were affected.
BPS/IC has significant economic costs. Excluding indirect costs, the incremental medical cost
attributable to this symptom complex in the USA has been estimated to more than $100 million/year (63).

2.7.5 Association with other diseases

An association between BPS and inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, irritable bowel
syndrome, fibromyalgia and panic disorders has been reported (79-82). An excellent review has explored
co-morbidities of BPS/IC with other unexplained clinical conditions presented in the literature (83). The
review found a significant overlap of symptoms, suggesting a common stress response pattern, including an
increased sympathetic nervous system activity in a subset of patients with many associated conditions. In this
context it is interesting to note that feline interstitial cystitis leads to increased corticotrophin-releasing factor
activity and decreased adrenocortical reserve.

2.7.6 Diagnosis
The diagnosis of BPS is made using symptoms, examination, urine analysis, cystoscopy with hydrodistension
and biopsy (see Figure 3). Patients present with characteristic pain and urinary frequency, which is sometimes
extreme and always includes nocturia.
The character of the pain is the key symptom of the disease:
• Pain is related to the degree of bladder filling, typically increasing with increasing bladder content
• It is located suprapubically, sometimes radiating to the groins, vagina, rectum or sacrum
• Pain is relieved by voiding but soon returns (6,84-86).
The differences between the two IC subtypes include clinical presentation and age distribution (12),
and they may be discriminated non-invasively (75). The two subtypes respond differently to treatment (87-90)
and express different histopathological, immunological and neurobiological features (22,23,37,45,47,91,92).
Classic IC is a destructive inflammation with some patients eventually developing a small-capacity
fibrotic bladder or upper urinary tract outflow obstruction. There is no such progression in non-ulcer disease
(6,93). Endoscopically, classic IC displays reddened mucosal areas often associated with small vessels
radiating towards a central scar, sometimes covered by a small clot or fibrin deposit (6). The scar ruptures
with increasing bladder distension, producing a characteristic waterfall-type of bleeding. There is a strong
association between classic IC and reduced bladder capacity under anaesthesia (6,12,94).

Cystoscopy. Non-ulcer IC displays a normal bladder mucosa at initial cystoscopy. The development of
glomerulations after hydrodistension is considered to be a positive diagnostic sign. A recent report showed
that there was no difference in cystoscopic appearance between patients with non-ulcer IC and women
without bladder symptoms about to undergo tubal ligation (95). It has also been noted that glomerulations are
not always constant when observed over time (96).
Some maintain that cystoscopy with hydrodistension provide little useful information above the history
and physical examination findings (97,98). On the other hand, others have found a strong correlation between
pain and cystoscopic findings in patients with untreated IC, with the difference in results compared to other
studies possibly due to treatment effects (99). Glomerulations may be involved in the disease mechanism, as

26 UPDATE MARCH 2008
such findings are highly associated with overexpression of angiogenetic growth factors in the bladder and
neovascularization (100).
The European Society for the Study of IC/PBS (ESSIC) believes objective findings are important and
that a standardized scheme of diagnostic criteria would help improve the uniformity and comparability of
different studies (13).

Biopsies are helpful in establishing or supporting the clinical diagnosis of both classic and non-ulcer types of
disease (13,23,101). Important differential diagnoses to exclude by histological examination are carcinoma in
situ and tuberculous cystitis.

Potassium chloride bladder permeability test has been used in the diagnosis of IC (102), but recent reports
have suggested that it lacks discriminating power (103,104). A modified test using less concentrated solution
has been suggested. This test, though painless in contrast to the original procedure, decreased the maximum
cystometric volume in 90% of patients with BPS/IC, but not in controls (105). Furthermore, it has been
suggested that the potassium sensitivity test can help to predict the response to GAG treatment (106).

Symptom scores may help to describe symptoms in an individual patient and as outcome measures. The
O’Leary-Sant Symptom Index, also known as the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) has recently been
validated successfully in a large study (107).

2.7.7 Biological markers. It is an attractive idea to support or even better to confirm the clinical diagnosis
using a biological marker. Finding a universally helpful one is hampered by heterogeneity within the diagnostic
group of BPS and by usually making a diagnosis merely on symptoms. Many candidate markers have been
suggested. One of the most interesting is antiproliferative factor, which is present in BPS/IC and is associated
with downregulation of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (108). Nitric oxide is
interesting because of its ability to discriminate classic from non-ulcer disease with minimal invasiveness (42).

2.7.8 IC in children and males

According to NIDDK criteria, children aged under 18 years is an exclusion criterion. However, occasional cases
of BPS of both subtypes have been identified in younger patients (109). There is increasing evidence that very
young individuals and children may also be affected, though prevalence figures are low (110). Thus, BPS/IC
cannot be excluded on the basis of age.
There is a marked female predominance with a female to male ratio of 10:1. However, the diagnosis
must also be considered in men presenting with relevant symptoms (111). It has been argued that many men
diagnosed with chronic prostatitis may present with signs consistent with NIDDK criteria of BPS/IC and that
these diagnoses are inter-related (112,113). However, differences in urinary markers suggest that BPS/IC and
CPP/CP may be different disorders with distinct pathophysiologies (114).

2.7.9 Medical treatment

Analgesics. Since pain is often a dominant symptom, many patients will try commonly used analgesics at
some stage of disease. However, pain relief is disappointing because the visceral pain experienced in BPS/IC
responds poorly to analgesic drugs. No systematic studies have been presented on conventional analgesics.
Short-term opioids may be indicated for breakthrough or exacerbated pain and periodic flare-ups.
Long-term opioids may be considered after all other available therapeutic options have been
exhausted, Urologists should obtain informed consent, arrange for regular follow-up, and be prepared to
recognize opioid-induced side effects (115). Because BPS/IC is a chronic disease, long-term opioids should be
used only exceptionally and under close surveillance.

Corticosteroids. Reports on outcome with corticosteroid therapy have been both promising (116) and
discouraging (117). Soucy et al. (118) suggest a trial of prednisone (25 mg daily for 1 to 2 months, afterwards
reduced to the minimum required for symptom relief) in patients with severe ulcerative IC, which is otherwise
unresponsive to conventional treatment. The side effects of steroids can be very serious, making it very difficult
to justify their use.

Antiallergics. Mast cells may play a role in IC. Among the substances released by mast cells is histamine.
Histamine receptor antagonists have been used to block the H1 receptor subtype (119) as well as the H2
receptor (120), with variable results.

Hydroxyzine is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, which blocks neuronal activation of mast cells by inhibiting
serotonin secretion from thalamic mast cells and neurons (121). Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) is usually

UPDATE MARCH 2008 27

given, starting with 25 mg at bedtime, increasing to 50 mg/day or if tolerated 75 mg. The most common side
effects are sedation and generalized weakness that usually resolve after a period of treatment. In the first
series using hydroxyzine, > 90% of patients showed an improvement across the whole range of symptoms.
Interestingly, an improvement was noted in associated symptoms including migraine, irritable bowel syndrome
and allergies (119).

Although these initial results were supported by a further uncontrolled study (119,122), a prospective RCT of
hydroxine or sodium pentosanpolysulphate (PPS) compared to placebo failed to show a statistically significant
effect (123). However, the study was underpowered, which may be why it failed to demonstrate a statistically
significant outcome for either drug compared to placebo. Combination therapy showed the highest response
rate of 40%, with a placebo response rate of 13%.

Amitriptyline. The tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, has alleviated symptoms in BPS/IC, probably via
mechanisms such as blockade of acetylcholine receptors, inhibition of reuptake of released serotonin and
norepinephrine, and blockade of the histamine H1 receptor. It is also an anxiolytic (124). Several reports have
indicated amelioration after oral amitriptyline (4,125,126).
In a prospective RCT study, 48 patients (127) were treated for 4 months with amitriptyline. Drug
dosages were escalated in 25 mg increments at 1-week intervals up to a maximum dosage of 100 mg.
Amitriptyline significantly improved the mean symptom score, pain and urgency intensity, while frequency and
functional bladder capacity improved but were not statistically significant.
In a subsequent, prospective, open-label study (128), a response rate of 64% with an overall mean
dose of 55 mg was seen with long-term amitriptyline for 20 months. Patient overall satisfaction was good
to excellent in 46%, with significant improvement in symptoms. A therapeutic response was observed in all
patients fulfilling NIDDK criteria and those with a clinical diagnosis of IC. Anticholinergic side effects (mouth
dryness, weight gain) were common and considered to be a drawback of amitriptyline.

Pentosanpolysulphate sodium (PPS, Elmiron) has been evaluated in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
PPS is thought to substitute for a defect in the GAG layer. Subjective improvement of pain, urgency, frequency,
but not nocturia, was reported in patients taking the drug compared to placebo (129,130). In an open
multicentre study, PPS had a more favourable effect in classic IC than in non-ulcer disease (90).
The normal dose is 150-200 mg twice daily between meals. However, absorption is incomplete. An
RCT compares 300 mg of PPS with evaluated dosages of 600 and 900 mg in 380 IC patients. Mean ICSI
scores improved significantly for all dosages (131). However, treatment response was not dose-dependent
but related more to treatment duration. At 32 weeks, about half of all patients were responders. Most adverse
events were mild and resolved without intervention.
In contrast, a prospective RCT comparing PPS and hydroxine against placebo failed to demonstrate
a statistically significant outcome for either drug, though PPS approached statistical significance (p = 0.064)
(123). Combination therapy showed the highest response rate of 40% compared to 13% with placebo. For
patients with an initial minor response to PPS, additional subcutaneous administration of heparin appeared
helpful (132).

Antibiotics have a limited role in the treatment of BPS/IC. A prospective RCT pilot study of sequential oral
antibiotics in 50 patients found that overall improvement occurred in 12/25 patients in the antibiotic group and
6/25 in the placebo group, while 10 and 5 patients reported an improvement in pain and urgency, respectively.
Antibiotics alone or in combination may be associated with decreased symptoms in some patients, but do not
represent a major advance in therapy for BPS/IC (133).

Immunosuppressants. Azathioprine, 50-100 mg daily, was given to 38 patients, resulting in disappearance of

pain in 22 and urinary frequency in 20 (134). Cyclosporin A (CyA) (135) and methotrexate (136) were initially
evaluated in open studies, with a good effect on pain, but a limited effect on urgency-frequency.
More recent studies of CyA have reported promising results (137,138). In 23 patients, daily voidings, maximal
bladder capacity and voided volume improved significantly after 1 year of treatment. The effect was maintained
throughout 5 years’ follow-up, with 20/23 patients reporting no bladder pain. However, symptoms recurred
within months of discontinuing CyA.
In a subsequent randomized study (138), 64 patients fulfilling the NIH-criteria were randomized
to 1.5 mg/kg CyA twice daily or low-dose (3 x 100 mg) PPS for 6 months. CyA was superior to PPS in all
clinical outcome parameters, with the frequency of micturition significantly reduced in CyA-treated patients,
and clinical global response rates of 75% (CyA) and 19% (PPS) (p < 0.001). However, there were more
adverse events in the CyA arm (including induced hair growth, gingival pain and hyperplasia, paresthesias in
extremities, abdominal pain, flushing, muscle pain and shaking) and only 29 patients completed the 6-month

28 UPDATE MARCH 2008
follow-up in both groups. During CyA therapy, careful follow-up is mandatory, including regular blood pressure
measurement and serum creatinine.

Gabapentin / Pregabalin
Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug, which is used as adjunctive treatment in painful disorders. Gabapentin may
reduce the use of co-therapeutics, such as opioids. Two patients with IC showed improved functional capacity
and received adequate pain control when gabapentin was added to their medication regimen (139). In an
uncontrolled dose-escalation protocol with 21 chronic genitourinary pain patients (140), 10 had improved with
gabapentin at 6 months. The study included eight IC patients, of whom five responded to gabapentin.

Pregabalin is an alpha(2)-delta ligand that binds to and modulates voltage-gated calcium channels, exerting its
intended effect to reduce neuropathic pain (141). Pregabalin is the second of only two medications that are US
FDA-approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; it is used
for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. Studies on IC are still lacking.

Suplatast tosilate (IPD-1151T) is an oral immunoregulator that suppresses helper T-cell mediated allergic
processes. Fourteen women with IC treated with suplatast tosilate reported significantly increased bladder
capacity and decreased symptoms after 1 year of treatment. No major side effects occurred and therapeutic
effects correlated with a reduction in blood eosinophils, immunoglobulin E and urinary T-cells (142).
Comparative controlled data are unavailable.

Quercetin is a bioflavinoid that may be effective in male pelvic pain syndrome. It was first tested in a limited,
open-label study with hopeful results (143). Theoharides et al. (144) reported on the dietary supplement
CystoProtek formulated from quercetin and the natural GAG components, chondroitin sulphate and sodium
hyaluronate. In an uncontrolled study, symptoms were significantly improved in 37 IC patients (NIH-criteria),
who had failed all forms of therapy and who took six capsules per day for 6 months. Larger controlled studies
are warranted by this result.

Recombinant human nerve growth factor. A small randomized study (145) was performed on 30 patients
(NIH-criteria), who received either placebo or one of two dosages (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) of recombinant human
nerve growth factor weekly for 3 months. Significant improvement was seen after 3 months as measured by
subjective improvement and ICSI score, while mast cells were significantly reduced and nerve cells elevated (p
< 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Side effects were arthralgias (5%), myalgias (4%), and myasthenia and
asthenia (2%).
The results suggest that recombinant human nerve growth factor is safe and shows preliminary
evidence of efficacy in patients with BPS/IC, but further studies are needed to define its role.

2.7.10 Intravesical treatment

Intravesical application of medications establishes high concentrations at the target with few systemic side
effects. Disadvantages include the need for intermittent catheterization, which can be painful in IC patients, the
cost, and the risk of infection.

Local anaesthetics. There are sporadic reports of successful treatment of IC with intravesical lidocaine
(146,147). Alkalization of lidocaine prior to intravesical application improved pharmacokinetics (148). In an
uncontrolled study, significant immediate symptom relief was reported in 94% of patients and sustained relief
after 2 weeks in 80%, using instillations of combined heparin and alkalinized lidocaine (40,000 U heparin, 2%
lidocaine (160 mg), and 3 mL 8.4% sodium bicarbonate) (149).

Pentosanpolysulphate sodium (PPS) is a glycoprotein aimed at replenishing the GAG layer, which is applied
intravesically due to poor bioavailability following oral administration. A double-blind placebo-controlled study
(150) was performed in 20 patients, of whom 10 received intravesical PPS (300 mg in 50 mL of 0.9% saline)
twice a week for 3 months and 10 received placebo. At 3 months, four patients in the PPS group and two
patients in the placebo group gained significant symptomatic relief. Bladder capacities showed a statistically
significant increase only in patients treated with PPS. At 18 months, symptoms were relieved in eight patients,
who were still receiving PPS instillations, and in four patients not receiving PPS.

Intravesical heparin was proposed as a coating agent. In an open, prospective, uncontrolled trial (151), 48 IC
patients received instillations of 10,000 units in 10 mL sterile water three times per week for 3 months. In over
half of the patients studied, intravesical heparin controlled the symptoms, with continued improvement after 1
year of therapy. Kuo et al. (152) reported another uncontrolled trial of intravesical heparin (25,000 units twice

UPDATE MARCH 2008 29

a week for 3 months) in women with frequency-urgency syndrome and a positive potassium test. The study
included 10 patients with IC, of whom eight reported symptomatic improvement. Baykal et al. (153) evaluated
intravesical heparin plus dorsal tibial nerve stimulation in 10 refractory IC patients. Voiding frequency, pain
scores and maximum cystometric capacity were significantly better after 2 and 12 months compared to
pretreatment values.

Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) is a natural proteoglycan aimed at repairing defects in the GAG layer. A response
rate of 56% at week 4 and 71% at week 7 was reported in 25 patients treated with hyaluronic acid (154). After
week 24, effectiveness decreased, but there was no significant toxicity. Nordling et al. (155) and Kallestrup
(156) reported a 3-year follow-up of a 3-month, prospective, non-randomized study evaluating the effect of
intravesical hyaluronic acid on BPS/IC symptoms. Of the 20 patients, 11 chose to continue treatment beyond
the initial trial, and modest beneficial long-term effects were noted in about two-thirds of patients. Reduction in
urinary frequency was less effective and mostly due to an improvement in night-time voids.
Another study (157) demonstrated a similar favourable effect of hyaluronic acid on pain reduction.
Forty-eight patients were treated with typical symptoms and a positive potassium (0.4 M) sensitivity test with
weekly instillations of 40 mg hyaluronic acid for 10 weeks. Visual analogue scale scores showed symptom relief
due to hyaluronic acid therapy, irrespective of bladder capacity. The improvement was particularly evident
in patients with a reduction in C(max) < 30% compared to patients with a reduction of < 30% with 0.2 M KCl
solution (p = 0.003).

Chondroitin sulphate. Intravesical chondroitin sulphate (158) demonstrated beneficial effects in patients, who
had given a positive potassium stimulation test, in two non-randomized, uncontrolled, open-label pilot studies.
Steinhoff (159) treated 18 patients with 40 mL instilled intravesically once a week for 4 weeks and then once
a month for 12 months. Thirteen of 18 patients were followed for the entire 13-month study. Twelve of these
patients responded to treatment within 3-12 weeks. A total of 6/13 (46.2%) showed a good response, 2/13
(15.4%) had a fair response, 4/13 (30.8%) had a partial response, and 1/13 (7.7%) showed no response.
In a second trial (160), 24 refractory patients with BPS/IC were treated with high-dose (2.0%)
chondroitin sulphate instillations twice weekly for 2 weeks, then weekly with 0.2% solution for 4 weeks, and
monthly thereafter for 1 year. The average symptom improvement reported in 20 patients completing the trial
was 73.1% (range 50–95%). The time to optimum response was 4-6 months. More concentrated 2.0% solution
was needed in eight patients to maintain results. A Canadian phase II/III non-randomized, uncontrolled,
community-based, open-label efficacy and safety study is underway.

Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is a chemical solvent and water-soluble liquid that penetrates cell membranes.
It is claimed to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, collagenolytic and muscle relaxant effects. It is also a
scavenger of the intracellular OH radical believed to be an important trigger of the inflammatory process. It has
been tested empirically and found to alleviate symptoms in IC. DMSO is now a standard treatment.
In a controlled, crossover trial (161), 33 patients received instillations of 50% DMSO solution and
placebo (saline). All patients received both regimens, which were administered intravesically every 2 weeks for
two sessions of four treatments each. Subjective improvement was noted in 53% of patients receiving DMSO
versus 18% receiving placebo, and objective improvement in 93% and 35%, respectively. Other uncontrolled
trials with DMSO have reported response rates of 50-70% for a period of between 1 and 2 months (162).
Rossberger et al. (163) evaluated the discomfort and long-term of DMSO instillations in a total of 28 patients.
Side effects were not more common or pronounced in patients with classic compared to non-ulcer disease.
After DMSO instillations, a residual treatment effect lasting 16-72 months could be seen.
DMSO is contraindicated during urinary tract infections or shortly after bladder biopsy. It temporarily
causes a garlic-like odour. Because there has been a case report in which DMSO treatment may have caused
pigmented eye lens deposits (164), ophthalmic review should be considered during treatment.

Bacillus Calmette Guérin. The tuberculosis vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is used for its
immunomodulatory properties in the intravesical treatment of superficial bladder carcinoma. In 1997, a small
prospective, double-blind pilot study on intravesical BCG demonstrated a 60% BCG versus 27% placebo
response rate in 30 patients who received six weekly instillations of Tice strain BCG or placebo (165). In a
subsequent 24-33 months’ follow-up report, eight of the nine responders reported favourably. BCG did not
worsen symptoms in non-responders (166). However, these results are at variance with two controlled trials.
In a prospective, double-blind crossover trial of BCG and DMSO (89), BCG treatment failed to
demonstrate any benefit. Another randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on 260 refractory
IC patients (167) reported global response rates of 12% for placebo and 21% for BCG (p = 0.062). Small
improvements were observed for all secondary outcomes (voiding diary, pain, urgency, symptom indexes and
adverse events), some of which were greater with BCG, but with only borderline statistical significance. In a

30 UPDATE MARCH 2008
subsequent study (168), 156 non-responders from both groups were offered treatment with open-label BCG.
The low response rate (18%) for BCG in this series is a further argument against the routine use of BCG as
treatment for BPS/IC.

Vanilloids disrupt sensory neurones (169). Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an ultrapotent analogue of the chilli pepper
extract capsaicin, causing less pain on instillation and therefore no anaesthesia. Chen et al. (170) investigated
RTX tolerability (0.05 µM or 0.10 µM) in 22 BPS/IC patients versus placebo. The most commonly reported
adverse event was pain during instillation (RTX > 80.0%, placebo 25.0%) but no serious adverse events were
reported.
In a small RCT on 18 patients with hypersensitive bladder disorder and pain (171), RTX significantly
reduced mean frequency, nocturia and pain scores by about 50%. In another study of seven patients with
detrusor hyperreflexia, RTX improved urinary frequency, incontinence and bladder capacity (172). In a small
open-label study with single-dose RTX in patients with frequency and urgency (173), RTX significantly improved
lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamic parameters, and quality of life for up to 6 months.
These results are in contrast with an RCT in 163 BPS/IC patients randomly assigned to receive a
single intravesical dose of 50 mL of either placebo or RTX (in the dosages 0.01, 0.05, or 0.10 µM) (174). RTX
resulted in a dose-dependent increase in instillation pain, but otherwise was well tolerated. It did not improve
overall symptoms, pain, urgency, frequency, nocturia, or average void volume during 12 weeks’ follow-up.
More favourable results were reported from a prospective study on multiple intravesical instillations
of RTX (175) (0.01 µM once weekly for 4 weeks). Among 12 patients (one drop-out for severe pain), the overall
satisfactory rate was 58.3%, with several scales of symptom and quality of life significantly improved after
RTX treatment. There was no significant increase in functional bladder capacity or change in urodynamic
parameters.
Modification of urine pH. A prospective, randomized, double-blind cross-over study was performed in
26 women, who received instillations of various pH values. There was no evidence that changes in urinary pH
affected the pain associated with IC (176).

