Chronic pelvic pain

Overview

Chronic pelvic pain is characterized by recurrent or continuous discomfort in the pelvic region. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning sign of injury or illness, CPP persists over an extended period, often defying easy diagnosis and treatment. It’s essential to recognize that CPP is not a single disorder but rather a constellation of symptoms arising from various underlying causes.

Types of Chronic pelvic pain

1. Gynecologic Causes:
   • Endometriosis: Abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
   • Adenomyosis: Invasion of endometrial tissue into the uterine muscle.
   • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the female reproductive organs.
   • Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus.
2. Non-Gynecologic Causes:
   • Musculoskeletal pain: Dysfunction in pelvic muscles, ligaments, or joints.
   • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain associated with bowel dysfunction.
   • Interstitial cystitis: Chronic bladder inflammation.
   • Neuropathic pain: Nerve-related pain in the pelvis.

Causes of Chronic pelvic pain

• Biopsychosocial Factors:
  • Traumatic experiences and distress play a role in pain modulation.
  • Overlapping conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraines) contribute to pain severity.
  • Musculoskeletal dysfunction is common in CPP patients.
• Thorough Assessment:
  • Obtain a detailed patient history.
  • Educate patients about pain mechanisms.
  • Extend visit times to address all contributing factors.

Risk Factors of Chronic pelvic pain

• Psychosocial Factors:
  • Anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • History of trauma.
• Physical Factors:
  • Previous surgeries or infections.
  • Reproductive health conditions.
  • Pelvic muscle dysfunction.

Symptoms of Chronic pelvic pain

Preventions of Chronic pelvic pain

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Stress management techniques.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Balanced diet.
• Early Intervention:
  • Address underlying conditions promptly.

Diagnosis of Chronic pelvic pain

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Stress management techniques.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Balanced diet.
• Early Intervention:
  • Address underlying conditions promptly.

Treatment for Chronic pelvic pain

• Individualized Approach:
  • Pain management (medications, physical therapy).
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • Complementary therapies (acupuncture, yoga).
  • Surgical interventions (if necessary).

When to seek medical attention ?

• Persistent Pain:
  • Seek medical attention if pelvic pain persists for six months or longer.
• Worsening Symptoms:
  • Increased pain intensity.
  • New symptoms.