Characterizing the description of pelvic congestion syndrome pain: A latent class analysis.

Objectives: Chronic pelvic pain from pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition disproportionately affecting women. PCS pain has been described as dull and achy, but emerging research indicates variances in the historical pain depictions. We aimed to identify the groups of pain characteristics experienced by women living with PCS using a latent class analysis and examine their predictive validity on quality of life, pain intensity, and pain management indicators.

Methods: A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from 160 participants on a Facebook PCS support group was conducted. After evaluating the original 86 unique pain descriptors endorsed on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, descriptors endorsed by more than 30 participants were retained for analysis (n = 34).

Results: Results from the latent class analysis identified two latent classes: mild but consistent (44.4%) and intense and debilitating (55.6%). Between the two latent classes, there were clear patterns of pain endorsement to indicate that women in the two groups experience PCS pain differently. Compared to the second latent class (intense and debilitating), women in the first latent class (mild but consistent) experienced milder PCS associated pain and reported a significantly higher quality of life, satisfaction with their health, and less interference with sleep quality and sexual desire. Unfortunately, everyday activities (i.e., exercising, urinating, moving, standing, and working) were more likely to increase pain for women in the second latent class.

Conclusions: Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic venous disorders are hindered by outdated evidence on the expected pain depictions. A comprehensive pain profile of PCS is needed to establish the effect on women's lifestyles, quality of life, and mental health.