2.7.11 Interventional treatments

Bladder distension. A frequently cited report by Bumpus et al. (177) claims that hydrodistension achieved
symptom improvement in 100 patients over several months. However, the study did not define either patient
population or symptoms and the methods used were inadequately described. Reports by Ormond (178)
and Longacre (179) were just as vague during the 1930s. In 1957, an uncontrolled retrospective study was
presented by Franksson (180), who treated 33 patients with repeated, up to 10-fold, distensions. Twelve
patients had improved symptoms for up to 4 weeks, in 14 patients for up to 6 months, and in seven patients
for up to 1 year. British studies from the 1970s reported contradictory results. Dunn et al. (181) claimed to have
achieved complete absence of symptoms in 16/25 patients during a mean follow-up of 14 months using the
Helmstein method (182), where an intravesical balloon is distended at the level of systolic blood pressure for 3
hours. Bladder rupture occurred in two cases. These results disagree with those of Badenoch (116), who failed
to note any improvement in 44/56 patients after hydrodistension. Twenty years later, McCahy (183) rejected
balloon hydrodistension because of inefficacy and a complication rate of 20%. In the recent literature, bladder
necrosis following hydrodistension is extremely rare (184).
In 2002, Glemain et al. (185) reported an uncontrolled study on 65 IC patients treated by 3-hour
balloon hydrodistention. Treatment efficacy in the 33 retrospectively and 32 prospectively studied patients
was 38% and 60% at 6 months, and 22% and 43% at 1 year, respectively. Results were superior for bladder
capacities above 150 mL.
Ottem and Teichmann (2006) reported a retrospective study of 84 BPS/IC patients (97), among which
56% reported short-lived improvement from hydrodistension. Rose et al. investigated bladder distension
using electromotive drug administration (EMDA) (186,187), as an alternative to general anaesthesia. Among
11 patients, the distention capacity achieved by EMDA was nearly identical to that in the operating room and
cystoscopic findings were similar. Yamada et al. (188) reported on repeated hydrodistension in 52 IC patients
(NIH-criteria). Under epidural anaesthesia, the bladder was repeatedly distended to maximal capacity and
distension was repeated on the following day for 30 minutes. Five patients were classified as good responders,
30 as moderate responders and 17 as poor responders. Overall, hydrodistension was effective for about 70%
of patients for more than 3 months without serious complications.
According to a study by Erickson et al. (189), the median symptom score for newly diagnosed patients
decreased after distention, but only a few patients had at least 30% symptom improvement. Bladder distention
altered levels of urine antiproliferative factor and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor
towards normal. However, the mechanism of symptom relief after distention remains unknown.
In a retrospective review of 185 patients who underwent hydrodistension (190), results failed to identify
any statistically significant differences in objective findings (anaesthetic capacity, glomerulations) following

UPDATE MARCH 2008 31

distension, or any therapeutic benefits, when patients were categorized according to presenting symptoms.
Although bladder hydrodistension is a common treatment for BPS/IC, scientific justification is scarce.
It represents a diagnostic tool, but has a limited therapeutic role.

Electromotive drug administration (EMDA) enhances tissue penetration of ionized drugs by iontophoresis.
Adapted for the bladder, it uses a transurethral anode and a suprapubic skin cathode. EMDA is expensive and
the subject of uncontrolled studies only.
Six IC patients were treated with EMDA using lidocaine (1.5%) and 1:100,000 epinephrine in
aqueous solution, while the bladder was dilated to maximum tolerance (191). Significant bladder enlargement
was achieved and voiding symptoms and pain decreased. In four patients, the results were reported as
‘durable’. Rosamilia et al. (192) treated 21 women using EMDA with lidocaine and dexamethasone, followed
by cystodistension. A good response was seen in 85% of patients at 2 weeks, with 63% still responding
at 2 months. Complete resolution of pain was achieved in 25% of patients reviewed at 6 months. Using a
similar technique, Riedl et al. (193) noted complete resolution of bladder symptoms in 8/13 patients lasting
1-17 months. Partial or short-term improvement was observed in three patients. Two patients experienced
aggravated pain for several days after therapy. A 66% increase in bladder capacity was observed. Upon
symptom recurrence, treatments were repeated with equal efficacy in 11 patients.

Transurethral resection (TUR) coagulation and LASER. Endourological ablation of bladder tissue aims to
eliminate urothelial, mostly Hunner, lesions. In a case report, Kerr (194) described a transurethral resection of
a 1-cm ulcer in a woman who experienced symptom resolution for 1 year. Subsequently, Greenberg et al. (71)
reported on 77 patients with Hunner ulcers treated over a 40-year period: 42 were managed conservatively,
seven underwent fulguration and 28 were treated by TUR in a non-randomized fashion. Fulguration improved
symptoms in 5/7 patients. All patients experienced symptom recurrence in less than 1 year and efficacy was
not superior to non-surgical treatment.
In another series of 30 classic IC patients (195), complete TUR of visible lesions resulted in an initial
disappearance of pain in all patients and a decrease in frequency in 21 patients. A relapse was noted in one-
third of patients after 2-20 months, while the remaining two-thirds were still pain-free after 2-42 months. The
same group recently reported the largest series of patients with classic IC treated by complete TUR of all
visible ulcers (196). A total of 259 TURs were performed on 103 patients. Ninety-two patients experienced
amelioration, with symptom relief lasting longer than 3 years in 40%, while most of the remaining patients
responded well to subsequent TUR.
Transurethral application of the neodymium-yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd-YAG) laser is suggested as
an alternative to TUR for endoscopic treatment in IC. Shanberg et al. (197) treated five refractory IC patients,
four of whom demonstrated cessation of pain and frequency within several days. Follow-up at 3-15 months
revealed no relapse except mild recurrent voiding symptoms. This series was extended to 76 patients treated
at two institutions (198). Although 21 of 27 patients with Hunner ulcers noted symptom improvement, 12
experienced relapse within 18 months. In the group without ulcers, only 20 of 49 patients improved, of whom
10 required further therapy within 1 year.
In a later study, 24 patients with refractory classic IC underwent ablative Nd-YAG laser ablation of
Hunner’s ulcers (199). All patients showed symptom improvement within days without complications. At 23
months, mean pain and urgency scores, nocturia and voiding intervals had improved significantly. However,
relapse in 11 patients required up to four additional treatments. Endourological resections are not applicable
to non-ulcer IC. These techniques may provide long-term alleviation of symptoms, but none are a cure for the
disease. Controlled studies are still lacking. Endourological resections are not applicable to non-ulcer BPS/
IC. These techniques may provide long-term alleviation of symptoms, but none of them cure the disease.
Controlled studies are still lacking.

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) may have an anti-nociceptive effect on bladder afferent pathways, producing both
symptomatic and urodynamic improvements (200). Thirteen BPS/IC patients were injected with 100-200 IU
of Dysport or BTX into 20 to 30 sites submucosally in the trigone and floor of the bladder. Overall, 9 (69%)
patients noted an subjective improvement and ICSI scores improved by 70% (p < 0.05). There were significant
decreases in daytime frequency, nocturia, and pain, and a significant increase in first desire to void and
maximal cystometric capacity. However, these results are in contrast with another study of BTX in 10 patients
with BPS/IC (201). One hundred units were injected suburothelially into 20 sites in five patients, while 100 units
were injected into the trigone in the remaining five patients. None of the patients became symptom-free; two
patients showed only limited improvement in bladder capacity and pain score.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). In a prospective pilot study, six patients underwent 30 sessions of 100% hyperbaric
oxygen inhalation and were followed up over 15 months. Four patients rated the therapeutic result as excellent

32 UPDATE MARCH 2008
or good, while two showed only short-term amelioration (202).
In a subsequent double-blind, sham-controlled study (203), 3/14 patients on HBO and no control
patients were identified as responders (p < 0.05). At 12 months, three patients (21.4%) still reported a treatment
response. Hyperbaric oxygenation resulted in a decrease of baseline urgency and pain (p < 0.05). ICSI scores
decreased from 26 to 20 points in patients on HBO, while sham treatment did not result in any improvement.
These results suggest that HBO is a safe and feasible therapeutic approach, with moderate effects on
a small subgroup of BPS/IC patients. Disadvantages include high costs, limited availabiliy of treatment sites
and time-consuming treatment.

2.7.12 Treatments of limited efficacy and absence of recent publications

Cimetidine. The H2-blocker cimetidine has been reported to improve symptoms in bladder pain syndrome
(204). Thirty-six patients were enrolled in a double-blind clinical study with oral cimetidine versus placebo for 3
months. Patients receiving cimetidine showed a significant improvement in symptom scores, pain and nocturia,
although histologically the bladder mucosa showed no qualitative changes in either group (205).

Prostaglandins. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that regulates various immunological cascades. Twenty-five

IC patients received 600 µg of misoprostol daily for 3 months, with responders treated for a further 6 months.
At 3 months, 14 had significantly improved, with 12 showing a sustained response after a further 6 months.
However, the incidence of adverse drug effects was 64% (206).

L-arginine. Oral treatment with L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, has been reported to
decrease BPS/IC-related symptoms (207-209). Nitric oxide has been shown to be elevated in patients with IC
(210). However, others could not demonstrate either symptomatic relief or change in nitric oxide production
after treatment (211,212).
Anticholinergics. Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic drug used in overactive detrusor dysfunction. Intravesically
administered oxybutynin was combined with bladder training in one study, with improvement of functional
bladder capacity, volume at first sensation and cystometric bladder capacity (213). However, the effect on pain
was not reported.

Duloxetine inhibits both serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake. In an observational study, 48 women were
prospectively treated with duloxetine for 2 months following an up-titration protocol to the target dose of 2 x 40
mg duloxetine per day over 8 weeks (214). Duloxetine did not result in significant improvement of symptoms.
Administration was safe, but tolerability was poor due to nausea. Based on these preliminary data, duloxetine
cannot be recommended as a therapeutic approach for BPS/IC.

Clorpactin is a detergent of hypocloric acid previously used to treat IC (215-219). Due to high complication
rates (217,220), clorpactin instillations can no longer be recommended.

2.7.13 Alternative and complementary treatments

Behavioural bladder training techniques are attractive for BPS/IC patients with predominant symptoms
of frequency/urgency but hardly any pain. Parsons et al. (221) included 21 selected BPS/IC patients on a
protocol, which focused on progressively increasing micturition intervals. Fifteen patients reported a 50%
decrease in urgency, frequency and nocturia, and there was a moderate increase in bladder capacity. Chaiken
et al. (222) retrospectively analysed 42 patients, who had been instructed in diary keeping, timed voiding,
controlled fluid intake and pelvic floor muscle training. After 12 weeks, voiding intervals increased by a mean
of 93 minutes and daily micturitions were reduced by an average of nine voids. Overall, 88% of the patients
reported markedly improved or improved symptoms.

Diet. Dietary restrictions are among the many physical self-care strategies found among BPS/IC patients (223).
In an analysis of the Interstitial Cystitis Data Base (ICDB) cohort study, special diets were among the five most
commonly used therapies (224). Bade et al. (225) found that IC patients consumed significantly less calories,
fat and coffee, but more fibre. Scientific data on a rationale for such diets are unavailable.
The concentration of some metabolites and amino acids appears to be changed in IC (226). A study of
the metabolism of the arylalkylamines (tryptophan, tyrosine, tyramine, phenylalanine) in 250 patients revealed
an inability to synthesize normal amounts of serotonin and a noradrenaline metabolite. In this study, dietary
restriction of acid foods and arylalkylamines lessened the symptoms, but did not alter specific abnormalities in
dopamine metabolism.
In another, non-randomized, prospective study of BPS/IC patients with nutrition-related
exacerbations, calcium glycerophosphate was reported to ease food-related flares (227). The observed efficacy
seems little better than would be expected with placebo.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 33

Overall, dietary management is a common self-care strategy in BPS/IC and offers a cost-effective
therapeutic approach. Comprehensive instructions on how to identify individual trigger foods are given in the
IC-Network Patient Handbook (228). However, scientific data are limited and dietary restriction alone does not
produce complete symptomatic relief.

Acupuncture. In non-curable and agonizing diseases like BPS/IC, desperate patients often try complementary
medicines, such as acupuncture. However, scientific evidence for such treatments is often poor, with
contradictory results from a few low-evidence reports on acupuncture, with any effects appearing to be limited
and temporary.
A significant increase in capacity occurred after acupuncture in 52 women with 85% reporting an
improvement in frequency, urgency and dysuria and symptoms (229). However, at follow-up at 1 and 3 years,
these effects were no longer detectable and the authors concluded that repeated acupuncture was necessary
to maintain beneficial effects (230).
In a non-randomized comparison in females with urethral syndrome, 128 patients treated by
acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine were compared to 52 patients treated by Western medicine as
controls. Efficacy rates and urodynamic parameters were significantly better in the acupuncture group (231).
In contrast, in a prospective study on the effect of acupuncture in IC (232), no differences in frequency, voided
volumes or symptom scores were noted and only one patient improved for a short period of time.

Hypnosis is a therapeutic adjunct in the management of cancer, surgical disease and chronic pain. Although
used in urological patients (233,234), there is no scientific data on its effect on IC symptoms.

Physiotherapy. General body exercise may be beneficial in some BPS/IC patients (235). An uncontrolled trial
of transvaginal manual therapy of the pelvic floor musculature (Thiele massage) in 21 BPS/IC patients with
high-tone dysfunction of the pelvic floor resulted in statistically significant improvement on several assessment
scales (236). Langford (237) prospectively examined the role of specific levator ani trigger point injections in
18 females with CPP. Each trigger point was identified by intravaginal palpation and injected with 5 mL of a
mixture of 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, 10 mL of 2% lidocaine and 1 mL (40 mg) of triamcinolone. A total of 13
out of 18 (72%) women improved with the first trigger point injection, with 6 out of 18 (33%) women completely
pain-free.

Intravaginal electrical stimulation was applied to 24 women with CPP in the form of ten 30-minute applications,
two or three times per week. Stimulation was effective in alleviating pain, as evaluated at the end of treatment
and 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 7 months after completion of treatment (p < 0.05). There were significantly fewer
complaints of dyspareunia following treatment (p = 0.0005) (238).

2.7.14 Surgical treatment

When all efforts fail to relieve disabling symptoms, surgical removal of the diseased bladder is the ultimate
option (239-242). Three major techniques of bladder resection are common:
• supratrigonal (i.e. trigone-sparing) cystectomy
• subtrigonal cystectomy
• radical cystectomy including excision of the urethra.
All techniques require substitution of the excised bladder tissue, mostly performed with bowel segments.

Techniques without bladder removal. As early as 1967, Turner-Warwick reported that mere bladder
augmentation without removal of the diseased tissue was not appropriate (243). Sporadic reports that
unresected IC bladders cease to cause symptoms when excluded from the flow or urine are scarce (5,244).

Supratrigonal cystectomy with subsequent bladder augmentation represents the most favoured continence-
preserving surgical technique. Various intestinal segments have been used for trigonal augmentation, including
ileum (116,245-252), ileocecum (251-258), right colon (116,252,259), and sigma (246,248,249,254,258).
Substituting gastric segments (260,261) seems to be less helpful because the production of gastric acids may
maintain dysuria and persistent pain.
The therapeutic success of supratrigonal cystectomy has been reported in many studies. In 1966, von
Garrelts reported excellent results in 8/13 patients with a follow-up of 12-72 months (248). In 1977, Bruce et
al. achieved satisfactory relief of IC symptoms by ileocystoplasty and colocystoplasty in eight patients (246).
Dounis and Gow reported seven IC patients whose pain and frequency were considerably improved after
supratrigonal cystectomy with ileocecal augmentation (262).
In 1991, Kontturi et al. employed segments of colon and sigmoid colon in 12 cases (258). All five
patients augmented with sigmoid colon remained symptom-free over 4.7 years of follow-up. Two of seven

34 UPDATE MARCH 2008
cases augmented with colon required secondary cystectomy with formation of an ileal conduit. Nielsen
et al. reported a series of eight patients undergoing supratrigonal cystectomy with ileocaecocystoplasty.
While symptoms resolved in two patients, treatment failure in another six patients necessitated secondary
cystectomy and ileal conduit formation (253).
Linn et al. (263) followed six BPS/IC patients after supratrigonal cystectomy with an ileocecal
augmentation for a period of 30 months and reported that all patients were symptom-free and voided
spontaneously.
In 2002, Van Ophoven et al. (239) reported the long-term results of trigone-preserving cystectomy
and consecutive orthotopic substitution enteroplasty in 18 women with IC, using ileocaecal (n = 10) or ileal
(n = 8) segments. At a mean follow-up of nearly 5 years, 14 patients were completely pain-free, 12 voided
spontaneously and 15 had complete resolution of dysuria. Ileocaecal bowel segments showed superior
functional results, since in the group augmented with ileum, three patients required self-catheterization and
one a suprapubic catheter. Overall, surgery achieved a significant improvement in diurnal and nocturnal
frequencies, functional bladder capacity and symptom scores, with only two treatment failures.
In more recent reports with longer follow-ups, the debate on the outcome of BPS/IC patients
undergoing cystectomy continues and results vary greatly between different surgeons and patient populations.
Chakravarti (264) presented a retrospective review of 11 patients, who had undergone a trigone-
preserving orthotopic substitution caecocystoplasty for intractable classical IC and were followed up for a
mean period of 9 years. All had symptomatic relief and an increase in bladder capacity to normal. There was
no mortality and minimal post-operative morbidity, with two patients requiring intermittent self-catheterization
due to high residual volumes. No significant urinary reflux or metabolic complications were noted. However,
two patients required a cystectomy after 4 and 6 years, respectively, due to recurrent trigonal disease in one
patient and urethrotrigonal hypersensitivity following intermittent self-catheterization in the other. One patient
developed an advanced adenocarcinoma in the caecal segment 7 years after the primary operation.
Blaivas et al. (265) reported less favourable results. Long-term outcomes of augmentation
enterocystoplasty or continent urinary diversion were analysed in 76 patients with benign urological disorders,
including seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of IC. The BPS/IC patients all failed surgical treatment
because of persistent pelvic pain and failure to achieve adequate bladder capacity rather than because of
incontinence. The authors currently consider BPS/IC to be a contraindication for enterocystoplasty.
In contrast, Navalon et al. (266) reported a 32-month follow-up of four women suffering refractory
IC who underwent supratrigonal cystectomy with orthotopic substitution iliocystoplasty. Suprapubic pain
disappeared in all cases, as well as lower urinary tract symptoms, with good control of urinary frequency day
and night in the immediate post-operative period. All patients reported high satisfaction with the outcome.

Subtrigonal cystectomy. Although less popular, subtrigonal cystectomy has also been reported (263,267-270).
Subtrigonal resection has the potential of removing the trigone as a possible disease site, but at the cost of
requiring ureteral reimplantation with associated risks of leakage, stricture and reflux. Nurse et al. reported
trigonal disease in 50% within their cohort (13/25) and blamed surgical failures on the trigone left in place (271).
In contrast, Linn et al. indicated that the level of resection was not solely responsible for treatment success.
While completely curing six patients by supratrigonal resection, there were three failures among 17 subtrigonal
resections and half of the successful subtrigonal resections required self-catherization to support voiding of the
ileocecal augmentate (263). A recent report on female sexuality after cystectomy and othotopic ileal neobladder
(272) included eight patients. Pain was relieved in all eight patients, but only one patient regained a normal
sexual life post-operatively.

Selecting patients and technique. Bladder pain syndrome /Interstitial cystitis is benign and does not shorten
life, so that operative procedures rank last in the therapeutic algorithm. However, severely refractory patients
should not have to tolerate unsuccessful conservative treatments for years when surgical options are available.
Detailed counselling and informed consent must precede any irreversible type of major surgery,
which should only be undertaken by experienced surgeons. The choice of technique will be influenced by the
experience of the surgeon. The appropriate extent of tissue resection should be based on the endoscopic and
histopathological findings. Some surgeons recommend pre-operative cystoscopy and bladder capacity as a
prognostic parameter for operative success (244). Responders and failures following orthotopic substitution
differed in mean pre-operative bladder capacity (200 mL vs 525 mL, respectively) (253). These findings were
supported by Peeker et al. (273), who found that patients with end-stage classic IC had excellent results
following ileocystoplasty while patients with non-ulcer disease were not helped. These results have recently
been confirmed by another report from the same institution. A retrospective analysis of 47 patients fulfilling the
NIH criteria, who underwent reconstructive surgery using various techniques during 1978-2003 (274), resulted
in complete symptom resolution in 32/34 patients with classic Hunner-type disease, but only 3/13 patients with
non-ulcer disease.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 35

Cystectomy with formation of an ileal conduit stills ranks first in current US practice trends in surgical
IC therapy (275). For cosmetic reasons, however, techniques of continent diversion are preferred, particularly
in younger patients. After orthotopic bladder augmentation, particularly when removing the trigone, voiding
may be incomplete and require intermittent self-catheterization. Patients considering these procedures should
be advised and must be considered capable of performing, accepting and tolerating self-catheterization.
For patients with BPS/IC who develop recurrent pain in the augmented bladder or continent pouch after
enterocystoplasty or continent urinary diversion, Elzawahri (276) recommends retubularization of a previously
used bowel segment to form a urinary conduit. For younger patients, it may be important to know that
pregnancies with subsequent lower-segment Caesarean section after ileocystoplasty have been reported (277).
Reconstructive surgery for refractory BPS/IC is an appropriate last resort only for well-selected
patients with refractory end-stage disease. The decision to embark on major reconstructive surgery should be
preceded by a thorough pre-operative evaluation, with an emphasis on assessment to determine the relevant
disease location and subtype.
A summary of the treatment options for BPS/IC, including a rating of the level of evidence and grade
of recommendation (Table 9), is given in Tables 10 and 11. Figure 3 provides an algorithm for the diagnosis and
therapy of BPS/IC based on the information discussed above.

