Pain Testing in Endometriosis for the Clinician

Abstract

Clinical pain testing has been used to ascertain the pathophysiology of many clinical conditions, but its use in the management of endometriosis has been limited. Although the testing can require the use of complex testing in the laboratory, this chapter is directed to look at a test for allodynia that can be applied in the clinic. The test for cutaneous allodynia is validated, does not require sophisticated tools, and is readily accepted by woman. The presence of allodynia in certain gynecological presentations can indicate the woman’s pain system has become sensitized. Uses of the test in clinical encounters with women suffering from endometriosis and possible uses in future are presented.