Evaluating the Effects of Toxicological Factors on Pelvic Pain Syndromes in Women(1)
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Keywords
toxicological factors, pelvic pain syndromes, prevalence, severity
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of toxicological factors, such as environmental pollutants, chemical exposures, and occupational hazards, on the prevalence and severity of pelvic pain syndromes (PPS) in women.
Methodology: Baseline data were collected through comprehensive physical exams, toxicological screenings (via blood and urine tests), and detailed questionnaires regarding lifestyle, occupational hazards, and previous exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals. Primary outcome measures included the severity of pelvic pain assessed through a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quality of life (QoL) measured using the Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), and serum levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
Results: The results of the study indicated that the exposed group had significantly higher pain severity than the non-exposed group. The mean VAS score for pain severity in the exposed group was 6.5 ± 1.8, compared to 4.1 ± 1.5 in the non-exposed group, with a statistically significant p value of less than 0.01. Quality of life also appeared to be negatively affected by toxicological exposures. Women in the exposed group had lower PPIQ scores, with a mean of 52.3 ± 10.4, compared to 64.8 ± 9.7 in the non-exposed group (p < 0.05), indicating a poorer quality of life. Furthermore, inflammatory marker analysis revealed that women in the exposed group had elevated levels of IL-6, averaging 10.2 pg/mL compared to 4.7 pg/mL in the non-exposed group (p < 0.001). Menstrual irregularities were more commonly reported among exposed women, with 45% experiencing irregular cycles versus 22% of those in the non-exposed group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that toxicological exposure may significantly contribute to the exacerbation of pelvic pain symptoms and a decline in the quality of life among women suffering from pelvic pain syndromes. The exposed group experienced more severe pain, higher inflammatory markers, and greater menstrual irregularities than the non-exposed group.
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Dr Fawad Hussain
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Niazi Medical & Dental College, Sargodha - Pakistan
Dr Shazia Sultana
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ziauddin University, Karachi - Pakistan
Dr Sobia Zahur Malik
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Independent Medical College, Faisalabad - Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Imran Ashraf
Associate Professor, Pharmacology Department, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore - Pakistan
Dr Summyia Sadia
Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha - Pakistan
Dr Rao Salman Aziz
Associate Professor, Pharmacology Department, Rashid Latif Medical & Dental College, Lahore - Pakistan