Table 9: Explanations of levels of evidence and grades of recommendation for treatment options for
BPS/IC outlined in Tables 10 and 11

Level Type of evidence

1a Meta-analysis of randomized trials
1b At least one randomized trial
2a One well-designed controlled study w/o randomization
2b One other type of well-designed quasi-experimental study
3 Non-experimental study (comparative study, correlation study, case reports)
4 Expert committee, expert opinion

Grade Nature of recommendation based on
A Clinical studies of good quality and consistency including at least one randomized trial
B Well-conducted clinical studies without randomized trials
C Absence of directly applicable clinical studies of good quality

Table 10: Medical treatment of BPS/IC

Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
Analgesics 2b C Indications limited to cases awaiting
further treatment
Corticosteroids 3 C Corticosteroids not recommended as
long-term treatment
Hydroxyzine 1b A Standard treatment, even though
limited efficacy shown in RCT
Cimetidine 1b B Insufficient data
Amitriptyline 1b A Standard treatment
Sodium 1a A Standard treatment
pentosanpolysulphate Data contradictory
Antibiotics 1b A Limited role in the treatment of IC
Prostaglandins 3 C Insufficient data on IC, adverse effects
L-arginine 1b C Effect in IC uncertain
Cyclosporin A 1b A RCT: superior to PPS but more
adverse effects
Duloxetin 2b C No effect, tolerability poor
Oxybutynin/tolterodine 3 C Limited indication in IC
Gabapentin 3 C Preliminary data so far
Suplatast tosilate 3 C Preliminary data so far
Quercetin 3 C Preliminary data so far
RCT = randomized controlled trial; IC = interstitial cystitis; PPS = pentosanpolysulphate sodium.

36 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Table 11: Intravesical, interventional, alternative and surgical treatment of BPS/IC

Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
Intravesical anaesthesia 3 C
Intravesical PPS 1b A
Intravesical heparin 3 C
Intravesical hyauronic acid 2b B
Intravesical chondroitin 2b B
sulphate
Intravesical DMSO 1b A
Intravesical Bacillus 1b Not recommended
Calmette Guérin
Intravesical clorpactin 3 Not recommended Obsolete
Intravesical vanilloids 1b C Data contradictory
Bladder distension 3 C
Electromotive drug 3 B
administration
Transurethral resection NA A/B Hunner’s lesions only
(coagulation and LASER)
Nerve blockade/epidural 3 C For crisis intervention; affects pain
pain pumps only
Sacral neuromodulation 3 B Not recommended beyond clinical
trials
Bladder training 3 B Patients with little pain
Manual and physical therapy 3 B
Diet 3 C
Acupuncture 3 C Data contradictory
Hypnosis No data
Psychological therapy 3 B
Surgical treatment NA A Largely varying data
ultima ratio, experienced surgeons
PPS = pentosanpolysulphate sodium; DMSO = dimethyl sulphoxide; NA = type of evidence not applicable,
since RCTs are unethical in such surgical procedures.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 37

Figure 3: Flowchart for the diagnosis and therapy of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

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UPDATE MARCH 2008 39

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substitutes. Acta Chir Scand 1966;132(4):436-43.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5972716
249. Guillonneau B, Toussaint B, Bouchot O, Buzelin JM. [Treatment of interstitial cystitis with sub-trigonal
cystectomy and enterocystoplasty.] Prog Urol 1993;3(1):27-31 [article in French]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8485591
250. Koskela E, Kontturi M. Function of the intestinal substituted bladder. Scand J Urol Nephrol
1982;16(2):129-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7123162
251. Shirley SW, Mirelman S. Experiences with colocystoplasties, cecocystoplasties and ileocystoplasties
in urologic surgery: 40 patients. J Urol 1978;120(2):165-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/671623
252. Webster GD, Maggio MI. The management of chronic interstitial cystitis by substitution cystoplasty. J
Urol 1989;141(2):287-91.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2913346
253. Nielsen KK, Kromann-Andersen B, Steven K, Hald T. Failure of combined supratrigonal cystectomy
and Mainz ileocecocystoplasty in intractable interstitial cystitis: is histology and mast cell count a
reliable predictor for the outcome of surgery? J Urol 1990;144(2 Pt 1):255-258; discussion 258-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2374189
254. Hradec EA. Bladder substitution: indications and results in 114 operations. J Urol 1965;94(4):406-17.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5320331
255. DeJuana CP, Everett JC Jr. Interstitial cystitis: experience and review of recent literature. Urology
1977;10(4):325-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/919117
256. Utz DC, Zincke H.The masquerade of bladder cancer in situ as interstitial cystitis. J Urol
1974;111(2):160-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4810754
257. Whitmore WF 3rd, Gittes RF. Reconstruction of the urinary tract by cecal and ileocecal cystoplasty:
review of a 15-year experience. J Urol 1983;129(3):494-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6834531

UPDATE MARCH 2008 51

258. Kontturi MJ, Hellstrom PA, Tammela TL, Lukkarinen OA. Colocystoplasty for the treatment of severe
interstitial cystitis. Urol Int 1991;46(1):50-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2024372
259. Seddon JM, Best L, Bruce AW.Intestinocystoplasty in treatment of interstitial cystitis. Urology
1977;10(5):431-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/919133
260. Leong CH. Use of the stomach for bladder replacement and urinary diversion. Ann R Coll Surg Engl
1978;60(4):283-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/666231
261. Singla A, Galloway N. Early experience with the use of gastric segment in lower urinary tract
reconstruction in adult patient population. Urology 1997;50(4):630-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9338749
262. Dounis A, Gow JG.Bladder augmentation-a long-term review. Br J Urol 1979;51(4):264-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/466001
263. Linn JF, Hohenfellner M, Roth S, Dahms SE, Stein R, Hertle L, Thüroff JW, Hohenfellner R. Treatment
of interstitial cystitis: comparison of subtrigonal and supratrigonal cystectomy combined with
orthotopic bladder substitution. J Urol 1998;159(3):774-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9474146
264. Chakravarti A, Ganta S, Somani B, Jones MA. Caecocystoplasty for intractable interstitial cystitis:
long-term results. Eur Urol 2004 Jul;46(1):114-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15183556
265. Blaivas JG, Weiss JP, Desai P, Flisser AJ, Stember DS, Stahl PJ. Long-term followup of augmentation
enterocystoplasty and continent diversion in patients with benign disease. J Urol 2005;173(5):
1631-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15821519
266. Navalón Verdejo P, Ordoño Domínguez F, De la Torre Abril L, Sánchez Ballester F, Escudero JJ,
Ramos de Campos M, Ramada Benlloch F. [Orthotopic bladder substitution in the treatment of
interstitial cystitis.] Arch Esp Urol 2005;58(7):605-10. [article in Spanish]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16294782
267. Bejany DE, Politano VA. Ileocolic neobladder in the woman with interstitial cystitis and a small
contracted bladder. J Urol 1995;153(1):42-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7966787
268. Nurse DE, McCrae P, Stephenson TP, Mundy AR.The problems of substitution cystoplasty. Br J Urol
1988;61(5):423-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3395801
269. Lotenfoe RR, Christie J, Parsons A, Burkett P, Helal M, Lockhart JL. Absence of neuropathic pelvic
pain and favorable psychological profile in the surgical selection of patients with disabling interstitial
cystitis. J Urol 1995;154(6):2039-42.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7500453
270. Hughes OD, Kynaston HG, Jenkins BJ, Stephenson TP, Vaughton KC. Substitution cystoplasty for
intractable interstitial cystitis. Br J Urol 1995;76(2):172-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7663907
271. Nurse DE, Parry JR, Mundy AR. Problems in the surgical treatment of interstitial cystitis. Br J Urol
1991;68(2):153-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1822961
272. Volkmer BG, Gschwend JE, Herkommer K, Simon J, Küfer R, Hautmann RE. Cystectomy and
orthotopic ileal neobladder: the impact on female sexuality. J Urol 2004;172(6 Pt 1):2353-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15538266
273. Peeker R, Aldenborg F, Fall M. The treatment of interstitial cystitis with supratrigonal cystectomy
and ileocystoplasty: difference in outcome between classic and nonulcer disease. J Urol 1998;
159(5):1479-82.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9554337
274. Rössberger J, Fall M, Jonsson O, Peeker R. Long-term results of reconstructive surgery in patients
with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: subtyping is imperative. Urology 2007;70(4):638-42.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17991529
275. Gershbaum D, Moldwin R. Practice trends for the management of interstitial cystitis. Urology
2001;57(6 Suppl 1):119.
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52 UPDATE MARCH 2008
276. Elzawahri A, Bissada NK, Herchorn S, Aboul-Enein H, Ghoneim M, Bissada MA, Finkbeiner A, Glazer
AA. Urinary conduit formation using a retubularized bowel from continent urinary diversion or intestinal
augmentations: ii. Does it have a role in patients with interstitial cystitis? J Urol 2004;171(4):1559-62.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15017220
277. Shaikh A, Ahsan S, Zaidi Z. Pregnancy after augmentation cystoplasty. J Pak Med Assoc
2006;56(10):465-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17144396

Figure 4: An algorithm for diagnosing and managing scrotal pain

Scrotal Pain

Physical Intra-testicular lesion Further analysis

examination
Ultrasound Hydro/spermatocele Surgical repair
Variocele

If treatment
Epididymo-orchitis Antibiotics has no
effect
Post-surgery Neuromuscular
vasectomy or hernia repair dysfunction? or

Pelvic floor muscle PFM therapy If no Refer to

dysfunction TrP therapy pathology a pain
Myofascial triggerpoint (TrP) is found team

2.8 Scrotal pain

Acute scrotal pain is a well-known urological emergency, while chronic scrotal pain is a common reason for
men to contact their general practitioners. However, although chronic scrotal pain is not life-threatening and
does not require immediate action, it has a considerable effect on a patient’s quality of life. The prevalence of
chronic scrotal pain is unknown.
A physical examination should always be done in patients with scrotal pain. Gentle palpation of each
component of the scrotum is performed to search for masses and for painful spots. A DRE is done to look for
prostate abnormalities and examine the pelvic floor muscles. Scrotal ultrasound has limited value in finding the
cause of the pain (1).
If physical examination is normal, ultrasound is sometimes performed to reassure the patient that
there is no tumour in the testis. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose hydroceles, spermatoceles, cysts and
varicoceles. The urine should be analysed. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans may
be used to help with assessment (2).
The ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves are the most prominent afferent nerves for the scrotum (3).
The pudendal nerve supplies the skin of the perineum.

2.8.1 Management of different conditions

Intra-testicular lesion. Proceed with further analysis. If tumour is suspected, orchiectomy should be performed.

Hydro/spermatocele. Painful fluid-filled spaces in the scrotum can be removed surgically.

Varicocele. When localization of the pain and the pattern of aggravation in standing position are clear,
correction can be performed.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 53

Epididymo-orchitis. An infection of the testis or epididymis is usually an acute problem. Chronic epididymitis
has been discussed as an entity in literature. The nature of such a chronic inflammation can be infective or
based on an obstruction of the vas deferens. For treatment, antibiotics should be tried first for a longer period,
up to 3 months, and when needed combined with anti-inflammatory drugs (4).
Post-surgical procedures. Procedures, such as vasectomy and hernia repair, may be complicated by scrotal
pain. Scrotal pain after vasectomy occurs in about 15-19% (5,6) and is caused by congestion of the vas
deferens and testis. Although antibiotics can be used, the results remain unclear. A spermatic cord blockade is
also an option (7).

Surgical options for both vasectomy and hernia repair include removal of the epididymis, with recent results
varying from 43-62% (6,8). Results for denervation of the spermatic cord are reported to be as high as 96% for
complete pain relief (9). In post-vasectomy pain, a vasovasostomy might help to overcome the obstruction and
thereby improve the pain (10).

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. At rectal examination, the pelvic floor muscles may be overactive, which
means they contract when relaxation is needed, sometimes painfully. An overactive pelvic floor should be
treated by physiotherapy (11-13). (See Chapter 6 on Pelvic floor function and dysfunction.)

Myofascial trigger points is a type of end-stage surmenage of muscles. Pain in the scrotum can be the result of
trigger points in the pelvic floor, but also in the lower abdominal musculature. Treatment consists of applying
pressure to the trigger point and stretching the muscle (14,15). (See Chapter 6 on Pelvic floor function and
dysfunction.)
If no pathology is found, or when specific therapy has no effect, the patient should be referred to a
multidisciplinary pain team or pain centre (16).

Recommendations for the treatment of scrotal pain syndrome are listed in Table 12.

Table 12: Treatment of scrotal pain syndrome

Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
• Orchiectomy 1a A In case of intratesticular
tumour
• Excision 3 B Hydrocele or varicocele
• Antibiotics 3 C For up to 3 months
• Surgical intervention 3 C Epididymectomy,
denervation spermatic cord.
Vaso-vasostomy
• Pelvic floor muscle 1b A Including trigger point
therapy treatment

2.8.2 References
1. van Haarst EP, van Andel G, Rijcken TH, Schlatmann TJ, Taconis WK. Value of diagnostic
ultrasound in patients with chronic scrotal pain and normal findings on clinical examination. Urology
1999;54(6):1068-72.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10604710
2. Lapointe SP, Wei DC, Hricak H, Varghese SL, Kogan BA, Baskin LS. Magnetic resonance imaging in
the evaluation of congenital anomalies of the external genitalia. Urology 2001;58(3):452-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11549498
3. Rab M, Ebmer AJ, Dellon AL. Anatomic variability of the ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve:
implications for the treatment of groin pain. Plast Reconstr Surg 2001;108(6):1618-23.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11711938
4. Nickel JC. Chronic epididymitis: a practical approach to understanding and managing a difficult
urologic enigma. Rev Urol 2003;5(4):209-15.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16985840
5. Leslie TA, Illing RO, Cranston DW, Guillebaud J. The incidence of chronic scrotal pain after
vasectomy: a prospective audit. BJU Int 2007;100(6):1330-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17850378

54 UPDATE MARCH 2008
6. Nariculam J, Minhas S, Adeniyi A, Ralph DJ, Freeman A. A review of the efficacy of surgical treatment
for and pathological changes in patients with chronic scrotal pain. BJU Int 2007;99(5):1091-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17244279
7. Yamamoto M, Hibi H, Katsuno S, Miyake K. Management of chronic orchialgia of unknown etiology.
Int J Urol 1995;2(1):47-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7542163
8. Granitsiotis P, Kirk D. Chronic testicular pain: an overview. Eur Urol 2004;45(4):430-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15041105
9. Heidenreich A, Olbert P, Engelmann UH. Management of chronic testalgia by microsurgical testicular
denervation. Eur Urol 2002;41(4):392-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12074809
10. Nangia AK, Myles JL, Thomas AJ Jr. Vasectomy reversal for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome: a
clinical and histological evaluation. J Urol 2000;164(6):1939-42.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11061886
11. Cornel EB, van Haarst EP, Schaarsberg RW, Geels J. The effect of biofeedback physical therapy in
men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Type III. Eur Urol 2005;47(5):607-11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15826751
12. Hetrick DC, Glazer H, Liu YW, Turner JA, Frest M, Berger RE. Pelvic floor electromyography in men
with chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a case-control study. Neurourol Urodyn 2006;25(1):46-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16167354
13. Rowe E, Smith C, Laverick L, Elkabir J, Witherow RO, Patel A. A prospective, randomized, placebo
controlled, double-blind study of pelvic electromagnetic therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic
pain syndrome with 1 year of followup. J Urol 2005;173(6):2044-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15879822
14. Anderson RU, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan C. Integration of myofascial trigger point release and
paradoxical relaxation training treatment of chronic pelvic pain in men. J Urol 2005;174(1):155-60.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15947608
15. Srinivasan AK, Kaye JD, Moldwin R. Myofascial dysfunction associated with chronic pelvic floor pain:
management strategies. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2007;11(5):359-64.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17894926
16. Messelink EJ. The pelvic pain centre. World J Urol 2001;19(3):208-12.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11469609

2.9 Urethral pain syndrome

Figure 5: An algorithm for diagnosing and managing urethral pain syndrome

Urethral pain syndrome

Detailed Urethro-cystoscopy Antibiotics Further

micturition infestigation?
history Extended urine cultures Alpha-blockers
Physical
examination Urine microscopy NSAID Urodynamics?
including
urethral Acupuncture, other
palpation trials Refer to
Urine culture If treatment has a pain
Uroflow no effect team

Urethral pain syndrome is a less well-defined entity and scientific studies are scant. Positive diagnostic signs
are urethral tenderness or pain on palpation and a slightly inflamed urethral mucosa found during endoscopy.
Hypotheses about the aetiology include concealed infections of the periurethral glands or dsucts, according to
the anatomical description by Huffman (1), and oestrogen deficiency. Others consider urethral syndrome to be
a less severe form of ‘early’ BPS/IC (2).
In clinical practice, the diagnosis of urethral pain syndrome is commonly given to patients who
present with the symptoms of dysuria (with or without frequency, nocturia, urgency and urge incontinence) in

UPDATE MARCH 2008 55

the absence of evidence of urinary infection. The ‘absence of urinary infection’ cause diagnostic problems as
the methods typically used to identify urinary infection are extremely insensitive. Dysuria is pain or discomfort
experienced in association with micturition. The classical symptom of a burning sensation in the urethra during
voiding caused by infection is well known. The external dysuria experienced by women with vaginitis when
urine passes over the labia is less appreciated.
Biochemical testing and microbiological culture of urine is important in assessing lower urinary tract
symptoms and has been reviewed in some detail in the elderly (3).
There is confusion about the concept of significant bacteriuria. This may be accepted as 105 colony-
forming units (CFU) of a single species in asymptomatic women. However, it may be as low as 102 CFU of a
single species of a known urinary pathogen in symptomatic women. Many automated culture systems have
a sensitivity of 104 CFU, while urinary leucocyte esterase and nitrite tests are correlated only with cultures as
high as 105 CFU (4). In addition, many laboratory culture systems detect only just over 50% of infections in
midstream urine specimens from genuinely infected patients (4).
A narrow spectrum of aetiological agents causes 85-90% of cases of acute, uncomplicated cystitis
in women. Nearly one-third of acutely dysuric women with urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli,
Staphylococcus saprophyticus or Proteus spp. have midstream colony counts in the range of 102-104 bacteria/
mL. Investigators have also identified causative organisms by more invasive techniques, such as culturing
specimens obtained by catheterization or suprapubic aspiration. Failing to identify an organism does not mean
that it is not present.
Although rarely included, proper manual urine microscopy using a haemocytometer should be part
of a definitive work-up. Nowadays, most laboratories screen urine in wells using inverted microscopes or rely
on robotic detection of pyuria, which are both insensitive methods. This is regrettable because studies have
shown that significant pyuria is a nearly universal indicator of urinary tract infection, although it is not specific
for differentiating cystitis from urethritis, particularly urethritis due to Chlamydia trachomatis. In relation to the
latter, dysuria also merits the microscopic examination of a urethral smear after it has been Gram stained. If
present, a purulent urethral exudate will be obvious, although a causative micro-organism will be identified in
less than 50% of cases. The expression ‘non-specific urethritis’ is apposite and honestly states our current
ignorance.
Urethral trauma arising from intercourse may cause pain and dysuria. This condition used to be called
‘honeymoon cystitis’, and friction and trauma to the urethra may be the cause in the absence of infection.
Women with pelvic floor dysfunction sometimes describe similar symptoms, as do post-menopausal women, in
whom trauma is associated with oestrogen deficiency, loss of lubrication and vaginal dryness.
Unless a thorough assessment is carried out, bearing in mind the comments described above,
the diagnosis of urethral pain syndrome does not seem credible. There are no data available to answer the
inevitable question, ’how common is dysuria in the presence of negative rigorous investigation of the bladder
and urethra?’

2.9.1 Treatment
There is no consensus on treatment. Management may require a multidisciplinary approach. Various
modalities including antibiotics, alpha-blockers, acupuncture and laser therapy have been proved successful.
Psychological support is important (5). An algorithm for diagnosing and managing urethral pain syndrome is
given in Figure 5.

