COX-2 Inhibitors and Their Role in Gynecology

Ellen C. Hayes, Hayes EC, John A. Rock
Obstetrical & gynecological survey · 2002 · vol. 57(11) , pp. 768–780 · doi:10.1097/00006254-200211000-00023 · PMID:12447099 · W1981482001
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This review outlines the established analgesic use and potential future applications of COX-2 inhibitors in gynecological conditions like dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and potentially gynecologic cancers.

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Abstract

UNLABELLED: This review summarizes current knowledge about the roles of cyclooxygenases and prostaglandins in reproductive medicine. With the development of COX-2 specific inhibitors, new therapeutic options are available to obstetricians and gynecologists, offering better-tolerated alternatives to conventional NSAIDs. The analgesic effectiveness of COX-2 specific inhibitors is well established, and they are already in use in a range of painful conditions. Both celecoxib and valdecoxib are indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, and may be effective in postoperative pain, including hysterectomy, and pain associated with endometriosis. There is also speculation that COX-2 specific inhibitors may be effective tocolytic agents without the risks to the fetus seen with conventional NSAIDs. The role of COX-2 in oncogenesis is also under investigation, and COX-2 specific inhibitors may eventually be used in the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the two types of cylooxygenase enzymes (COX), to list the effects and side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 medications, and to outline the various changes in COX expression during pregnancy.
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COX-2 Inhibitors and Their Role in Gynecology - Ellen C. Hayes - John A. Rock This review summarizes current knowledge about the roles of cyclooxygenases and prostaglandins in reproductive medicine. With the development of COX-2 specific inhibitors, new therapeutic options are available to obstetricians and gynecologists, offering better-tolerated alternatives to conventional NSAIDs. The analgesic effectiveness of COX-2 specific inhibitors is well established, and they are already in use in a range of painful conditions. Both celecoxib and valdecoxib are indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, and may be effective in postoperative pain, including hysterectomy, and pain associated with endometriosis. There is also speculation that COX-2 specific inhibitors may be effective tocolytic agents without the risks to the fetus seen with conventional NSAIDs. The role of COX-2 in oncogenesis is also under investigation, and COX-2 specific inhibitors may eventually be used in the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the two types of cylooxygenase enzymes (COX), to list the effects and side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 medications, and to outline the various changes in COX expression during pregnancy.

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Condition tags

dysmenorrheaendometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Genital Diseases, Female Genital Diseases, Female Isoenzymes Labor, Obstetric Menstrual Cycle Benzenesulfonamides Celecoxib Cyclooxygenase 2 Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Drug Administration Schedule Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Endometriosis Endometriosis Female

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