The Association between Childhood Adversity and Risk of Dysmenorrhea, Pelvic Pain, and Dyspareunia in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

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 dys..