2.9.2 References
1. Huffman JW. The detailed anatomy of the paraurethral ducts in the adult human female. Am J Obstet
Gynec.1948;55:86-101.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18918954
2. Parsons CL, Zupkas P, Parsons JK. Intravesical potassium sensitivity in patients with interstitial
cystitis and urethral syndrome. Urology 2001;57(3):428-32.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11248610
3. Gray RP, Malone-Lee J. Review: urinary tract infection in elderly people - time to review management?
Age & Ageing 1995;24(4):341-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7484494
4. Pappas PG. Laboratory in the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections. Med Clin North
Am 1991;75(2):313-25.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1996036
5. Kaur H, Arunkalaivanan AS. Urethral pain syndrome and its management. Obstet Gynecol Surv
2007;62(5):348-51.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17425813

56 UPDATE MARCH 2008
3. PELVIC PAIN IN GYNAECOLOGICAL PRACTICE
3.1 Introduction
The approach to pelvic pain presenting to the gynaecologist relies upon the same principles, namely to
discover remediable causes and treat them using the most effective available therapies. However, the greatest
therapeutic challenge will be provided by the 30% of patients in whom no cause can be found (1).

3.2 Clinical history

It is essential to start by taking a detailed medical history. The nature, frequency and site of the pain, and its
relationship to precipitating factors and the menstrual cycle, may provide vital clues to the aetiology. A detailed
menstrual and sexual history, including any history of sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal discharge is
mandatory. Discrete inquiry about previous sexual trauma may be appropriate.

3.3 Clinical examination

Abdominal and pelvic examination will exclude any gross pelvic pathology (tumours, scarring and reduced
uterine mobility), as well as demonstrating the site of tenderness if present. Abnormalities in muscle function
should also be sought.

3.3.1 Investigations
Vaginal and endocervical swabs to exclude infection are mandatory and cervical cytology screening is
advisable. Pelvic ultrasound scanning provides further information about pelvic anatomy and pathology.
Laparoscopy is the most useful invasive investigation to exclude gynaecological pathology (2) and to assist in
the differential diagnosis (3).

3.4 Dysmenorrhoea
Pain in association with menstruation may be primary or secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhoea classically begins at the onset of ovulatory menstrual cycles and tends to decrease
following childbirth (4). Explanation and reassurance may be helpful, together with the use of simple analgesics
progressing to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are particularly helpful if they
are started before the onset of menstruation. NSAIDs are effective in dysmenorrhoea probably because of
their effects on prostaglandin synthetase. Suppression of ovulation using the oral contraceptive pill reduces
dysmenorrhoea dramatically in most cases and may be used as a therapeutic test. Because of the chronic
nature of the condition, potentially addictive analgesics should be avoided.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea suggests the development of a pathological process and it is essential to
exclude endometriosis (5) and pelvic infection.

3.5 Infection
A history of possible exposure to infection should be sought and it is mandatory in all cases to obtain swabs to
exclude chlamydia and gonorrhoea, as well as vaginal and genital tract pathogens (6). Patient’s sexual contacts
need to be traced in all cases with a positive culture. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, laparoscopy
may be very helpful.
Primary herpes simplex infection may present with severe pain (7), associated with an ulcerating
lesion and inflammation, which may lead to urinary retention (8). Hospitalization and opiates may be needed to
achieve adequate analgesia.

3.5.1 Treatment
Treatment of infection depends on the causative organisms. Subclinical chlamydial infection may lead to
tubal pathology. Screening for this organism in sexually active young women may reduce the incidence of
subsequent subfertility.
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is no longer common in developed countries, but still poses a
significant problem with chronic pain in the Third World.

3.6 Endometriosis
The incidence of endometriosis is rising in the developed world. The precise aetiology is still a source of
debate, but an association with nulliparity is well accepted.
The condition may be suspected from a history of secondary dysmenorrhoea and often dyspareunia,
as well as the finding of scarring in the vaginal fornices on vaginal examination, with reduced uterine mobility
and adnexal masses. Laparoscopy is the most useful diagnostic tool (9, 10).
Endometriotic lesions affecting the urinary bladder or causing ureteric obstructions can occur, as well
as lesions affecting the bowel, which may lead to rectal bleeding in association with menstruation.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 57

3.6.1 Treatment
As in primary dysmenorrhoea, analgesics and NSAIDs are helpful in easing pain at the time of menstruation.
Hormone treatment with progestogens or the oral contraceptive pill may halt progress of endometriosis, but
is not curative. A temporary respite may be obtained by using luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)
analogues to create an artificial menopause, though the resulting oestrogen deficiency may have marked
long-term side effects, such as reduced bone density and osteoporosis in those taking more than six months
worth of treatment. These drugs are used prior to surgery to improve surgical outcome and reduce surgical
complications.
Surgery for endometriosis is challenging and the extensive removal of all endometriotic lesions is
essential. The best results are achieved laparoscopically, by highly trained and skilled laparoscopic surgeons,
in specialist centres (11). A multidisciplinary team will be required for the treatment of extensive disease,
including a pain management team.
The pain associated with endometriosis is often not proportionate to the extent of the condition and,
even after extensive removal of the lesions and suppression of the condition, the pain may continue.

3.7 Gynaecological malignancy

The spread of gynaecological malignancy of the cervix, uterine body or ovary will cause pelvic pain depending
on the site of spread. Treatment is of the primary condition, but all physicians dealing with pelvic pain must be
fully aware of the possibility of gynaecological malignancy.

3.8 Injuries related to childbirth

Tissue trauma and soft tissue injuries occurring at the time of childbirth may lead to CPP related to the site of
injury. Dyspareunia is a common problem leading to long-term difficulties with intercourse and female sexual
dysfunction (12). Denervation of the pelvic floor with re-innervation may also lead to dysfunction and pain.
Hypo-oestrogenism, as a result of breast feeding, may also contribute to pelvic floor pain and dysfunction.
Vulval pain and psychosexual problems are discussed extensively in other sections of this text.
Post-menopausal oestrogen deficiency may lead to pain associated with intercourse, which will
respond to hormone replacement therapy.

3.9 Conclusion
Once all the above conditions have been excluded, the gynaecologist may well be left with patients with
unexplained pelvic pain. It is imperative to consider pain associated with the urinary and gastrointestinal tract
at the same time. For example, patients with bladder pain quite often present with dyspareunia due to bladder
base tenderness.
Previously, pelvic congestion has been cited as a course of pelvic pain of unknown aetiology, but this
diagnosis is not universally recognised (13, 14).
As previously stated in dealing with pelvic pain, the best results will be obtained from a
multidisciplinary approach that considers all possible causes.

3.10 REFERENCES
1. Newham AP, van der Spuy ZM, Nugent F. Laparoscopic findings in women with pelvic pain. S Afr Med
J 1996;86 (9 Suppl):1200-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9180785
2. Howard FM. The role of laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool in chronic pelvic pain. Ballieres Best Pract
Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2000;14(3):467-94.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10962637
3. Porpora MG, Gomel V. The role of laparoscopy in the management of pelvic pain in women of
reproductive age. Fertil Steril 1997;68(5):765-79.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9389799
4. Visner SL, Blake RL Jr. Physician’s knowledge and treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. J Fam Pract
1985;21(6):462-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3934322
5. Porpora MG, Konincks PR, Piazze J, Natili M, Colagrande S, Cosmi EV. Correlation between
endometriosis and pelvic pain. J AM Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 1999;6(4):429-34.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10548700
6. Ness RB, Soper DE, Holley RL, Peipert J, Randall H, Sweet LL, Sondheimer SJ, Hendrix SL,
Amortegui A, Trucco G, Souger T, LA JR, Hillier SL, Bass DC, Kelsey K. Effectiveness of inpatient
and outpatient strategies for women with pelvic inflammatory disease. AM J Obstet Gynecol
2002;186(5):929-37.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12015517

58 UPDATE MARCH 2008
7. Corey L, Adams HC, Brown ZA, Holmes KK. Genital herpes simplex infections: clinical manifestations
cause and complications. Ann Intern Med 1983;98(6):958-72.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6344712
8. Robertson DH, McMillan A, Young H. In: Clinical practice in sexually transmissible disease. Edinburgh:
Churchill Livingstone, 1989, p. 333.
9. Fauconnier A, Chapron C, Dubuisson JB, Viera M, Doussett B, Breart G. Relation between pain
symptoms and the anatomic location of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2002;78(4):719-26.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12372446
10. Goldstein DP, De Cholnoky C, Emans SJ. Adolescent endometriosis. J Adolesc Health Care
1980;1(1):37-41.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6458589
11. Redwine DB, Wright JT. Laparoscopic treatment of complete obliteration of the cul-de-sac associated
with endometriosis: long-term follow-up of en bloc resection. Fertil Steril 2001;76(2):358-65.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11476786
12. Osborne JL. Presentation to the European Society of Female Urology. Verona, Italy, Oct 2001.
13. Beard RW, Kennedy RG, Gangar KF, Stones RW, Rogers V, Reginald PW, Anderson M. Bilateral
oophorectomy and hysterectomy in the treatment of intractable pelvic pain associated with pelvic
ongestion. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1991;98(10):988-92.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1751445
14. Foong LC, Gamble J, Sutherland IA, Beard RW. Altered peripheral vascular response of women with
and without pelvic pain due to congestion. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000;107(2):157-64.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10688497

4. NEUROLOGICAL ASPECTS
4.1 Physiology of the urogenital system
The fused somatic and autonomic innervation of the pelvic organs reflects the human need to integrate
urogenital functions into our social existence. Proper bladder control is essential for everyday life, while
sexual behaviour is an activity upon which depend intimate relationships and the continuation of the species.
Physiological functioning of the bladder and sexual organs therefore requires intact innervation, which extends
from the frontal lobes of the cortex to the distant pelvic plexi.
The integration of the sympathetic, parasympathetic and somatic innervation in both female and
male urogenital tracts is complex. Sympathetic innervation arises from the thoracolumbar outflow, while
parasympathetic outflow and somatic innervation originate from the sacral segments of the spinal cord.
Afferent nerves travel retrogradely with all three innervating systems. Integration of inputs from the different
levels of central and peripheral innervation occurs in plexi, from which nerves arise to innervate pelvic organs.
The sacral (predominantly somatic) and the pelvic (predominantly parasympathetic) plexus are intimately linked,
with sympathetic connections from the superior and inferior hypogastric plexus.
The sacral plexus innervates the perineum, uterus in the female and the penis in the male through
the pudendal nerve. The parasympathetic fibres arise from S2 to S4 to synapse with the ganglia in the pelvic
plexus, which are located in the adventitia around the bladder base and in the bladder wall, and from which
comes visceral innervation to the bladder and the internal genital organs. The superior hypogastric plexus
(sympathetic), situated at the sacral promontory, is the origin of the left and right hypogastric nerves.

4.2 Physiology of the bladder

The urinary bladder is a reservoir whose functions are simply storage and emptying. However, these functions
are only accomplished by an extensive and complex innervation that co-ordinates the activity of the striated
muscles of the pelvic floor and the various effector organs making up the lower urinary tract (LUT) (1).

­­
4.2.1 Bladder filling
Most of the time, the bladder is a low-pressure storage system, which accommodates urine entering from the
ureters. The walls of the ureters contain smooth muscle arranged in spiral, longitudinal and circular bundles.
They pass obliquely through the bladder wall thereby preventing reflux of urine into the ureters during a bladder
contraction.
Under normal circumstances, urine entering the bladder does not cause an increase in intravesical
pressure. The smooth muscle of the bladder wall (the detrusor muscle) exhibits plasticity when stretched. The
relationship between detrusor pressure and bladder filling can be studied by performing subtracted cystometry,

UPDATE MARCH 2008 59

where the pressure difference between two fluid-filled catheters inserted into the bladder and the rectum is
determined. A plot of these values against the volume of fluid infused is seen in Figure 6. In health, the detrusor
pressure remains almost flat, as fluid fills the bladder that can normally accommodate around 500mL.
Detrusor muscle fibres condense in the region of the bladder neck, forming a well-defined circular
collar in the male, and an obliquely/ longitudinally orientated muscle coalescing into the urethral wall in the
female. The bladder neck therefore forms a proximal sphincter, which is more evident in the male than in the
female, and which is thought to be important in preventing retrograde ejaculation.
Striated muscle comprises the external urethral sphincter, which forms a U-shape around the
urethra with some fibres completely encircling it anteriorly, so that as the muscle contracts, the urethra
becomes occluded. During the storage phase, continence is maintained by the high resistance offered by
the bladder neck and urethra, together with the integrity of the external urethral sphincter (Figure 7). Tonic
firing of pudendal motor units of the external urethral sphincter and pelvic floor ensure that a higher pressure
is maintained within the urethra than within the bladder. Furthermore, dampening of the parasympathetic
innervation of the detrusor by the activation of sympathetic efferents via a sacral to thoracolumbar
intersegmental reflex pathway (2) prevents the bladder from contracting spontaneously or involuntarily, the
so-called ‘storage reflex’. This reflex not only inhibits the detrusor, but also causes contraction of the bladder
neck and the proximal urethra. The situation is reversed when micturition is initiated (see below).

4.2.2 Afferent innervation of the bladder

Sensations of bladder fullness are conveyed to the spinal cord in the pelvic and hypogastric nerves (3). The
afferent components of these nerves contain myelinated ( Aδ) and unmyelinated (C) axons. The Aδ fibres
respond to passive distension and active contraction (3) and thus convey information about bladder filling. The
C-fibres, insensitive to bladder filling under physiological conditions (therefore termed ‘silent’ C-fibres) respond
primarily to noxious stimuli such as chemical irritation of the urothelium (4) or cooling (5). The cell bodies of
both these classes of axons are located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at the level of S2 – S3 and T11 – L2
spinal segments. Bladder afferent activity enters the spinal cord through the dorsal horn and ascends rostrally
to higher brain centres involved in bladder control (see below).
In the urinary bladder, sensory nerves have been identified in the suburothelial layer (predominantly in
the bladder neck) as well as in the detrusor muscle (6-9). They form a plexus in the suburothelium with some
terminal fibres possibly projecting into the urothelium (10-12). Afferent fibres also originate from the trigone
and urethra and run in the hypogastric and pudendal nerves respectively.
The response of the bladder to stretch has been extensively investigated and recently a population of
cells located in the suburothelial layer of the bladder, called myofibroblasts (13), have been identified. They may
act as stretch sensory receptors.

4.2.3 Efferent innervation of the bladder

The LUT receives innervation from both the parasympathetic and the sympathetic branches of the autonomic
nervous system. The pelvic nerves (arising from the parasympathetic pelvic plexus) cause contraction of the
detrusor which effects bladder emptying, whereas parasympathetic innervation of the outflow tract exerts an
inhibitory effect resulting in relaxation of the bladder neck and urethra (14). The sympathetic fibres are derived
from the T11-T12 and L1-L2 in the spinal cord and run through either the inferior mesenteric ganglia or the
hypogastric nerve, or pass through the paravertebral chain to enter the pelvic nerves at the base of the bladder
and the urethra. The predominant effect of the sympathetic innervation is inhibition of the parasympathetic
pathways at local or spinal level and mediation of contraction of the outflow tract.
The somatic nerve supply to the pelvic floor musculature and part of the urethra originates at S2 – S4
and is conveyed peripherally by the pudendal nerves. A distinct, medially placed motor nucleus at the same
spinal level (Onuf’s nucleus) supplies axons that innervate the external urethral sphincter.

4.2.4 Central control of micturition

Efficient storage and emptying of the bladder requires co-ordinated action of the detrusor and outflow tract.
Storage control is achieved in infancy, but voiding is determined by the perceived state of bladder fullness and
the social environment (15). The spinal reflexes involved in storage and micturition are relatively simple and are
controlled by higher brain centres. Functional brain imaging has shown that a wide complex of brain networks
control the processes of bladder storage (16,17) and voiding (18,19), which ultimately results in the activation
or inhibition of the pontine micturition centre.
It is from here that direct pathways descend to the sacral spinal cord and modulate the
parasympathetic outflow to the detrusor and co-ordinate the somatic innervation to the external urethral
sphincter (20). A desire to void is generated when the bladder volume reaches capacity (approximately 500
mL in humans) (21), but a micturition reflex is only triggered if higher cortical function assesses the situation
as appropriate for voiding. Complete emptying is ensured by the resultant detrusor contraction, which is

60 UPDATE MARCH 2008
maintained throughout voiding (achieved by the detrusor’s unique ability to sustain near-maximal force
generation in the face of significant length change [22]), and concomitant relaxation of the outflow tract.

4.2.5 Physiology of the genital organs

The female reproductive organs are comprised of the vagina and vulva, important for sexual function, and the
ovaries and uterus, necessary for ovulation and reproduction. The uterus is made up of a fibromuscular lower
body or cervix and a muscular upper body, which is lined by a hormonally sensitive endometrial layer. The
latter responds to the complex monthly hormonal cycle mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
acting in tandem with neurological control.

Innervation. Female reproductive organs are innervated in a topographic fashion by afferents which pass
retrogradely to the pelvic or hypogastric plexus (23). The afferent nerves contribute to uterine and vaginal
perceptions (nociception) that are modified by the reproductive status (24). These plexi communicate with the
higher brain centres (the hypothalamus (25), the hippocampus and the limbic system) via the spinal cord, dorsal
column nuclei and the solitary nucleus.
The vagina, a highly expandable fibromuscular tube, receives sensory fibres from the pudendal
nerve (the perineal and posterior labial branches) and the ilioinguinal nerve. The blood vessels of the smooth
muscle of the vaginal walls are supplied by autonomic fibres from the inferior hypogastric plexuses. The
clitoris, which is considered homologous to the penis, is also composed of erectile tissue with two miniature
corpora cavernosa. Covered with a prepuce, the free end of the clitoris, the glans, is highly sensitive to sexual
stimulation. Sexual excitement induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation, (26) mediated by substances such
as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (27) and nitric oxide, and resulting in increased pelvic blood flow, clitoral
and labial engorgement and transudative vaginal lubrication. This sexual response is due, as in the male, to
parasympathetic activity, and at orgasm, there is repeated contraction of the perineal skeletal muscle, supplied
by the perineal branch of the pudendal nerve.
Women with complete spinal cord injury at the mid-thoracic level show perceptual responses to
vaginal and/or cervical self-stimulation (e.g. pain suppression and sexual response, including orgasm), with
increased activity in the solitary tract nucleus (28).

Menstruation. Animal studies have shown that the rat uterus is directly innervated by both autonomic and
sensory nerves, including adrenergic (29) and cholinergic (30), as well as by different peptidergic fibres
containing VIP, substance P, calcitonin-gene-related peptide and galanin (31,32). Uterine innervation
undergoes profound remodelling during puberty, pregnancy and after delivery. However, the extent to which
uterine innervation may change during the menstrual cycle is uncertain (33,34).
The human uterus is under direct control of the hormonal cycle, which influences the innervation of
the uterine arteries (cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic), and regulates the spontaneous contractile activity
of the smooth muscle of vessel walls, as well as the motor responses of these tissues to different vasoactive
substances (35). A hormonal disturbance may cause dysfunctional bleeding by changing vessel growth as well
as vascular and myometrial smooth muscle activity (36). An example of the latter is primary dysmenorrhoea,
when there is an increased secretion of vasopressin (35), which acts on type V1 vasopressin receptors of the
uterus, causing myometrial hyperactivity and vasoconstriction, with resultant uterine ischemia and pain.

Pregnancy and parturition. In the pregnant uterus, the motor and sensory innervation undergoes a profound
denervation process, although the changes do not affect all types of nerves. Immunocytochemical studies
have indicated that myometrial and perivascular VIP-containing fibres disappear at the end of pregnancy (37).
In contrast, SP-containing primary afferent neurons do not degenerate during pregnancy (38). At the end of
pregnancy, the numbers of both myometrial and perivascular adrenergic nerves are decreased in the rat (39,40)
in the guinea pig (41,42), and in humans (43). The whole autonomic uterine innervation therefore undergoes
substantial remodelling during pregnancy.

Urogenital pain. The innervation of the pelvis shows great convergence, demonstrating the existence of
extensive cross-system, viscero-visceral interactions within the CNS, which, while organized for coherent
bodily functioning, serve as a substrate by which pathophysiology in one organ can influence physiology
and responses to pathophysiology in other organs (24). Some cross-system effects reported in the literature
include bladder inflammation, reducing the rate of uterine contractions and the effects of drugs on the uterus
(44) and colon inflammation, producing signs of inflammation in an otherwise healthy bladder and uterus. The
pathophysiology of one pelvic organ influences the physiology of another is poorly understood, but improved
knowledge and understanding of the convergence of peripheral and central innervation of the pelvis may have
considerable clinical relevance.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 61

Conclusion. The rich and complex innervation of the bladder and genital organs, which enables their
physiological function, appears also to be a potential substrate for neural pain. Perhaps pain results when
autonomic innervation becomes ‘confused’.

Figure 6: Effector organs making up the lower urinary tract (LUT). This is a representation of the female
LUT. In the male, the prostate gland is situated around the external urethral sphincter. (With
permission of Mr. Vinal Kalsi).

62 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Figure 7: Subtraction cystometry showing typical bladder function.

Pabd = intra-abdominal pressure measured with a rectal catheter; Pves = measured intravesical pressure; Pdet
= detrusor pressure; Pdet = Pves-Pabd; Vinfus = infusion volume, 50 mL/min.

The detrusor pressure remains less than 10 cmH20 until the first desire to void (FD) is reached, which is
accompanied by a small rise in the pressure tracing. There is a concomitant rise in vesical pressure; however,
there is no rise in intra-abdominal pressure. The pressure rise is due to contraction of the detrusor; however, it
is small due to the compliant properties of the bladder. The normal desire to void (ND) is soon accompanied by
cystometric capacity (about 500mL), at which time a void will be initiated. The undulations seen on the traces
are a result of interference due to respiration.

