UPLIFT Procedure: Dysmenorrhea and Dyspareunia

Patient History

A 26-year-old nulliparous woman experienced severe pain with her periods and with intercourse. Pain with periods has been experienced since of the beginning of her cycles, and pain with intercourse has been present since the initiation of intercourse. The pain level with periods was rated an 8 with "0" being no pain at all and "10" the worst pain ever experienced. Pain with intercourse was rated a 9.

Previous treatments included oral contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and narcotic medications during the period. The patient also avoided intercourse.

Physical Examination

Physical examination revealed a retroverted uterus. The pain experienced at intercourse was reproduced with pressure on the cervix and uterus.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopic examination revealed a severely retroverted uterus. Dilated veins consistent with venous congestion were present with the left affected more than the right. The appendix and ovaries appeared normal.

Dilated veins of pelvic congestion

Procedure

The UPLIFT procedure was performed to reposition the uterus to a mildly anteverted position.

Clinical Results

The patient reported essentially pain free intercourse and periods. Pain at intercourse was rated at 0 to 2 at various times, and pain at the time of the period was rated a 1. Both results were on a 10 point scale with "0" being no pain at all and 10 the worst pain ever experienced. The results have persisted for 24 months.

Mildly anteverted uterus after the UPLIFT procedure.