Chronic pelvic pain in women is described as noncyclic pain that lasts longer than six months and is felt in structures associated to the pelvis. It might be thought of as a persistent regional pain syndrome or a functional somatic pain syndrome when no clear cause can be determined. Other functional somatic pain syndromes (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, nonspecific chronic fatigue syndrome) and mental health issues are frequently linked with it (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression).
The history and physical examination findings are used to make a diagnosis. Ultrasonography of the pelvis is used to rule out anatomic anomalies. In severe instances of endometriosis, a referral for a diagnostic laparoscopy is usually recommended. Curative therapy is difficult to come by, and evidence-based treatments are few. Treatment of any recognized disease process, such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, and comorbid depression, is suggested, as is patient participation in a biopsychosocial approach. Depot medroxyprogesterone, gabapentin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists with add-back hormone treatment are all potentially useful pharmaceuticals. Physical treatment for the pelvic floor may be helpful. Behavioral therapy is an important aspect of the recovery process. Neuromodulation of the sacral nerves may be appropriate in some circumstances. If discomfort appears to be uterine in origin, a hysterectomy may be considered as a last option, although significant recovery occurs in only approximately half of the instances. Chronic pelvic discomfort should be treated collaboratively and with the patient in mind.
There are a number of reasons for chronic pelvic pain. It might be a sign of another illness or it can be a different disorder. If another medical condition appears to be causing your chronic pelvic pain, addressing that problem may be enough to relieve your discomfort. However, in many situations, a specific reason for chronic pelvic pain cannot be identified. The objective of treatment in this scenario is to reduce your pain and other symptoms while also improving your quality of life.
Chronic pelvic pain, like other chronic pain syndromes, is caused by a complex interaction of biopsychosocial factors that contribute to and impact pain. Clinicians must examine centrally mediated pain causes as well as pelvic and nonpelvic visceral and somatic structures that might cause or contribute to pain while treating this type of pain.
Since 2004, FSF has been working to raise awareness among health authorities, as well as national and local groups, about the need of sexual and reproductive health training. Consideration of wide measures in favor of the formation of multidisciplinary teams via increased training of health professionals in its fields enhances local capacity to handle this condition.