4.3 Sexual dysfunction in men and women

Various classifications of sexual dysfunction have been proposed, the most recent being one which included
hypoactive sexual desire, or disorders of sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasms or sexual pain (45). Many
of these disorders are common amongst the general population: the Male Massachusetts study showing an
increasing prevalence of ED with age so that of a group of men aged 60-70 almost 60% had ED to a greater or
lesser extent (46). The prevalence of FSD has been estimated to be between 25%-63%, the figure depending
on the definition used and population studies. Amongst groups of patients with neurological disease the
prevalence of all types of disorder is even higher, although precise figures are not known.

Neurological causes of sexual dysfunction include cortical disease, spinal cord trauma, stroke, epilepsy,
multiple sclerosis, radical pelvic surgery and many more conditions. As the aetiology is diverse, so is the
pathophysiology with damage to the thoraco-lumbar outflow in men during extensive surgery affecting
ejaculation to damage of the hypothalamus and pituitary, following head injury, resulting in hypopituitarism and
a concomitant de-sensitisation of the genital region.
The treatment in men and women with neurological or non-neurological disease includes pelvic floor
exercises and electrical stimulation feedback with cognitive therapy. Male sexual dysfunction is discussed in
detail within these guidelines.

Female sexual dysfunction is less easy to treat, but is affected by problems in the male, and it is now
recommended that evaluation of the female should be addressed within the context of the couple in a sexual

UPDATE MARCH 2008 63

medicine clinic. Identifying and treating general medical conditions is vital to the effective management of both
men and women. In addition to neurological related dysfunction in young women, pelvic floor dysfunction,
as a consequence of childbirth, must be taken into account as the importance of the menopause in the older
woman. Despite the fact that hormone replacement therapy has been used extensively and effectively, there
is still a small sub-set of women in whom this is not enough. In this group the libido is affected greatly and the
use of testosterone products have been found to be important. Pharmacotherapy, like the PDE-5 inhibitors in
men, has not been found to be useful in women.

4.4 References
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15. Kavia RB, Dasgupta R, Fowler CJ. Functional imaging and the central control of the bladder. J Comp
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16. Athwal BS, Berkley KJ, Hussain I, Brennan, A, Craggs M, Sakakibara R, Frackowiak RS, Fowler CJ.
Brain responses to changes in bladder volume and urge to void in healthy men. Brain 2001;124(Pt 2):
369-77.
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17. Matsuura S, Kakizaki H, Mitsui T, Shiga T, Tamaki N, Koyanagi T. Human brain region response
to distention or cold stimulation of the bladder: a positron emission tomography study. J Urol
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1997;120(Pt 1):111-21.
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21. Wyndaele JJ. Normality in urodynamics studied in healthy adults. J Urol 1999;161(3):899-902.
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22. Uvelius B, Gabella G. Relation between cell length and force production in urinary bladder smooth
muscle. Acta Physiol Scand 1980;110(4):357-65.
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23. Anaf V, Simon P, El Nakadi I, Fayt I, Buxant F, Simonart T, Peny MO, Noel JC. Relationship between
endometriotic foci and nerves in rectovaginal endometriotic nodules. Hum Reprod 2000;15(8):
1744-50.
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24. Berkley KJ. A life of pelvic pain. Physiol Behav 2005;86(3):272-80.
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magnocellular neurons in the rat. Neurosci Lett 1988;84(1):57-62.
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dysfunction: classification, evaluation and treatment options. Eur Urol 2000;38(1):20-9.
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27. Levin RJ. VIP, vagina, clitoral and periurethral glans–an update on human female genital arousal. Exp
Clin Endocrinol 1991;98(2):61-9.
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28. Whipple B, Komisaruk BR. Brain (PET) responses to vaginal-cervical self-stimulation in women with
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29. Sjoberg NO. Dysmenorrhea and uterine neurotransmitters. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1979;87:57-9.
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30. Stjernquist M, Owman CO. Cholinergic and adrenergic neural control of smooth muscle function in the
non-pregnant rat uterine cervix. Acta Physiol Scand 1985;124(3):429-36.
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31. Papka RE, Cotton JP, Traurig HH. Comparative distribution of neuropeptide tyrosine-, vasoactive
intestinal polypeptide-, substance P-immunoreactive, acetylcholinesterase-positive and noradrenergic
nerves in the reproductive tract of the female rat. Cell Tissue Res 1985 242(3):475-90.
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32. Shew RL, Papka RE, McNeill DL. Galanin and calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in
nerves of the rat uterus: localization, colocalization, and effects on uterine contractility. Peptides
1992;13(2):273-9.
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33. Sjoberg NO. New considerations on the adrenergic innervation of the cervix and uterus. Acta Obstet
Gynecol Scand 1969;48 (Suppl 3):28+.
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34. Zoubina EV, Fan Q, Smith PG. Variations in uterine innervation during the estrous cycle in rat. J Comp
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36. Proctor ML, Latthe PM, Farquhar CM, Khan KS, Johnson NP. Surgical interruption of pelvic
nerve pathways for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
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37. Stjernquist M, Alm P, Ekman R, Owman C, Sjoberg NO, Sundler F. Levels of neural vasoactive
intestinal polypeptide in rat uterus are markedly changed in association with pregnancy as shown by
immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Biol Reprod 1985;33(1):157-63.
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38. Traurig H, Saria A, Lembeck F. Substance P in primary afferent neurons of the female rat reproductive
system. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 1984;326(4):343-6.
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39. Moustafa, FA, Changes in cholinergic and noradrenergic nerves in the pregnant and postpartum
uterus of the albino rat and guinea pig. Acta Anat (Basel) 1988;132(4):310-6.
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40. Haase, EB, Buchman J, Tietz AE, Schramm LP. Pregnancy-induced uterine neuronal degeneration in
the rat. Cell Tissue Res 1997;288(2):293-306.
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41. Thorbert G, Alm P, Owman,C, Sjoberg NO, Sporrong B. Regional changes in structural and functional
integrity of myometrial adrenergic nerves in pregnant guinea-pig, and their relationship to the
localization of the conceptus. Acta Physiol Scand 1978;103(2):120-31.
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42. Alm P, Owman C, Sjoberg NO, Thorbert G. Uptake and metabolism of [3H]norepinephrine in uterine
nerves of pregnant guinea pig. Am J Physiol 1979;236(5):C277-C285.
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43. Wikland M, Lindblom B, Dahlstrom A, Haglid KG. Structural and functional evidence for the
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46. Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane RJ, McKinlay JB. Impotence and its medical and
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8254833

5 NEUROGENIC CONDITIONS
5.1 Introduction
It is clearly important for the patient to have been thoroughly examined by a urologist or gynaecologist and
local pelvic pathology excluded. Once a structural cause has been eliminated, a neurological opinion is often
sought, with the prime aim of the neurologist being to exclude any form of conus or sacral root pathology. MRI
is the investigation of choice to show both neural tissue and surrounding structures.
If all examinations and investigations fail to reveal an abnormality, the diagnosis is likely to be one
of the focal pain syndromes. These are persistent or recurrent or episodic pains referred to specific pelvic
organs in the proven absence of infection, malignancy or other obvious pathology (see Table 1). Although these
are well-recognized conditions, their pathophysiology is not understood. However, it seems likely that the
problems relate in some way to the combined visceral, autonomic and somatic innervation of the pelvic organs.

5.2 Pudendal nerve entrapment

Chronic compression of the pudendal nerve in the ischiorectal fossa may result in a perineal pain located either
anteriorly in the vagina or vulval region, or posteriorly in the anorectal region. The ICS has used the following
definition, ‘perineal pain is felt: in the female, between the posterior fourchette (posterior lip of the introitus) and
the anus, and in the male, between the scrotum and the anus’ (1).
The pain may include unpleasant sensations of numbness or a burning sensation, and may be
exacerbated by sitting and relieved by standing. Neurological examination of the perineum is normal. If tested,

66 UPDATE MARCH 2008
the sacral reflexes are present and anal sphincter tone is normal. Neurophysiological examination is said to
be helpful is some cases; sacral reflex latency (using electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris
and recording muscle activity in the perineum) and the pudendal nerve distal motor latency using the St Marks
Stimulator has been recommended. These investigations require specialist neurophysiological expertize.
Pudendal nerve neuropathy is likely to be a probable diagnosis if the pain is unilateral, has a burning
quality and is exacerbated by unilateral rectal palpation of the ischial spine, with delayed pudendal motor
latency on that side only. However, such cases account for only a small proportion of all those presenting with
perineal pain. Proof of diagnosis rests on pain relief following decompression of the nerve in Alcock’s canal
and is rarely achieved. The value of the clinical neurophysiological investigations is debatable; some centres
in Europe claim that the investigations have great sensitivity (1,2), while other centres, which also have a
specialized interest in pelvic floor neurophysiology, have not identified any cases. Further information may be
gained by a diagnostic nerve block or MRI investigation.

5.3 Other neurogenic conditions

Other pelvic floor clinical neurophysiological investigations are more helpful in identifying changes of
denervation and re-innervation. Lesions causing such disorders are usually associated with bladder and/or
sexual dysfunction rather than isolated urogenital pain.
A major defect of the clinical neurophysiological investigations currently available is that they examine
mostly large myelinated nerve fibre function rather than the unmyelinated and small myelinated fibres, which
subserve autonomic innervation, pelvic organ sensation and pain (3).

5.4 References
1. Amarenco G, Kerdraon J. Pudendal nerve terminal sensitive latency: technique and normal values.
J Urol 1999;161(1):103-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10037379
2. Robert R, Prat-Pradal D, Labat JJ, Bensignor M, Raoul S, Rebai R, Leborgne J. Anatomic basis of
chronic perineal pain: role of the pudendal nerve. Surg Radiol Anat 1998;20(2):93-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9658526
3. Lee JC, Yang CC, Kromm BG, Berger RE. Neurophysiologic testing in chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a
pilot study. Urology 2001;58(2):246-50.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11489711

6. PELVIC FLOOR FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION

6.1 Introduction
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and fascia. The muscles usually function as a composite, though
the anterior and posterior components may act in isolation. The pelvic floor has three functions: support,
contraction and relaxation.

6.2 Function
In its resting state, the pelvic floor supports the bladder and the urethra in the anterior compartment, the uterus
and the vagina in the middle compartment, and the rectum and the anus in the posterior compartment. The
integrity of the support function depends on the anatomical position of the muscles, on the resting ‘tone’ and
on the integrity of the fascia (1). As with all skeletal muscles, tone is maintained by the efferent nerve fibres, and
may vary with hormonal status (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause).
The support activated during a rise in intra-abdominal pressure is different from that at rest.
When intra-abdominal pressure rises, the pelvic floor muscles must respond with a contraction occurring
simultaneously or before the pressure rise. The latter is termed an anticipatory ‘response’ or feed-forward loop
(2). Electromyography recordings show tonic motor unit activity at rest, with phasic recruitment of large motor
units in response to coughing.
A contraction of the pelvic floor muscles results in an inward movement of the perineum and an
upward movement of the pelvic organs. In many situations, other muscles such as the abdominal muscles,
the adductor muscles and the gluteal muscles also contract. There are two types of contraction that can
be distinguished: a voluntary contraction, resulting from impulses arising in the cerebral cortex, and a reflex
contraction. These contractions not only maintain support of the pelvic organs, they close the urethra, anus
and vagina, thus avoiding loss of urine or stool, and affording women a defensive mechanism. Additionally,
detrusor inhibition occurs in parallel with pelvic floor muscle contraction.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 67

A contraction of the pelvic floor muscles must have sufficient strength. Strength results from muscle
capacity and neurogenic drive, reflected in the frequency of excitation and the number of activated motor units.
An increase in muscle strength is achieved through the recruitment of more motor units. A contraction must be
rapidly effective and remain so for a certain period (endurance).
Pelvic floor contractions play an important role in sexual function. During the arousal phase, pelvic
floor muscle contractions are used to increase vasocongestion. During the last phase of the sexual response
cycle, a series of involuntary contractions is associated with the physical sensations of orgasm (3).
Pelvic floor muscle relaxation results in a decrease or termination of the squeezing of the urethra,
vagina and anus. The perineum and the pelvic organs return to their anatomical resting position. Pelvic floor
muscle relaxation is the result of inhibition of tonically active motor units. Relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles
is needed for voiding, defaecation and for sexual intercourse.

6.3 Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction should be classified according to ‘The standardisation of terminology of pelvic floor
muscle function and dysfunction’ (4). This is an international multidisciplinary report from the ICS. As in all ICS
standardization documents, this is based on the triad of symptom, sign and condition. Symptoms are what
the patient tells you; signs are found by physical examination. By palpation of the pelvic floor muscles, the
contraction and relaxation are qualified. The voluntary contraction can be absent, weak, normal or strong. The
voluntary relaxation can be absent, partly or completely. The involuntary contraction and relaxation is absent or
present.
Based on these signs, pelvic floor muscles can be classified as follows:
• non-contracting pelvic floor
• non-relaxing pelvic floor
• non-contracting, non-relaxing pelvic floor.

Based on symptoms and signs, the following conditions are possible:

• normal pelvic floor muscles
• overactive pelvic floor muscles
• underactive pelvic floor muscles
• non-functioning pelvic floor muscles.

An example is as follows:
• Symptom: pain in the perineal region
• Sign non-relaxing pelvic floor (no relaxation, neither voluntary nor involuntary)
• Condition: overactive pelvic floor muscles.

An underactive pelvic floor means that the muscles do not contract when they need to. In practice, this leads
to incontinence of urine or stool. An overactive pelvic floor means that the pelvic floor muscles do not relax
when they should. This may result in complaints like low flow rates and constipation (5). Another symptom of
overactivity is CPP and more specific dyspareunia.
Overactivity tends to develop over a protracted period, with many causes. In most cases, there is
the problem of limited access to a toilet on demand, leading to postponement of voiding by contraction of the
pelvic floor muscles. When they do eventually have the time to void, detrusor power is lacking. They start to
use abdominal straining which results, through the guarding reflex, in contraction of the pelvic muscles (6).
Why an overactive pelvic floor causes pain has only partly been elucidated (7). A muscle that is
continuously contracting will ache. Nerves that pass through the pelvic floor may be compressed, and vessels
to the penis and scrotum may be obstructed. Both mechanisms will lead to pelvic pain. A contracting pelvic
floor will increase afferent input to the sacral spinal cord, the pons and the cerebral cortex. In response, the
CNS may modify efferent signals to the pelvis. This change in efferent activity may further aggravate the
situation (8).

6.4 Myofascial trigger points

Repeated or chronic muscular overload can activate trigger points in the muscle. Trigger points are defined
as hyperirritable spots associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band (9). Trigger points are
painful on compression and give rise to characteristic referred pain and motor dysfunction. They prevent full
lengthening of the muscles, they weaken the muscle and they lead to pain that is very recognisable for the
patient.
Pain as a result of these trigger points is aggravated by specific movements and alleviated by certain
positions. Patients know what activities and postures influence the pain. Trigger points can be located within
the pelvic floor muscle (10). In a case of pelvic floor muscle trigger points, a patient will sit down cautiously,

68 UPDATE MARCH 2008
often on one buttock. Rising after a period of sitting will cause pain. Pain will be aggravated by pressure on
the trigger point (e.g. pain related to sexual intercourse). Pain will also get worse after sustained or repeated
contractions (e.g. pain related to voiding or defecation). On physical examination, trigger points can be
palpated and compression will give local and referred pain. In patients with CPP, trigger points are often found
in muscles related to the pelvis like abdominal, gluteal and piriformis muscle.

6.5 Therapy
Treating pelvic floor overactivity should be considered in the management of CPP (11). There are a number of
methods, taught by specialized physiotherapists, which can be used to improve the function and co-ordination
of the pelvic floor muscles. The use of biofeedback by means of pelvic floor muscle electromyography should
be considered because it might help the patient to understand the dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. This
understanding will improve the result of the treatment.
Central trigger points are treated by stretching the muscle, which inactivates them. However, trigger
points lying in the attachment of the muscle to the bone respond better to direct manual therapy. Muscle
exercises are helpful, e.g. voluntary contractions followed by complete relaxation. Pressure on the trigger
points and subsequent release is also effective (12,13). Stretching of the muscle will be more effective after
pain relief by direct pressure on the trigger point. Injecting the trigger points with a local anaesthetic will show
that the trigger points are really causing the pain; its will give an acute relief of pain and will unblock the muscle
so that stretching becomes possible.

6.6 References
1. Olsen AL, Smith VJ, Bergstrom JO, Colling JC, Clark AL. Epidemiology of surgically managed pelvic
organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Obstet Gynecol 1997;89(4):501-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9083302
2. Constantinou CE, Govan DE. Spatial distribution and timing of transmitted and reflexly generated
urethral pressures in healthy women. J Urol 1982;127(5):964-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7201031
3. Epstein M. Physiology of sexual function in women. In: Epstein M, ed. Clinics in obstetrics and
gynaecology. London: WB Saunders, 1980, p. 7.
4. Messelink EJ, Benson T, Berghmans B et al. Standardisation of terminology of pelvic floor muscle
function and dysfunction: report from the pelvic floor clinical assessment group of the International
Continence Society. 2005;24, pp. 374-380.
https://www.icsoffice.org/ASPNET_Membership/Membership/Portal.aspx?RedirectUrl=documents/
Search/Index.asp
5. Kaplan SA, Santarosa RP, D’Alisera PM, Fay BJ, Ikeguchi EF, Hendricks J, Klein L, Te AE.
Pseudodyssynergia (contraction of the external sphincter during voiding) misdiagnosed as chronic
nonbacterial prostatitis and the role of biofeedback as a therapeutic option. J Urol 1997;157(6):
2234-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9146624
6. Messelink EJ. The overactive bladder and the role of the pelvic floor muscles. BJU Int 1999;83(Suppl
2):31-35.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10210602
7. Howard FM. Pelvic floor pain syndrome. In: Howard FM, ed. Pelvic Pain. Diagnosis and Management.
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000, pp. 429-32.
8. Zermann DH, Ishigooka M, Doggweiler R, Schmidt RA. Chronic prostatitis: a myofascial pain
syndrome? Infect Urol 1999;12:84-6.
9. Carter J.E. Abdominal wall and pelvic myofascial trigger points. In: Howard FM, ed. Pelvic Pain.
Diagnosis and Management. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, 2000, pp. 314-358
10. Slocumb JC. Neurological factors in chronic pelvic pain: trigger points and the abdominal pelvic pain
syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynaecol 1984;149(5):536543.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6234807
11. Glazer HI, Rodke G, Swencionis C, Hertz R, Young AW. Treatment of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome with
electromyographic biofeedback of pelvic floor musculature. J Reprod Med 1995;40:283290.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7623358
12. Anderson RU, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan C. Integration of myofascial trigger point release and
paradoxical relaxation training treatment of chronic pelvic pain in men. J Urol 2005;174(1):155160.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15947608
13. Srinivasan AK, Kaye JD, Moldwin R. Myofascial dysfunction associated with chronic pelvic floor pain:
management strategies. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2007;11(5):359-64.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17894926

UPDATE MARCH 2008 69

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN PERSISTENT
CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN
7.1 Introduction
This section describes the evidence for psychological factors, which play a part in the development or
maintenance of persistent pelvic pain, in adjustment to pain, and in treatments including psychologically-based
treatments.
The function of pain, particularly acute pain, is to demand action to stop or minimize damage, and to
protect the injured part to promote healing. When pain persists without ongoing damage or disease, or after the
damage has healed, it appears to have no such function. However, it can disrupt daily life and cause distress,
particularly since the person with pain tends to use the acute pain model, and to fear damage, disease, and
prolonged suffering. Cognitive and emotional processes are integral in pain processing (1,2). Psychological and
social factors are involved as risk factors for the development of persistent pain from acute pain, in adaptation
to pain, and in the decision to seek and to adhere (or not) to recommended treatment for the pain.

7.2 Psychological models of pain

A fully integrated model of pain, as described above, with changes in excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms
at peripheral and central level, and changes in cortical and subcortical processing of pain, but not defined by
tissue damage or disease severity, does not correspond well with the model of somatization, or somatoform
pain.
This model assumes that pain can be partitioned into distinct biological and psychological processes
which, added together, constitute the presenting complaint, and that absence of significant physical signs
constitutes evidence for substantial psychological causation (3,4). This has been a particularly prominent model
in pelvic pain, at least in women.
In fact, multiple models co-exist, often poorly specified. One model, unsubstantiated by psychiatric
diagnostic systems, rules that pain is inauthentic if it is not supported by clinical signs and that the pain is
therefore a covert expression of distress or psychological disorder. This model relies on a dualism, which
has no place in scientific medicine and is unacceptable to most patients. Another model, commoner in
psychodynamically informed systems, constructs pain (perhaps without physical signs, but not defined by their
absence) as an expression of an unconscious conflict or source of distress.
Several models are compatible with our understanding of physiological processes as it has developed
since Melzack and Wall’s (1965) work (1). Psychophysiological reactivity, built on stress models, describes
the activation of systems for defence against physical or psychological stress. Prolonged stress leads to
repeated alerting and depletion of systems involved. This was demonstrated by Flor et al. (1992) (5), using
electromyography in back muscles, in response to psychological/social stressors. This may be a mechanism
for the production of pain in pelvic floor muscles, even if it is not the primary cause of pelvic pain. Pelvic floor
overactivity is now the subject of investigation and treatment attempts (see Sections 2.5 and 6.5). In addition,
Link et al. (2007) (6) have proposed an association between trauma (sexual and physical abuse in childhood)
and bladder activity and urinary symptoms, presumably mediated by stress mechanisms.
The cognitive-behavioural model classically took pain as a starting point, and described modulation
of the experience of pain, and reaction to it, in terms of cognition, emotion and behaviour. There are
reliable associations between certain beliefs or types of belief, and associated behaviour and/or emotions,
including extensive evidence for the importance of psychological factors in determining the level of pain
experienced, levels of disability and restriction due to pain, levels of distress, and extent of healthcare use (2,7),
demonstrated either in specific pain problems, such as back pain or fibromyalgia, or for mixed persistent pain
populations, but with few studies in pelvic pain populations.
Psychological factors are better researched and described than social factors, and both suffer from
overlapping constructs which neither fall into clear hierarchies of organization nor map well on to processes
and pathways in the brain. Among the better established ones are attention (8) and fear and associated
avoidance patterns (9).
The cognitive and behavioural model is compatible with the psychophysiological reactivity model.
More recently, it has been extended by reference to neurotransmitters common to pain or to other symptoms,
including urinary symptoms (10) and to mood pathways; and to dysregulation across multiple systems
producing a range of ‘medically unexplained symptoms’, which concomitantly occur with mood disorders at a
higher level than chance in individuals and in their first-degree relatives (11,12).
Psychological models, particularly cognitive and behavioural models, when integrated with a
biomedical model, are described as biopsychosocial models.

