One of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain in women is vulvodynia. This is defined as vulvar pain of unknown cause that’s lasted for at least three months.[1,2] This disorder is experienced by an estimated 10% to 28% of reproductive-age women.[1,2] Although less common, it can affect postmenopausal women as well. The pain can sometimes be described as a burning, irritation, stinging, or sharp pain in the vulva, the area outside the vagina. This area includes the labia and the entrance to the vagina. This pain can be brought on by touch, pressure, and vaginal intercourse (attempted or completed). Because of the pain, it can wreak havoc on a patient’s intimate relationships and everyday life…
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NCHR’s Comments on AHRQ’s Draft Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain
June 14, 2021: Although we support the goals of the review and agree that there is a need for a systematic review of the effects of cannabis and other plant-based treatments for chronic pain, there are several important limitations of the report that were either not adequately addressed or were not mentioned.
Read More »NCHR Testimony on SABER-Bupivacaine for Post-Surgery Pain Relief
January 16, 2020. There is not good evidence that SABER-bupivacaine provides a meaningful benefit to patients, and certainly not proven that the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Most important, the sponsor has not proven that this formulation of the drug works better or is safer than the opioid, bupivacaine. Bupivacaine itself has been on the market for decades, is available as a generic, and does not have these new safety concerns. Thus, there is no reason to approve this drug just to have “another tool” when there is no evidence that it is a better tool than currently available options.
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