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Evaluation of the Frequency and the Association of Sexual Pain and Chronic Headaches
Author(s) -
Gordon Allan,
Paneduro Denise,
Pink Leah,
Lawler Valerie,
Lay Christine
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/head.12271
Subject(s) - libido , headaches , medicine , chronic pain , pelvic pain , sexual dysfunction , population , physical therapy , reproductive health , sexual abuse , sexual desire , psychiatry , human sexuality , surgery , poison control , gender studies , environmental health , sociology , injury prevention
Background Sexual pain and chronic headaches are both complex conditions with associated high disability. Little research has examined whether there is a relationship between the 2. The aim of this survey‐based study was to explore the frequency of sexual pain in a population of women being treated for chronic headache. Peripheral aims included exploring the number of patients receiving treatment for sexual pain and the association between sexual pain and libido, and history of abuse. Methods Patients presenting to an ambulatory chronic headache clinic were administered a short 10‐item survey. Results Forty‐four percent of patients reported that they had pelvic region or genital pain brought on by sexual activity. Only half of these patients had ever discussed their pelvic pain with a health care provider, and 31% of these patients had not received treatment. Almost all patients would be interested in treatment if available. Seventy‐five percent of patients indicated a change in libido. Conclusion Chronic headaches and sexual pain are both conditions that have a significant impact on patients and the health care system, and they do coexist. More research is needed to look at the relationship between these conditions in addition to epidemiology, symptomatology, evaluation, and treatments.