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7.3 Methodology
Both PubMed and PsychInfo were searched to access trials published in psychology journals not covered by
medical databases, with a search covering the last 10 years, since psychological trials tend to take longer to
run and to reach publication than medical and other clinical trials. The Cochrane database was also searched.

7.4 Psychological factors in assessment of pelvic pain

A careful review by Savidge and Slade (1997) (13) of CPP in women identifies as problematic the notion that
women without physical findings to which pain can be causally attributed differ in psychological characteristics
from women with physical findings. They critically examine the methodologies of studies purporting to show
such differences, and the bias introduced by sampling and by unsuitable measures; they argue for better
methodology in replication of these studies, particularly those sampling life events, and for greater use of
idiographic methods. However, the report of anxiety, depression, and sexual problems is sufficiently common
for these to be important in assessment and in planning treatment. Distress, described in the patient’s terms or
within a psychodiagnostic framework, is best understood in the context of pain and of the meaning of pain to
the individual.

7.4.1 Psychological risk factors in the development of pelvic pain and adaptation to it
There is one systematic review (14) of risk factors for CPP in women: there appears to be no equivalent
systematic review of pelvic pain in men. For non-cyclical pelvic pain in women, Latthe et al. drew on 40 studies
(n = 20,040). Of the 48 risk factors included in the studies, pain was associated with (biomedical factors) pelvic
pathology, miscarriage, and heavy menstrual flow; and (psychological factors):
• lifetime drug and alcohol abuse (OR 4.61, 95%; CI 1.09-19.38)
• sexual or physical abuse (OR 1.51-3.49)
• psychological problems: anxiety (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.41-3.70); depression (OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.86-
3.88); multiple somatic problems (OR 4.83; 95% CI 2.50-9.33 and OR 8.01; 95% CI 5.16-12.44): the
terms ‘hysteria’ and ‘psychosomatic symptoms’ are used but can best be understood as multiple
somatic symptoms not associated with or indicative of any serious disease process.
Personality variables, length of education, and marital status were not reliably associated with pelvic pain in
women. Interrelationships, such as between history of sexual abuse and depression, for instance, cannot be
disentangled from the studies available.
A meta-analysis (15) confirms the reported association in retrospective studies between the report of
childhood sexual abuse by adults and persistent pain; often this concerns childhood sexual abuse and pelvic
pain (16). However, these studies are retrospective; interestingly, Latthe et al. (14) found poor quality papers
were more likely to report this association than better quality ones. The only prospective investigation into the
relationship between childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, and ‘medically unexplained pain’
including pelvic pain, used court records concerning sexual abuse before the age of 11 to establish a definite
history, comparing those with such a history with demographically matched classmates (17). It concluded
that physically and sexually abused individuals were not at risk for increased pain symptoms. Although
those individuals with pain problems as adults were more likely to report earlier sexual or physical abuse or
neglect, this did not correspond with the established early history of abuse. The correlation between childhood
victimization and pain symptoms is less straightforward than previously thought, and may be more about
retrospective explanatory frameworks used by women for pain which is ‘medically unexplained’ than about
occurrence or extent of abuse.
In particular, findings of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder in adult women reporting
childhood sexual abuse are common, with or without pain. Disentangling the influences and inferences requires
prospective study or suitable comparison groups. See Savidge and Slade (1997) (13) for an excellent critique.
Within pelvic pain populations, worthwhile studies can be done without comparison. For example, Poleshuck
et al. (2005) (18) found that, in women with pelvic pain attending a clinic, the report of physical or sexual abuse
in childhood was associated with greater psychological distress than in women without, but there were no
differences in pain experience, or physical or social function. In summary, women with pelvic pain often have
other ‘medically unexplained’ symptoms, and current or a lifetime anxiety and depression disorder; they may
have a history of physical or sexual abuse in childhood but the significance of this for pelvic pain is unclear.
The report of pelvic pain appears to be more common after rape (19), and recent sexual assault
should be considered, particularly if the woman expresses distress.
No studies were found of sexual or physical abuse in childhood and pelvic pain in men.

7.4.2 Anxiety
Findings of anxiety are common in samples of women with CPP (20), as are above-threshold scores on
screening instruments for post-traumatic stress disorder (21).
In the latter study, higher post-traumatic stress disorder scores were associated with and contributed

UPDATE MARCH 2008 71

up to 10% unique variance to poorer health status and more surgery visits. However, anxiety is likely to refer to
pain being caused by fears of missed pathology, particularly cancer, and to uncertainties about treatment and
the likely prognosis, treated or untreated.
Medical consultations and investigations are particular sources of anxiety, but also a focus of hopes
of progress towards resolution of the problem. In a study of women with pelvic pain (22), laparoscopy was
followed by a substantial reduction in pain, the size of which was predicted by beliefs about pain and about the
seriousness of the woman’s condition. Women with higher levels of pain at baseline and higher estimates of
the seriousness of their condition reported greater pain reduction.
However, anxieties are not only about the possibility of serious pathology. Stones et al. (2000)
reported that women with pelvic pain usually understand that nothing life-threatening has been or is likely to
be found, but still want a diagnosis or explanation of the pain (23). Evidence from in-depth studies of women
with pelvic pain underline the fact that they want to be assessed in terms of the effects of pain on their lives, to
feel understood and have the pain legitimized. They hope for an explanation, and reassurance about the cause
of pain and about the possibilities of treating it (24). When they feel disbelieved, and the emphasis is on the
absence of physical findings rather than on their experience of pain, they are likely to feel invalidated and to
drop out of treatment dissatisfied (25).
There appear to be no similar studies of men’s concerns when consulting for persistent pelvic pain.

7.4.3 Depression and catastrophizing

Depression or depressed mood is also commonly found in both men and women with persistent pelvic pain
(10), and has been reliably associated with urological symptoms (not necessarily painful) (10). However, this
association may be no greater than in other persistent pain groups (26), when the comparison group is from a
pain sample not from the healthy population.
In addition, there is an important methodological question to be asked of any study using diagnostic
or standard assessment instruments, which is how symptoms have been attributed, many of which in
depression are understood as neurovegetative signs. The core of clinical depression is negativity about the
self. This describes relatively few people with persistent pain, who characteristically state that it is pain, not
the self, at the base of their problem (27). Stones et al. (2000) suggested that ‘psychological distress may be
a consequence and not a cause of persistent pain: while identification of depression is important as part of
treatment, caution is required before attribution of causality’ (p. 416) (23).
Psychological factors contributing to adjustment to CPP/prostatitis in men was investigated in a large
North American cohort study (28). Overall pain severity, sensory and affective aspects of pain was predicted
by catastrophizing, particularly the helplessness dimension; pain distress was also predicted by depression.
Impact of pain on activity was predicted by urinary symptoms, pain, and taking pain-contingent rest. An earlier
study (28) has shown the importance of pain and depression for predicting lower quality of life in men with
chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain.

7.4.4 Impact of pain

The impact of pain has been investigated almost entirely in terms of sexual problems. Women with pelvic pain
reported these at a higher rate than did patients with other chronic pain disorders in a small UK study (29),
with most reporting loss of interest in sex, dyspareunia, and pain following sexual intercourse. A much larger
sample of women seeking healthcare, three-quarters for pelvic pain, yielded significantly lower quality of life
scores than age-sex norms and widespread dissatisfaction with sexual activities, which was attributed to the
pelvic problems (30). A small study of men with CPP (31) showed that pain severity predicted poorer sexual
functioning, although this was less important than relationship variables.
There are short measures available to assess the impact of pain on the patient’s life. The Brief Pain
Inventory (www.mdanderson.org/pdf/bpisf.pdf) consists of four 0 to 10 numerical scales for pain (current,
average, worst, least) and seven scales for interference with specific aspects of life: general activity, mood,
walking ability, normal work, relationships with other people, sleep, and enjoyment of life (32). A higher total
score indicates greater pain and interference by pain with life. The EuroQoL is a quality-of-life scale
(www.euroqol.org) available in various European languages and free for non-commercial use (33). It provides
questions asking about mobility, self-care, pain, usual activities, and psychological status. There are also
two questions on the impact of urinary symptoms and one on quality of life within the NIH Chronic Prostatitis
Symptom Scale, CPSI (34).

7.5 Summary: assessment recommendations (Table 13)

A psychologist (or equivalent) is not required for this level of assessment, but access to regular discussion with
a psychologist enables the clinician to interpret better the results of assessment.

72 UPDATE MARCH 2008
7.5.1 Anxiety
It is important to obtain the patient’s view of what is wrong or of what the patient is worried might be causing
pain and other symptoms. Investment in establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship with the patient pays
off when these questions are asked. Howard et al. (2003) suggest asking the patient, ‘what do you believe or
fear is the cause of your pain’? (35).
Investigations and results of examination should be explained clearly, in terms of what they can
show, what they did or didn’t show, and how this helps the investigations, attempts at diagnosis, or plans for
treatment. This requires an adequate model of pain. Brief reassurance alone provides (at best) short-term relief
of anxiety, after which the patient returns to seek help with the problem and the anxiety.

7.5.2 Depression
If the patient admits a depressed mood and attributes it to pain, it may be that the patient is interpreting
information about and experience of pain and other symptoms in catastrophic ways. Good information can
counteract this (as in anxiety). It may also be that the pain has had a serious impact on the patient’s life; roles
and satisfactions are lost because of pain, but can return with effective treatment. Encouragement to consider
how to recover valued activities, with or without some pain relief, is helpful but the patient may require advice
on how to do this from a pain management team.

7.5.3 Sexual and physical abuse in childhood

It is important to consider the possibility of physical and sexual abuse when taking the history, but disclosure
can be difficult before a therapeutic relationship is established. It is not clear that pain, which the patient
attributes to childhood sexual or physical abuse, should be managed any differently. Any disclosure of current
physical or sexual abuse should be referred immediately to appropriate health, social or welfare services.

7.6 Psychological factors in treatment of pelvic pain (Table 14)

Untreated, there is a significant likelihood of symptom improvement. A follow-up study of women with pelvic
pain referred to a clinic showed that 25% reported recovery (nearly half of them total recovery) over the 3 to
4 intervening years. However, neither pain nor distress at baseline, nor intervention received, was found to be
associated with recovery (36).
Other sections cover the various physical (surgical, pharmacological, physiotherapeutic) interventions
for male and female pelvic pain, and their outcomes. Psychological interventions may be directed:
1. At the pain itself, with the intended outcome of pain reduction and consequent reduction of impact of
pain on life, or;
2. At adjustment to pain, with the intended outcome of improved mood and function and reduced
healthcare use, with or without pain reduction.
The first category of interventions includes relaxation and biofeedback methods of controlling and
decreasing pain by reducing muscle tension. Such methods are being applied to pelvic floor retraining, both
in men (37,38) and women, sometimes alongside other physical therapies (see Section 6.5). The only RCT has
been of a specific type of cognitively enhanced physical therapy applied to overall muscle tension, not to the
pelvic floor. This Norwegian study (39) tested ‘mensendieck somatocognitive therapy’ combined with normal
gynaecological treatment versus gynaecological treatment alone in women with CPP. Pain was reduced by
50% and motor function improved by 10 hours of physical therapy, with particular attention to tension and
relaxation, and the thoughts and emotions that interfere with balanced posture and movement.
In the second category of interventions (see above), multicomponent pain management, involving
education, physical retraining, behavioural change and increasing activity, relaxation, and cognitive therapy, is
often applied to mixed groups of chronic pain patients, including those with pelvic pain, but there have been
no RCTs of pelvic pain groups. There is a systematic review and meta-analysis (40), showing good outcome for
mixed or back pain groups across pain experience, mood, coping, and activity. There is no reason to believe
this does not apply to pelvic pain patients, but a trial of pelvic pain management alone is lacking.
The Cochrane database holds one systematic review and meta-analysis of treatments for pelvic
pain, excluding pain due to endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
(41). Treatment inclusion was broad: medical, surgical, physical, psychological, lifestyle, and complementary
and alternative. Outcomes were mainly pain scores, quality of life and use of resources, including health care
resources. This review, updated in 2005, includes 14 treatment trials covering pharmacotherapy; surgery;
chiropractic; magnet therapy; counselling, psychoeducation, reassurance, and emotional disclosure; and a
multicomponent pain management programme. Most trials were small, so the review covers 1,133 patients in
all. Nine were of good methodological quality, but outcomes were mainly change in pain and other symptoms,
with few including scales for mood (2), pain beliefs (1) or impact of pain (2).
From a psychological point of view, a minority of the trials in the Cochrane systematic review is of
interest. The authors conclude in favour of educational counselling combined with ultrasound scan, which

UPDATE MARCH 2008 73

improved pain and mood; and a multidisciplinary rehabilitative approach, including surgery, pharmacotherapy,
physiotherapy, and psychosocial intervention, which improved function but not pain. A selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor antidepressant made no improvement in pain but improved function. Consultation using a
photograph taken during laparoscopy had no effect; emotional disclosure (a stress reduction method) through
writing brought about very small improvement in some pain scores.
It is regrettable that outcome measures correspond relatively poorly between studies with broadly
similar aims, i.e. to restore the patient to a more normal lifestyle and better physical and psychological health.
In the systematic review, the outcomes of pharmacotherapy trials and surgical and physical therapy trials are
percentage pain reduction, self-rated pain score, physician-rated pain, and symptom scores, urinary measures
such as peak flow rate (for persistent pelvic pain in men), pelvic tenderness (women); and uptake of further
treatment following the trial treatment. A few studies included quality of life, but none measured mood change.
Mood change is a particular issue since, intentionally or not, any intervention, and even a good
consultation can bring about cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioural change. Enabling the patient to
understand what is causing the pain, and therefore the implications of the pain for everyday life and longer-
term life goals, can be a major influence on the patient’s successful management of pain. Furthermore, if all
treatments sampled the same domains of pain in their evaluation, comparison across treatments, by medical
personnel and by patients, would be more easily achieved (42).

Table 13: Psychological factors in the assessment of CPP

Assessment Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
• Anxiety about cause of pain:’ 1a C Studies of women only: men’s
• ‘Are you worried about what anxieties not studied
might be causing your pain?
• Depression attributed to pain: 1a C Studies of women only: men’s
ask ‘How has the pain affected anxieties not studied
your life?’
‘How does the pain make you
feel emotionally?’
• Multiple physical symptoms/ 1a C
general health
• History of sexual or physical 1a C Current/recent abuse may be more
abuse important

Table 14: Treatment factors in the management of CPP

Treatment Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
• Tension-reduction; relaxation, 1b A Relaxation +/- biofeedback +/-
for pain reduction physical therapy; mainly male
pelvic pain
• Multidisciplinary pain (1a) (A) Pelvic pain patients treated
management for well-being within larger group: no specific
pelvic pain trials

7.7 References
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5320816
2. Chapman CR, Gavrin J. Suffering: the contributions of persistent pain. Lancet 1999;353(9171):2233-7.
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3. Grace VM. Pitfalls of the medical paradigm in chronic pelvic pain. Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Obstet
Gynaecol 2000;14(3):525-39.
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4. Sharpe M, Carson A. ‘Unexplained’ somatic symptoms, functional syndromes, and somatization: do
we need a paradigm shift? Ann Intern Med 2001;134(9 Pt 2):926-30.
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5. Flor H, Birbaumer N, Schugens MM, Lutzenberger W. Symptom-specific psychophysiological
responses in chronic pain patients. Psychophysiol 1992;29:452-60.
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74 UPDATE MARCH 2008
6. Link CL, Lutfey KE, Steers WD, McKinlay JD. Is abuse causally related to urologic symptoms? Results
from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey. Eur Urol 2007;52(2):397-406.
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7. Keefe FJ, Rumble ME, Scipio CD, Giordano LA, Perri LM. Psychological aspects of persistent pain:
current state of the science. J Pain 2004;5(4):195-211.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15162342
8. Eccleston C, Crombez G. Pain demands attention: a cognitive-affective model of the interruptive
function of pain. Psychol Bull 1999;125(3):356-66.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10349356
9. Vlaeyen JW, Linton SJ. Fear–avoidance and its consequences in chronic musculoskeletal pain: a state
of the art. Pain 2000;85(3):317-32.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10781906
10. Fitzgerald MP, Link CL, Litman HJ, Travison TG, McKinlay JB. Beyond the lower urinary tract: the
association of urological and sexual symptoms with common illnesses. Eur Urol 2007;52(2):407-15.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17382458
11. Schur EA, Afari N, Furberg H, Olarte M, Goldberg J, Sullivan PF, Buchwald D. Feeling bad in more
ways than one: comorbidity patterns of medically unexplained and psychiatric conditions. J Gen Intern
Med 2007;22(6):818-21.
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12. Warren JW, Jackson TL, Langenberg P, Meyers DJ, Xu J. Prevalence of interstitial cystitis in
firstdegree relatives of patients with interstitial cystitis. Urology 2004;63(1):17-21.
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433-44.
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14. Latthe P, Mignini L, Gray R, Hills R, Khan K. Factors predisposing women to chronic pelvic pain:
systematic review. BMJ 2006;332(7544):749-55.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16484239
15. Davis DA, Luecken LJ, Zautra AJ. Are reports of childhood abuse related to the experience of chronic
pain in adulthood? A meta-analytic review of the literature. Clin J Pain 2005;21(5):398-405.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16093745
16. Hilden M, Schei B, Swahnberg K, Halmesmaki E, Langhoff-Roos J, Offerdal K, Pikarinen U, Sidenius
K, Steingrimsdottir T, Stoum-Hinsverk H, Wigma B. A history of sexual abuse and health: a Nordic
multicentre study. BJOG 2004;111(10):1121-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15383115
17. Raphael KG, Widom CS, Lange G. Childhood victimization and pain in adulthood: a prospective
investigation. Pain 2001;92(1-2):283-93.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11323150
18. Poleshuck EL, Dworkin RH, Howard FM, Foster DC, Shield CG, Giles DE, Tu X. Contributions
of physical and sexual abuse to women’s experiences with chronic pelvic pain. J Reprod Med
2005;50(2):91-100.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15755045
19. Chandler HK, Ciccone DS, Raphael KG. Localization of pain and self-reported rape in a female
community sample. Pain Med 2006;7(4):344-52.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16898946
20. Zondervan KT, Yudkin PL, Vessey MP, Jenkinson CP, Dawes MG, Barlow DH, Kennedy SH. The
community prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in women and associated illness behaviour. B J Gen
Pract 2001;51(468):541-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11462313
21. Meltzer-Brody S, Leserman J, Zolnoun D, Steege J, Green E, Teich A. Trauma and posttraumatic
stress disorder in women with chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol 2007;109(4):902-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17400852
22. Elcombe S, Gath D, Day A. The psychological effects of laparoscopy on women with chronic pelvic
pain. Psychol Med 1997;27(5):1041-50.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9300510
23. Stones RW, Selfe SA, Fransman S, Horn SA. Psychosocial and economic impact of chronic pelvic
pain. Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2000;14(3):415-31.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10962635

