Chronic pelvic pain in benign and functional urological conditions: A review and comparison of the UK and European guidelines

Abstract

We aim to provide a general overview of the available UK and European guidelines on non-oncological causes of chronic pelvic pain, and highlight any differences in practice. We have reviewed the current guidelines on chronic pelvic pain syndrome (defined as chronic pelvic pain with no identified underlying cause and/or the pain is non-specific or involves more than one organ) and other specific organ pain syndromes particularly relevant to urological clinical practice, including prostate pain syndrome, bladder pain syndrome and gynaecological causes of chronic pelvic pain. We have identified a relative paucity of UK guidelines, and accept that the European Association of Urology provides a comprehensive and current evidence based reference and guide which is utilised and regarded by most urologists as the ‘gold standard’ in UK practice.