Preclinical models of female pelvic pain disorders

Abstract Pain is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Sex has emerged as a key determinant of vulnerability to chronic pain and a major risk factor for poor response to available pharmacological treatments. Women report higher rates of chronic pain and exhibit greater pain sensitivity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Preclinical models are essential to uncover sex-specific biological pathways involved in pain and to guide the development of novel, targeted therapies through translational approaches. This review summarizes animal models of female-associated pelvic pain disorders, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, uterine leiomyomas, chronic pelvic pain, and pelvic inflammatory disease. These models recapitulate key features such as lesion biology, neuroimmune interactions, and pain behaviors also observed in patients. However, current models still face limitations in capturing spontaneous pain dynamics, hormonal complexity, and psychosocial influences. Refining and integrating biological, behavioral, and sex-specific endpoints will be crucial to enhance their translational relevance and advance precision pain therapies for women.