Title: [Management of chronic pelvic pain in women]

POPLINE Document Number: 315108

Author(s):

Nogueira AA
dos Reis FJ
Neto OB

Source citation:

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetricia, 2006 Dec;28(12):733-740.

Abstract:

Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating and highly prevalent disease with a major impact on quality of life and work productivity, beyond significant costs to health services. The dilemma of managing patients with chronic pelvic pain continues to frustrate physicians confronted with these complaints, in part because its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Consequently, its treatment is often unsatisfactory and limited to temporary symptom relief. In the present revision, we discuss the adequate management of chronic pelvic pain. We point out that a comprehensive medical history and physical examination should include special attention to gastrointestinal, urological, gynecological, muscle-skeletal, neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine systems. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Additionally, we emphasize that, although useful, specific surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy, should be indicated only to selected patients, mainly after excluding irritable bowel syndrome and pain of myofascial origin. (author's)

Keywords:

Recommendations
Women
Pelvis
Pain
Signs and Symptoms
Examinations and Diagnoses
Treatment
Demographic Factors
Population
Anatomy
Biology
Diseases
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health