ABSTRACT
Purpose
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been associated with poor health
outcomes, including chronic pain. However, little is known about the potential impact
on the development of pelvic pain in adolescents and young adults. This systematic
review was conducted to explore the association between ACEs and dysmenorrhea, pelvic
pain, and dyspareunia in adolescents and young adults.
Methods
Medline, Embase, and PsycNET were searched, using keywords related to childhood adversity,
dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia.
Results
Of the 566 articles identified, 19 studies were included. There was an association
between the number and severity of ACEs and the risk of dysmenorrhea. Sexual abuse
and posttraumatic stress disorder appeared to be associated with dysmenorrhea, pelvic
pain, and dyspareunia, but it was unclear whether this relationship was mediated by
poorer mental health. No association was found for immigration and bullying, and findings
were inconsistent regarding female genital mutilation, parental separation, and parental
death.
Conclusions
Future research should include longitudinal follow-up and use validated tools to assess
childhood adversity. A greater understanding of the risk of ACEs among adolescents
and young adults with dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia could provide
insight into the development of these conditions.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 11, 2022
Accepted:
April 28,
2022
Received in revised form:
April 19,
2022
Received:
January 30,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