UPDATE MARCH 2008 75

24. Price J, Farmer G, Harris J, Hope T, Kennedy S, Mayou R. Attitudes of women with chronic pelvic pain
to the gynaecological consultation: a qualitative study. BJOG 2006;113(4):446–52.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16489938
25. McGowan L, Luker K, Creed F, Chew-Graham CA. ‘How do you explain a pain that can’t be seen?’:
the narratives of women with chronic pelvic pain and their disengagement with the diagnostic cycle.
B J Health Psychol 2007;12(Pt 2):261-74.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17456285
26. Heinberg LJ, Fisher BJ, Wesselman U, Reed J, Haythornthwaite JA. Psychological factors in pelvic/
urogenital pain: the influence of site of pain versus sex. Pain 2004;108(1-2):88-94.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15109511
27. Pincus T, Williams A. Models and measurements of depression in chronic pain. J Psychosom Res
1999;47(3):211-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10576470
28. Tripp DA, Curtis Nickel J, Landis JR, Wang YL, Knauss JS, CPCRN Study Group. Predictors of quality
of life and pain in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: findings from the National Institutes
of Health Chronic Prostatis Cohort Study. BJU Int 2004;94(9):1279-82.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15610105
29. Collett BJ, Cordle J, Steward R, Jagger C. A comparative study of women with chronic pelvic pain,
chronic nonpelvic pain and those with no history of pain attending general practitioners. Br J Obset
Gynaecol 1998;105(1):87-92.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9442168
30. Kuppermann M, Learman LA, Schembri M, Gregorich S, Jacoby A, Jackson RA, Gates E, Wassel-Fyr
C, Lewis J, Washington AE. Effect of noncancerous pelvic problems on health-related quality of life
and sexual functioning. Obstet Gynecol 2007;110(3):633-42.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17766611
31. Smith KB, Tripp D, Pukall C, Nickel JC. Predictors of sexual and relationship functioning in couples
with Chronic Prostatities/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. J Sex Med 2007;4(3):734-44.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17451490
32. Tan G, Jensen MP, Thornby JI, Shanti BF. Validation of the Brief Pain Inventory for chronic
nonmalignant pain, J Pain 2004;5(2):133-7.
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2001;33(5):337-43.
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34. Turner JA, Ciol MA, Von Korff M, Berger R. Validity and responsiveness of the national institutes for
health chronic prostatitis symptom index. J Urol 2003;169(2):580-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12544311
35. Howard FM. Chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol 2003;101(3):594-611.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12636968
36. Weijenborg PTM, Greeven A, Dekker FW, Peters AW, ter Kuile MM. Clinical course of chronic pelvic
pain in women. Pain 2007;132(Suppl 1):S117-S123.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17689866
37. Anderson RU, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan C. Integration of myofascial trigger point release and
paradoxical relaxation training treatment of chronic pelvic pain in men. J Urol 2005;174(1):155-60.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15947608
38. Cornel EB, van Haarst EP, Schaarsberg RW, Geels J. The effect of biofeedback physical therapy in
men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome Type III. Eur Urol 2005;47(5):607-11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15826751
39. Haugstad GK, Haugstad TS, Kirste UM, Leganger S, Klemmetsen I, Malt UF. Mensendieck
somatocognitive therapy as treatment approach to chronic pelvic pain: Results of a randomized
controlled intervention study. Am J Obs Gynecol 2006;194(5):1303-10.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16647914
40. Morley SJ, Eccleston C, Williams A. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled
trials of cognitive behaviour therapy and behaviour therapy for chronic pain in adults, excluding
headache. Pain 1999;80(1-2):1-13.
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41. Stones W, Cheong YC, Howard FM. Interventions for treatment chronic pelvic pain in women.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(2):CD000387.
http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD000387/frame.html

76 UPDATE MARCH 2008
42. Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Farrar JT, Haythornthwaite JA, Jensen MP, Katz NP, Kerns RD, Stucki G,
Allen RR, Bellamy N, Carr DB, Chandler J, Cowan P, Dionne R, Galer BS, Hertz S, Jadad AR, Kramer
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chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain 2005;113(1-2):9-19.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15621359

8. GENERAL TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PELVIC

PAIN
There is very little specific evidence for the role of analgesic and co-analgesic drugs in CPP, with one
systematic review in women suggesting that further research is required (1). As CPP is thought to be
modulated by similar mechanisms to those of somatic, visceral and neuropathic pain, the evidence below
has been derived from the general chronic pain literature. This section has divided the drugs into their broad
classes for ease of reading and reference.
Many of the agents will be familiar to chronic pain clinicians and their involvement with difficult cases
will help in the development of individualized pain management plans. Some drugs discussed below are best
used by clinicians experienced in their use. The use of drugs for specific urogenital conditions is covered by the
guidelines for that condition. This chapter looks at the general considerations for patients within the commonly
used drug classes.
The evidence grading is the same as elsewhere in the EAU guidelines, looking at outcome of
treatment. Recommendations are based on the likely benefit to a patient in terms of pain or improved quality
of life rather than on the basis of disease modification. Table 15 provides an overview of available treatments
together with evidence levels and graded recommendations.

8.1 Simple analgesics

8.1.1 Paracetamol
Paracetamol should be considered on its own. It has analgesic and antipyretic activity and is used in acute and
chronic painful conditions (2). There is evidence for its use in somatic pain and arthritic pain in particular (3,4)
but the benefits are limited. There is little evidence about its role in CPP.

8.1.2 Acidic antipyretic analgesics

The classical NSAIDs fall into this group and include salicylic acid. They are known to act on the cyclo-
oxygenase (COX) enzyme. The early NSAIDs tended to have little selectivity for COX-2 over COX-1, and are
therefore said to be associated with more side effects than the newer COX-2 selective inhibitors. The COX-1
enzyme is mainly involved in normal ‘housekeeping’ functions, such as mediating gastric mucosal integrity,
and renal and platelet function. Blocking the COX-1 enzyme is the cause of the platelet, gastric and renal
complications that can occur with NSAIDs. It has been suggested that the COX-2 enzyme is inducible as a
result of tissue damage, and that it is the main enzyme involved in inflammation and peripheral sensitization of
nociceptors. As a result, the analgesic efficacy of COX-2 selective drugs should be as good as that of the non-
selective drugs. This, however, has been disputed (5). More recent studies and reviews including those form
the European and US drug advisory bodies highlight the cardiovascular risks associated with COX-2 selective
agents (6-8). The risk for cardiac risk is clear for COX-2 agents and classical NSAIDs may also be incriminated
(9). Thus, selective COX-2 agents should not be prescribed in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular
disease including congestive cardiac failure.
There is very little evidence for NSAIDs to be used in the management of CPP and even less evidence
for COX-2 selective drugs. Most analgesic studies have investigated dysmenorrhoea, in which NSAIDs were
found to be superior to placebo and possibly paracetamol (10).
For practical purposes the NSAIDs may be divided into:
• non-selective, low potency (e.g. salicylic acid, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid)
• non-selective, high potency (e.g. ketoprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac)
• COX-2 selective drugs (e.g. celecoxib, etoricoxib).

UPDATE MARCH 2008 77

8.1.3 Guidelines for use of NSAIDs and COX-2 selective agents
• Non-selective, low potency NSAIDs should be used in the first instance. They are most likely to be
of help if there is an inflammatory component to the pain. More potent NSAIDs should be reserved
for those conditions in which the low potency drugs have been tried and failed to produce significant
benefit.
• COX-2 selective drugs should be used with caution as an alternative to the non-selective drugs
where there is an increased risk of gastric complications. They should be avoided in patients with
known cardiovascular disease.
• NSAIDs should be taken with food and consideration must be given to the use of gastric protective
agents.
• The benefits of the NSAIDs must be demonstrated to outweigh the risks.
• All NSAIDs are contraindicated in active gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding and renal disease. They
may exacerbate asthma and produce fluid retention.
• Even if stronger analgesics such as opioids are added, the NSAIDs can be continued as they are
likely to have a synergistic action improving pain control above and beyond that obtained with
opioids alone (11).
• Paracetamol should be considered as an alternative to, or given with, NSAIDs as it is well tolerated
with few side effects

8.2 Neuropathic analgesics

8.2.1 Tricyclic antidepressants
There is very little evidence in CPP for tricyclic antidepressants in humans. What data is available includes
these drugs as options in treatment (12-14). A study in cats does suggest that tricyclics may have a role in the
management of cystitis (15). Most studies involve neuropathic pain. If there is a suggestion of nerve injury or
central sensitization, the algorithm outlined in Figure 8 should be considered.
Saarto and Wiffen (16) reviewed antidepressants for neuropathic pain. They concluded that
tricyclics are effective for neuropathic pain with limited evidence for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
antidepressant drugs and insufficient evidence for other antidepressants. The study suggests that HIV-related
pain does not respond and further work is required with regard to more specific conditions.
Tricyclic antidepressants tend to be used in lower dosages than those required for treating
depression. Amitriptyline is used up to a dose of 150 mg once daily.

8.2.2 Anticonvulsants
These drugs have been used in the management of pain for many years. Whereas there is little evidence to
support the use of anticonvulsants in the management of genitourinary pain, they should be considered if there
is a suggestion of neuropathic pain or central sensitization. There is no role for these drugs in acute pain (17).
Gabapentin has been introduced for pain management and has undergone a systematic review by
Wiffen (18). It is said to have fewer serious side effects compaired to the older anticonvulsants and in some
countries is licensed for use in chronic neuropathic pain. There are claims that it produces a more natural sleep
state at night than antidepressants.
The evidence (for neuropathic pain) does not demonstrate any superiority for gabapentin over
carbamazepine (17). The numbers needed to harm (for minor harm) is 2.5 for gabapentin and 3.7 for
carbamazepine. Many practitioners, however, would not use carbamazepine as a first-line anticonvulsant in
pain management because of its potentially serious side effects (blood, hepatic or skin disorders).
Carbamazepine and other anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin or valproate) have been used for
neuropathic pain but are best reserved for practioners familiar with their use.

8.2.3 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists

The NMDA receptor channel complex is known to be an important channel for the development and
maintenance of chronic pain. It is felt to be particularly important when there is evidence of central sensitization
and opioid tolerance (19-23). These are the phenomena that alter signal transmission within the nervous
system so that non-painful stimuli may become painful (allodynia) and pain from a painful stimulus is magnified
(hyperalgesia). NMDA antagonists have been used in the management of neuropathic pain (24).
Ketamine has been useful in several chronic pain states including peripheral neuropathies with
allodynia, stump and phantom pain, central pain, and cancer-related pain, with and without a neurological
component, but its long-term role remains unclear (25).
Ketamine has been used as a general anaesthetic for over 30 years. It has also been used as an
intravenous analgesic in burns units and accident and emergency units. Ketamine is thought to act primarily at
the NMDA receptor, though it may also have action at sodium channels and opioid (kappa and mu) receptors

78 UPDATE MARCH 2008
(23). Difficult urogenital pains may therefore be helped by ketamine if there is evidence of nerve injury or central
sensitization.
Ketamine is not licensed for use in chronic pain and like the opioids has been used as a street drug of
addiction. Ketamine should only be started by an experienced practitioner trained in its use. Similar care to that
of opioids must be taken if a patient is to be managed at home.

8.2.4 Sodium channel blockade

In a significant number of patients with urogenital pain, nerve injury and neuropathic changes are thought
to play a role. These may be associated with a reduction in some sodium channels and the development
of novel sodium channels. As a result, injured afferents become prone to generating more prolonged and
higher frequency discharges, with a reduced refractory period. These changes in the characteristics of
sodium channels are thought to underlie the mechanisms of mechanosensitivity, thermosensitivity and
chemosensitivity (26). They may be involved in some visceral hyperalgesia.
Human studies have demonstrated that intravenous lidocaine reduces neuropathic pain and sensory
phenomena, such as allodynia (27). A positive lidocaine challenge may be followed by repeated infusions of
lidocaine and the benefit from a single infusion may be prolonged.
A role for the oral analogue, mexiletine, has also to be defined (28); a positive response to intravenous
lidocaine does not always indicate that mexiletine will work.
Challapalli et al. have reviewed the role of local anaesthetic agents in neuropathic pain. They are safe
and better than placebo and as effective as other analgesics. Further research is needed into specific painful
conditions and outcome measures to assess whether pain relief is clinically significant (29). Again, these agents
are being used outside their licence and are best instituted by clinicians familiar with them.

8.3 Opioids
There is now a general acceptance that opioids have a role in the management of chronic non-malignant pain
(30). Studies have tended to be short term and a systematic review concluded that further research is required
into the long-term use of opioids (31). The use of opioids in urogenital pain is poorly defined. Their use in
neuropathic pain remains equivocal but a meta-analysis suggests clinically important benefits (32). The authors
emphasize that more research is needed ino long-term outcomes and side effects. There is also evidence
suggesting that opioids may produce different responses with different types of pain (33).
Generally, slow-release preparations are preferred for chronic pain. Side effects are common but
rarely serious. If, however, a particular agent causes side effects and clinical benefit, rotating to another opioid
may be beneficial. Titrating the dose should be closely monitored to assess both benefit and side effects.
Rotating from one opioid to another also requires close monitoring as there are no exact dose equivalents.
General guidelines for the use of opioids in chronic pain have been published (34,35). The following guidelines
are suggested, but the clinician involved should be familiar with the use of opioids in non-malignant pain.

8.3.1 Guidelines for the use of opioids in chronic/non-acute urogenital pain

1. All other reasonable treatments must have been tried and failed.
2. The decision to instigate long-term opioid therapy should be made by an appropriately trained
specialist in consultation with another physician (preferably the patient’s family doctor).
3. Where there is a history or suspicion of drug abuse, a psychiatrist or psychologist with an interest in
pain management and drug addiction should be involved.
4. The patient should undergo a trial of opioids.
5. The dose required needs to be calculated by careful titration.
6. The patient should be made aware (and possibly give written consent):
I. That opioids are strong drugs and associated with addiction and dependency.
II. The opioids will normally only be prescribed from one source (preferably the family doctor).
III. The drugs will be prescribed for fixed periods of time and a new prescription will not be
available until the end of that period.
IV. The patient will be subjected to spot urine and possibly blood checks to ensure that the
drug is being taken as prescribed and that non-prescribed drugs are not being taken.
V. Inappropriate aggressive behaviour associated with demanding the drug will not be
accepted.
VI. Hospital specialist review will normally occur at least once a year.
VII. The patient may be requested to attend a psychiatric/psychology review.
VIII. Failure to comply with the above may result in the patient being referred to a drug
dependency agency and the use of therapeutic, analgesic opioids being stopped.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 79

7. Morphine is the first-line drug, unless there are contraindications to morphine or special indications
for another drug. The drug should be prescribed in a slow-release/modified release form. Short-
acting preparations are undesirable and should be avoided where possible. Parenteral dosing is
undesirable and should be avoided where possible.

8.3.2 Morphine
There is no compelling evidence that one opiate is better than another. Morphine is the traditional gold
standard and the opioid many physicians are most familiar with. In an acute situation, the daily morphine
requirement may be calculated by titration of rapid-release morphine. In chronic pain situations, starting with a
low dose of slow-release morphine and titrating the dose every 3 days to 1 week is adequate.

8.3.3 Transdermal fentanyl

Transdermal fentanyl is used when oral absorption is restricted or when the patient suffers with intolerable
side effects from other opioids. Patients with rapid bowel transit times (e.g. iliostomy) may find transdermal
preparations beneficial. Patches are generally changed every 72 hours.

8.3.4 Methadone
Methadone is a strong analgesic with a long track record of use. It has opioid and NMDA-antagonistic activity
(24). It is suggested that further work is needed to look at its role in neuropathic pain (33). Its use is supported
as a fourth-line agent in treating neuropathic pain in a consensus document by the Canadian Pain Society
(36). Rotating from other opioids to methadone is not an exact science because dosing ratios are not clearly
understood (37). Metabolite accumulation and cardiac side effects can be a problem. A practitioner familiar
with its use as an analgesic should prescribe methadone.

8.3.5 Oxycodone
A slow-release preparation is available with evidence suggesting its benefit in neuropathic pain. Evidence
suggests that oxycodone has benefits over morphine in some experimentally induced visceral pains (38). The
pharmacology of oxycodone is different to morphine in experimental neuropathic states (39). An RCT has also
demonstrated a role for oxycodone in neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy) (40).

8.3.6 Other opioids and opioid-like agents

Other opioids are available as slow- or modified-release preparations. They may be useful for opiate rotation if
side effects or tolerance is a problem.
Buprenorphine and pentazocine both have agonist and antagonist properties and can induce
withdrawal symptoms in patients used to opioids. Naloxone may only partly reverse respiratory depression.
Buprenorphine topical patches are now available and may offer a similar advantage to topical fentanyl.
Codeine and dihydrocodeine are effective for the relief of mild-to-moderate pain. They are limited
by side effects (notably constipation) and genetic variance of metabolism that affects analgesic efficacy.
Approximately 10% of individuals will not effectively metabolize codeine resulting in inadequate analgesia (41).
Tramadol produces analgesia by two mechanisms, an opioid effect and an enhancement of
serotoninergic and adrenergic pathways (42,43). It has fewer typical opioid side effects (especially less
respiratory depression, less constipation and less addiction potential) and is available in a slow-release
preparation. A Cochrane review suggests that there is a role for tramadol in neuropathic pain management (44).

80 UPDATE MARCH 2008
Figure 8: Guidelines for the use of neuropathic analgesics

UPDATE MARCH 2008 81

Table 15: General treatment of CPP

Type of pain Level of Grade of Comment

evidence recommendation
Paracetamol for 1b A Benefit is limited and based on arthritic
somatic pain pain
COX-2 antagonists 1b A Avoid in patients with cardiovascular
risk factors
NSAIDs 1a B Better than placebo but unable to
for dysmenorrhoea distinguish between agents
Tricyclic antidepressants 1a A Neuropathic pain
Tricyclic antidepressants 3 C Evidence suggests pelvic pain is
similar to neuropathic pain
Anticonvulsants 1a A For neuropathic pain
Gabapentin
Opioids 1a A Limited long-term data
for chronic non Should only be used by clinicians
malignant pain experienced in their use
Opioids 1a A Benefit is probably clinically significant
for neuropathic pain Caution with use, as above
COX = cyclo-oxygenase; NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

8.4 References
1. Stones W, Cheong YC, Howard FM. Interventions for treating chronic pelvic pain in women. Cochrane
Database System Rev 2005;(2):CD000387.
http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD000387/frame.html
2. Bannwarth B, Pehourcq F. [Pharmacologic basis for using paracetamol: pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic issues.] Drugs 2003;63 Spec No 2, pp. 5-13. [article in French]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14758786
3. Bradley JD, Brandt KD, Katz BP, Kalasinski LA, Ryan SI. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis: relationship
of clinical features of joint inflammation to the response to a nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drug or pure
analgesic. J Rheumatol 1992;19(12):1950-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1294745
4. Williams HJ, Ward JR, Egger MJ, Neuner R, Brooks RH, Clegg DO, Field EH, Skosey JL, Alarcon GS,
Willkens RF, et al., Comparison of naproxen and acetaminophen in a two-year study of treatment of
osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Rheum 1993;36(9):1196-206.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8216413
5. McCormack K, Twycross R. Cox-2-selective inhibitors and analgesia. Pain Clinical Updates
2002:10(1).
6. Jones SF, Power I. Postoperative NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors: cardiovascular risks and benefits.
Br J Anaesth 2005;95(3):281-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16076922
7. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) release. Cardiovascular Safety of
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Overview of key data. MHRA, 2005.
http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Product-
specificinformationandadvice/CardiovascularsafetyofCOX-2inhibitorsandnon-selectiveNSAIDs/
CON019582
8. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Questions and Answers. FDA Regulatory Actions for the
COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/COX2/COX2qa.htm
9. Kearney PM, Baigent C, Godwin J, Halls H, Emberson JR, Patrono C. Do selective cyclo-oxygenase-2
inhibitors and traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of atherothrombosis?
Meta-analysis of randomised trials. BMJ 2006;332(7553):1302-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16740558
10. Marjoribanks J, Proctor ML, Farquhar C. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for primary
dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD001751.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14583938
11. Christie MJ, Vaughan CW, Ingram SL. Opioids, NSAIDs and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors act
synergistically in brain via arachidonic acid metabolism. Inflamm Res 1999;48(1):1-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9987677

82 UPDATE MARCH 2008
12. Greco CD. Management of adolescent chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis: a pain center
perspective. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2003;16(3 Suppl):S17-S19.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12742182
13. Phatak S, Foster HE Jr. The management of interstitial cystitis: an update. Nat Clin Pract Urol
2006;3(1):45-53.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16474494
14. Pontari MA. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in elderly men: toward better
understanding and treatment. Drugs Aging 2003;20(15):1111-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14651434
15. Chew DJ, Buffington CA, Kendall MS, DiBartola SP, Woodworth BE. Amitriptyline treatment for severe
recurrent idiopathic cystitis in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;213(9):1282-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9810383
16. Saarto T, Wiffen PJ. Antidepressants for neuropathic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
2007;17(4):CD005454.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17943857
17. Wiffen P, Collins S, McQuay H, Carroll D, Jadad A, Moore A. Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and
chronic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(3):CD001133.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16034857
18. Wiffen PJ, McQuay HJ, Edwards JE, Moore RA. Gabapentin for acute and chronic pain. Cochrane
Database Syst Rev. 2005;(3):CD005452.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16034978
19. Price DD, Mayer DJ, Mao J, Caruso FS. NMDA-receptor antagonists and opioid receptor interactions
as related to analgesia and tolerance. J Pain Symptom Manage 2000;19(1 Suppl):S7-S11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10687332
20. Eide PK, Jørum E, Stubhaug A, Bremnes J, Breivik H. Relief of post-herpetic neuralgia with the
Nmethyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist ketamine: a double-blind, cross-over comparison with
morphine and placebo. Pain 1994;58(3):347-54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7838584
21. Guirimand F, Dupont X, Brasseur L, Chauvin M, Bouhassira D. The effects of ketamine on the
temporal summation (wind-up) of the R(III) nociceptive flexion reflex and pain in humans. Anaesth
Analg 2000;90(2):408-14.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10648330
22. Laurido C, Pelissier T, Pérez H, Flores F, Hernández A. Effect of ketamine on spinal cord nociceptive
transmission in normal and monoarthritic rats. Neuroreport 2001;12(8):1551-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11409714
23. Mikkelsen S, Ilkjaer S, Brennum J, Borgbjerg FM, Dahl JB. The effect of naloxone on ketamineinduced
effects on hyperalgesia and ketamine-induced side effects in humans. Anaesthesiology
1999;90(6):1539-45.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10360849
24. Hewitt DJ. The use of NMDA-receptor antagonists in the treatment of chronic pain. Clin J Pain
2000;16(2 Suppl):S73-S79.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10870744
25. Visser E, Schug SA. The role of ketamine in pain management. Biomed Pharmacother 2006;60(7):
341-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16854557
26. Cummins T et al. Sodium channels as molecular targets in pain. In: Devor M, Rowbotham M,
Wiesenfeld-Hallin Z, eds. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress on Pain. Seattle: IASP, 2000, pp.
77-91.
27. Baranowski AP, De Courcey J, Bonello E. A trial of intravenous lidocaine on the pain and allodynia of
postherpetic neuralgia. J Pain Symptom Manage 1999;17(6):429-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10388248
28. Galer BS, Harle J, Rowbotham MC. Response to intravenous lidocaine infusion predicts subsequent
response to oral mexiletine: a prospective study. J Pain Symptom Manage 1996;12(3):161-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8803379
29. Challapalli V, Tremont-Lukats IW, McNicol ED, Lau J, Carr DB. Systemic administration of local
anesthetic agents to relieve neuropathic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(4):CD003345.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16235318
30. McQuay H. Opioids in pain management. Lancet 1999;353(9171):2229-32.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10393001

