Management of Chronic Female Pelvic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain in the female patient is often debilitating and can arise from a variety of sources, often with multiple etiologies. Difficulties managing these disorders parallel the difficulties in establishing a specific diagnosis for them. A focused and detailed history and a physical examination are often most helpful, categorizing pain signs and symptoms and suggesting an organ system that is not in homeostasis. Diagnostic laboratory testing and imaging are often of limited value. Initial treatment focuses on identification of the specific causes or sources of this pelvic pain. Oral analgesics, physical and psychologic treatments, interventional procedures, and injections have the potential to be both diagnostic and therapeutic for patients. Surgical management is often maintained as a last-line treatment option and may not necessarily enhance diagnostic evaluation or add pain relief. (J GYNECOL SURG 39:257)