Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain is discomfort or pain greater than 6 months in duration. It is, usually, of sufficient discomfort that it requires medical or surgical intervention. It represents a cost of over US$3 billion in the USA, and accounts for a large percentage of visits to the gynecologist and surgical procedures performed, such as laparoscopies and hysterectomies. The most common gynecological causes of this pain are endometriosis, adhesions, interstitial cystitis and vulvodynia; however, the pain can be caused by systems in the body other than urogenital including gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urinary tract and psychological problems. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult and treatment is often frustrating. This article describes efficient ways to diagnose chronic pelvic pain and possible treatments depending on the cause of the pain.
Notes
Signs of bladder tenderness in patients with possible interstitial cystitis [23].
BDI: Beck Depression Inventory; EPI: Edwards Personality Inventory; IVP: Intravenous pyelogram; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.
GI: Gastrointestinal; PUF: Pain, urgency and frequency; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.
Signs of bladder tenderness in patients with possible interstitial cystitis [23].
BDI: Beck Depression Inventory; EPI: Edwards Personality Inventory; IVP: Intravenous pyelogram; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.
GI: Gastrointestinal; PUF: Pain, urgency and frequency; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.
Signs of bladder tenderness in patients with possible interstitial cystitis [23].
BDI: Beck Depression Inventory; EPI: Edwards Personality Inventory; IVP: Intravenous pyelogram; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.
GI: Gastrointestinal; PUF: Pain, urgency and frequency; PST: Potassium sensitivity test.