UPDATE MARCH 2008 83

31. Kalso E, Edwards JE, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Opioids in chronic non-cancer pain: systematic review
of efficacy and safety. Pain 2004;s112(3):372-80.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15561393
32. Eisenberg E, McNicol E, Carr DB. Opioids for neuropathic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2006;(3):CD006146.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16856116
33. Lemberg K, Kontinen VK, Viljakka K, Kylänlahti I, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Kalso E. Morphine, oxycodone,
methadone and its enantiomers in different models of nociception in the rat. Anaesth Analg
2006;102(6):1768-74.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16717324
34. Kalso E, Allan L, Dellemijn PL, Faura CC, Ilias WK, Jensen TS, Perrot S, Plaghki LH, Zenz M.
Recommendations for using opioids in chronic non-cancer pain. Eur J Pain 2003;7(5):381-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12935789
35. The Pain Society, Recommendations for the appropriate use of opioids for persistent non-cancer pain.
A consensus statement prepared on behalf of the Pain Society, the Royal College of Anaesthetists,
the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. London: The Pain
Society, 2004.
http://www.britishpainsociety.org/book_opioid_main.pdf
36. Moulin DE, Clark AJ, Gilron I, Ware MA, Watson CP, Sessle BJ, Coderre T, Morley-Forster PK, Stinson
J, Boulanger A, Peng P, Finley GA, Taenzer P, Squire P, Dion D, Cholkan A, Gilani A, Gordon A,
Henry J, Jovey R, Lynch M, Mailis-Gagnon A, Panju A, Rollman GB, Velly A; Canadian Pain Society.
Pharmacological management of chronic neuropathic pain–consensus statement and guidelines from
the Canadian Pain Society. Pain Res Manag 2007;12(1):13-21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17372630
37. Fredheim OM, Borchgrevink PC, Klepstad P, Kaasa S, Dale O. Long term methadone for chronic pain:
a pilot study of pharmacokinetic aspects. Eur J Pain 2007;11(6):599-604.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17113329
38. Staahl C, Dimcevski G, Andersen SD, Thorsgaard N, Christrup LL, Arendt-Nielsen L, Drewes AM.
Differential effect of opioids in patients with chronic pancreatitis: an experimental pain study. Scand J
Gastroenterol 2007;42(3):383-90.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17354119
39. Nielsen CK, Ross FB, Lotfipour S, Saini KS, Edwards SR, Smith MT. Oxycodone and morphine have
distinctly different pharmacological profiles: radioligand binding and behavioural studies in two rat
models of neuropathic pain. Pain 2007;132(3):289-300.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17467904
40. Watson CP, Moulin D, Watt-Watson J, Gordon A, Eisenhoffer J. Controlled-release oxycodone relieves
neuropathic pain: a randomized controlled trial in painful diabetic neuropathy. Pain 2003;105(1-2):
71-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14499422
41. Mikus G, Weiss J. Influence of CYP2D6 genetics on opioid kinetics, metabolism and response. Curr
Pharmacogenomics 2005;3(1):43-52.
42. Sagata K, Minami K, Yanagihara N, Shiraishi M, Toyohira Y, Ueno S, Shigematsu A. Tramadol inhibits
norepinephrine transporter function at desipramine-binding sites in cultured bovine adrenal medullary
cells. Anaesth Analg 2002;94(4):901-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11916794
43. Desmeules JA, Piguet V, Collart L, Dayer P. Contribution of monoaminergic modulation to the
analgesic effect of tramadol. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1996;41(1):7-12.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8824687
44. Hollingshead J, Dühmke RM, Cornblath DR. Tramadol for neuropathic pain. Cochrane Database Syst
Rev 2006;(3):CD003726.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16856016

8.5 Nerve blocks

Neural blockade for pain management is usually carried out by a consultant in pain medicine with an
anaesthetic background. Textbooks have been written on the techniques employed and individual specialists
using neural blockade must be well versed in assessment of the patient, the indications for specific
procedures, and the general and specific risks associated with the procedures, as well as possible advantages.
Procedures may be performed for diagnostic reasons, therapeutic benefit or possibly both. Diagnostic
blocks can be difficult to interpret and a clear understanding of the many mechanisms by which a block may
be acting must be understood. Temporary but consistent responses to nerve blocks may lead a specialist to

84 UPDATE MARCH 2008
proceed with a neurolytic nerve block or to a pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation procedure. Neurolytic
nerve blocks are rarely indicated for a benign process, and to proceed with a neurolytic nerve block may result
in disastrous results.
Published guidelines emphasize that all nerve blocks should be performed with appropriate attention
to safety, including the presence of skilled support staff and appropriate monitoring and resuscitation
equipment. The use of block needles, nerve location devices and imaging (i.e. X-ray image intensifier,
ultrasound or computerized tomography) appropriate for the procedure is essential.
The evidence base for nerve blocks is not strong (1-5), but suggests that:
• Peripheral nerve blocks, such as ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric/genitofemoral, may be useful in the
management of neuropathic pain associated with nerve damage, such as following hernia repairs.
• Blocks around the spermatic cord may be useful diagnostically prior to testicular denervation.
• Lumbar (L1) sympathetic blocks may be helpful in the management of testicular pain, renal pain and
possibly a range of pelvic pain conditions with afferents that pass via the L1 level.
• Pudendal nerve blocks may be useful in the management of pudendal nerve injury related pain and
possibly pelvic floor muscle spasm. Where pudendal neuralgia is suspected, pudendal nerve blocks
may have a diagnostic role. Multiple other nerves close to the pudendal nerve may also be associated
with neuropathic symptoms and differential nerve blocks using neurotracing may be of help in
understanding the process’.
• Pre-sacral blocks and the ganglion Impar block may have a role in the management of pelvic
pathology, particularly cancer pain.
• Sacral root nerve blocks may be helpful in the diagnosis of those conditions that might respond to
sacral root stimulation.
The above list is not exhaustive and readers are advised to look at the major textbooks in this area (6).

8.5.1 References
1. Kennedy EM, Harms BA, Starling JR. Absence of maladaptive neuronal plasticity after genitofemoral-
ilioinguinal neurectomy. Surgery 1994;116(4):665-70; discussion 670-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7940164
2. Yamamoto M, Hibi H, Katsuno S, Miyake K. Management of chronic orchialgia of unknown etiology.
Int J Urol 1995;2(1):47-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7542163
3. Calvillo O, Skaribas IM, Rockett C. Computed tomography-guided pudendal nerve block. A new
diagnostic approach to long-term anoperineal pain: a report of two cases. Reg Anaesth Pain Med
2000;25(4):420-3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10925942
4. Kovacs P, Gruber H, Piegger J, Bodner G. New, simple, ultrasound-guided infiltration of the pudendal
nerve: ultrasonographic technique. Dis Colon Rectum 2001;44(9):1381-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11584221
5. McDonald JS, Spigos DG. Computed tomography-guided pudendal block for treatment of pelvic pain
due to pudendal neuropathy. Obstet Gynecol 2000;95(2):306-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10674599
6. Baranowski AP, Fall M, Abrams P, eds. Urogenital Pain in Clinical Practice. Taylor and Francis, 2007.

8.6 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The rationale behind using surface electrical nerve stimulation to relieve pain is the stimulation of myelinated
afferents and thus activation of segmental inhibitory circuits. Urinary frequency may also be reduced. The
favoured explanation of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) draws on the gate-control theory of
pain (1). Nevertheless, TENS may directly elicit reflex effects and influence autonomous functions. For example,
relaxation of the bronchial muscles (2), the coronary arteries (3) and the urinary bladder have been observed in
response to TENS (4).
TENS involves the use of a pulse generator with an amplifier and electrodes. The pulses may be
delivered continuously or as trains of varying duration. Continuous stimulation seems to be preferable when
treating pain.
The stimulation pulses used may have different properties. Square-wave pulses are notably effective
in activating the nerve fibres and are most frequently used. Biphasic pulses are preferable as the zero net
charge flow of this pulse helps to reduce electrochemical reactions at the electrode contact sites. Nevertheless,
technical simplification has led to the use of unipolar rectangular pulses in many devices, apparently with few
complications. The stimulus intensity required to activate a peripheral nerve varies with the pulse duration. In
terms of charge transfer for a threshold effect, short pulses (0.1 ms) are most effective, but at the expense of
higher pulse amplitudes (5). For most applications of nerve stimulation, the pulse frequency is a crucial variable.

UPDATE MARCH 2008 85

The frequencies used during TENS vary widely, from 1 Hz to 100 Hz. There are no systematic evaluation data
to guide optimal electrical settings for TENS in urological practice.
Standard electrodes are made of carbon rubber. These are strong, flexible, durable and cheap, but
must be attached by adhesive tape. Self-adhesive electrodes have been developed. These are especially
advantageous for people with sensitive skin, but they are expensive. The size of the electrode has a bearing on
the current density – a minimum of 4 cm2 has been recommended for TENS (6). The electrode-skin impedance
should be reduced by application of a generous layer of electrolyte gel to promote good contact under the
entire electrode.
The stimulus intensity required to elicit sensory appreciation varies between individuals. The maximum
tolerable intensity just below pain threshold should be used. While it is plausible that electrode positioning will
affect the result of treatment, this property has not been evaluated. In BPS/IC, suprapubic (7,8), vaginal-anal
(4,9) and tibial nerve sites (10,11) have been tested, all with some success.
Counselling of the patient before the start of the treatment is necessary. A specially trained nurse with
the time necessary to communicate the technical instructions is a good option. The patient should be confident
with the feeling of strong stimulation and view self-treatment without fear. The induction time for TENS to
produce analgesia varies widely. The effect is cumulative. Since onset and progression are usually rather slow
in IC, the standard recommendation so far has been 0.5-2 hours of treatment twice daily. The duration of an
individual treatment session depends on the severity of pain.

8.6.1 Results of suprapubic TENS in BPS/IC

Observations are scant. In the largest study published so far, 60 patients, 33 with classic IC and 27 with non-
ulcer disease, were treated by suprapubic TENS (6). The electrodes were positioned about 10-15 cm apart,
immediately above the pubic symphysis. They were attached by a long strip of adhesive tape going halfway
around the body to enable the patient to be ambulant during stimulation. Follow-up ranged from 9 months to
17 years. Patients who responded reported more marked effects on bladder pain than on micturition frequency.
Of the patients with classic IC, 54% were helped by the treatment. The outcome of TENS was less favourable
in non-ulcer IC. Of 27 patients with non-ulcer IC, only 26% benefited from the treatment.
The present experience of electrical stimulation is based on open studies. There are difficulties in
designing controlled studies of TENS, since the treatment is based on administration of stimulation of high
intensity, at specific sites, over a very long period of time. Another problem is that it is not possible to measure
pain precisely. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the efficacy of TENS in BPS/IC with accuracy.
Several controlled studies of post-operative pain have shown TENS to be superior to sham stimulation
(12). TENS has also been shown to reduce the amount of halothane required to maintain adequate anaesthesia
during hand surgery in unconscious patients, in whom psychological influences have been eliminated (13). The
beneficial effect of TENS on classic IC clearly exceeds the level of the placebo effect observed in drug studies
of IC (54% versus 13-20%) (14,15).

8.7 Sacral neuromodulation in pelvic pain syndromes

Sacral neuromodulation (SNS) has been shown to have benefits in patients with refractory motor urge
incontinence (16,17), urinary retention, and CPP (18-20). Neuropathic pain and complex regional pain
syndromes may also be treated successfully with neurostimulation applied to dorsal columns and peripheral
nerves (21).
The mechanisms of action are the subject of many hypotheses, with very little evidence to support any
particular one. The hypotheses include:
• blocking of pain transmission by direct effects in the spinothalamic tracts
• activation of descending inhibitory pathways
• effects on central sympathetic systems
• segmental inhibition through coarse fibre activation and brain stem loops
• inhibition by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the dorsal horn
• thalamocortical mechanisms masking the nociceptive input (21,22).
Sacral root neuromodulation was introduced in the mid-1980s as a means of regaining bladder control in the
face of disturbed function (23). Based on the neurophysiology of the bladder and urethra, it is a minimally
invasive tool that bridges the gap between conservative options and invasive surgical procedures. The data on
clinical applications are drawn exclusively from observational studies.
Sacral root neuromodulation draws on the observation that electrical stimulation of sacral
nerves modulates neural reflexes of the pelvis (24). Acceptable application of the stimuli is the challenge.
Neurostimulation of S3 or S4 sacral nerves using a transforamenal approach is a viable option for patients with
refractory urinary voiding disorders.
Recently, SNS has also been investigated in IC. In an initial report on six patients (25), percutaneous
neurostimulation significantly improved frequency, pain and urgency towards normal values, while urinary

86 UPDATE MARCH 2008
markers for IC were normalized. Maher et al. (26) reported a favourable response with significant improvement
in pelvic pain, daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency and voided volume in 15 women with IC.
Because pelvic pain syndromes are viewed as a manifestation of disturbed neural function, patients
with refractory pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain have been treated with SNS and benefit has been
reported (27). Sacral neuromodulation for CPP has been based on promising data from pilot studies and
prospective, placebo-controlled studies are now justified.

8.7.1 References
1. Melzack R, Wall PD. Pain mechanisms: a new theory. Science 1965;150(699):971-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5320816
2. Sovijarvi AR, Poppius H. Acute bronchodilating effect of transcutaneous nerve stimulation in asthma.
A peripheral reflex or psychogenic response. Scand J Respir Dis 1977;58(3):164-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/302028
3. Mannheimer C, Carlsson CA, Vedin A, Wilhelmsson C. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) in angina pectoris. Pain 1986;26(3):291-300.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3534690
4. Fall M, Carlsson CA, Erlandson BE. Electrical stimulation in interstitial cystitis. J Urol 1980;123(2):
192-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6965508
5. Fall M, Lindström S. Electrical stimulation. A physiologic approach to the treatment of urinary
incontinence. Urol Clin North Am 1991;18(2):393-407.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2017820
6. Fall M, Lindstrom S. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in classic and nonulcer interstitial
cystitis. Urol Clin North Am 1994;21(1):131-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8284836
7. Fall M. Conservative management of chronic interstitial cystitis: transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation and transurethral resection. J Urol 1985;133(5):774-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3872946
8. Fall M. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in interstitial cystitis. Update on clinical experience.
Urology 1987;29(4 Suppl):40-2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3494331
9. Eriksen BC. Painful bladder disease in women: effect of maximal electric pelvic floor stimulation.
Neurourol Urodynam 1989;8:362-3.
10. Geirsson G, Wang YH, Lindstrom S, Fall M. Traditional acupuncture and electrical stimulation of the
posterior tibial nerve. A trial in chronic interstitial cystitis. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1993;27(1):67-70.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8493470
11. McGuire EJ, Zhang SC, Horwinski ER, Lytton B. Treatment of motor and sensory detrusor instability
by electrical stimulation. J Urol 1983;129(1):78-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6600794
12. Woolf CJ. Segmental afferent fibre-induced analgesia: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) and vibration. In: Melzack R, Wall PD, eds. Textbook of Pain. 2nd ed. Edinburgh; Churchill-
Livingstone, pp. 884-894.
13. Bourke DL, Smith BA, Erickson J, Gwartz B, Lessard L. TENS reduces halothane requirements during
hand surgery. Anaesthesiology 1984;61(6):769-72.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/pubmed/6391280
14. Mulholland SG, Hanno P, Parsons CL, Sant GR, Staskin DR. Pentosan polysulfate sodium for therapy
of interstitial cystitis. A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. Urology 1990;35(6):552-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1693797
15. Holm-Bentzen M, Jacobsen F, Nerstrom B, Lose G, Kristensen JK, Pedersen RH, Krarup T, Feggetter
J, Bates P, Barnard R et al. A prospective double-blind clinically controlled multicenter trial of sodium
pentosanpolysulfate in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and related painful bladder disease. J Urol
1987;138(3):503-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2442415
16. Kennedy EM, Harms BA, Starling JR. Absence of maladaptive neuronal plasticity after genitofemoral-
ilioinguinal neurectomy. Surgery 1994;116(4):665-70; discussion 670-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7940164

UPDATE MARCH 2008 87

17. Janknegt RA, Hassouna MM, Siegel SW, Schmidt RA, Gajewski JB, Rivas DA, Elhilali MM, Milam DC,
van Kerrebroeck PE, Dijkema HE, Lycklama a Nyeholt AA, Fall M, Jonas U, Catanzaro F, Fowler CJ,
Oleson KA. Long-term effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory urge incontinence. Eur
Urol 2001;39(1):101-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11173947
18. Paszkiewicz EJ, Siegel SW, Kirkpatrick C, Hinkel B, Keeisha J, Kirkemo A. Sacral nerve stimulation in
patients with chronic, intractable pelvic pain. Urology 2001;57(6 Suppl 1):124.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11378113
19. Edlund C, Hellstrom M, Peeker R, Fall M. First Scandinavian experience of electrical sacral nerve
stimulation in the treatment of the overactive bladder. Scand J Urol Nephrol 2000;34(6):366-76.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11195901
20. Shaker HS, Hassouna M. Sacral root neuromodulation in idiopathic nonobstructive chronic urinary
retention. J Urol 1998;159(5):1476-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9554336
21. Kemler MA, Barendse GA, van Kleef M, de Vet HC, Rijks CP, Furnee CA, van den Wildenberg
FA. Spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy. N Engl J Med
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22. Kemler MA, Barendse GA, van Kleef M, Egbrink MG. Pain relief in complex regional pain syndrome
due to spinal cord stimulation does not depend on vasodilation. Anaesthesiology 2000;92(6):1653-60.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10839916
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100921

88 UPDATE MARCH 2008
9. ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TEXT
This list is not comprehensive for the most common abbreviations

ABP acute bacterial prostatitis

BCG Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
BPS bladder pain syndrome
BTX Botulinum Toxin A
CBP chronic bacterial prostatitis
CFU colony-forming units
CNS central nervous system
COX cyclo-oxygenase
CPP(S) chronic pelvic pain (syndrome)
CPSI chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index
CyA cyclosporin A
DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide
DRE digital rectal examination
ED erectile dysfunction
EMDA electromotive drug administration
EPS expressed prostatic secretions
ESSIC European Society for the Study of IC/PBS
FD first desire to void
GAG glycosaminoglycan
GI gastrointestinal
HBO hyperbaric oxygen
IASP International Association for the Study of Pain
IC interstitial cystitis
ICA Interstitial Cystitis Association
ICDB Interstitial Cystitis Data Base
ICS International Continence Society
ICSI Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (also known as the O’Leary Sant Symptom Index)
IL-6 interleukin-6
I-PSS International Prostate Symptom Score
ISSVD International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease
LHRH luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
LUT lower urinary tract
LUTS lower urinary tract symptoms
ND normal desire to void
Nd-YAG neodymium-yttrium-aluminium-garnet
NIDDK National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
NIH National Institutes of Health
NMDA N-methyl-D-aspartate
NSAID non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
PBS painful bladder syndrome
PCA prostate cancers
PFM pelvic floor muscles
PPMT pre- and post-massage test
PPS pentosanpolysulphate sodium
PSA prostate specific antigen
PUGO IASP special interest group, Pain of Urogenital Origin
PVR post-void residual urine
RCT randomized controlled trial
RTX resiniferatoxin
SNS sacral neuromodulation
SPIN Specialists in Pain International Network
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TUNA transurethral needle ablation of the prostate
TUR transurethral resection
VAS visual analogue scale
VB2 pre-prostatic massage urine
VB3 post-prostatic massage urine

UPDATE MARCH 2008 89

VIP vasoactive intestinal peptide
WBC white blood cells
WHO World Health Organization

Conflict of interest
All members of the Chronic Pelvic Pain guidelines writing panel have provided disclosure statements of all
relationships which they have and which may be perceived as a potential source of conflict of interest. This
information is kept on file in the European Association of Urology Central Office database. This guidelines
document was developed with the financial support of the European Association of Urology. No external
sources of funding and support have been involved. The EAU is a non-profit organisation and funding is limited
to administrative assistance and travel - and meeting expenses. No honoraria or other reimbursements have
been provided.

90 UPDATE MARCH 2008