Pelvic pain and generalized persistent pain in people with mayer-rokitansky-küster-hauser syndrome: a cross-sectional
Riya Gaikaiwari1, Sonia R Grover2, Ian Wright3
1James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Background:
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterised by congenital underdevelopment of the uterus and vagina. While absence of menstruation might be expected to reduce pelvic pain, the prevalence and nature of pain syndromes in MRKH are not well established.
Aims:
To determine the prevalence and severity of self-reported chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and generalised persistent pain (GPP) in a large Australian sample of women with MRKH, and to compare findings with general population estimates.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in collaboration with MRKH Australia. Validated questionnaires were used to assess CPP and GPP, somatic symptom burden, and depressive symptoms. Data on age, self-reported uterine remnant status, and prior diagnosis of fibromyalgia were also collected.
Results:
Among 142 participants (median age 32, range 18-71), 34.0% reported no pelvic pain in the preceding three months, while 38.3% reported moderate to severe CPP. Overall, 3.5% reported a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, comparable to global female prevalence, and 55.2% reported depressive symptoms. Younger participants described a higher burden of somatic symptoms. Pelvic pain was strongly associated with increased likelihood of GPP.
Conclusions:
Women with MRKH experience moderate to severe CPP and GPP symptoms at rates comparable to those reported in the general female population. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence and severity of pelvic and generalised persistent pain, rather than to determine specific pain aetiologies. Early recognition of pain symptoms and integration of holistic, patient-centred care addressing both somatic and psychosocial contributors are recommended.
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