Chronic Pelvic Pain

 

 Chronic pelvic pain is a common reason for women to seek medical care. It is defined as pain that has been present for at least 6 months and involves the lower abdomen and pelvis. The pain may be intermittent or recurrent, or it may be constant and severe. Painful menstruation is an example recurrent pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain may also be caused by pelvic infections (pelvic inflammatory disease), endometriosis, adenomyosis, scarring in the abdomen or pelvis following sugery, and diseases of the urinary tract or bowel.

Pelvic pain is considered chronic when:
*The pain has been present for at least 6 months.
*The paid does not get better or go away with medical therapy.
*Physical or sexual activities have become limited beacause of the pain.
*Signs of depression, such as sleep problems, poor appetite, constipation, and slowed body movements and reactions, are present.
*The woman's role in the family has changed because of the pain.

The exact cause of chronic pelvic pain is not always known. Many women with chronic pelvic pain do not have a diagnosed pelvic disease or disorder. However, abnormal pelvic findings are found in more than 80% or women with a history of pelvic pain. Scarring the abdomen and pelvis following surgery is the most common cause. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are other common causes.

The tests involved  in diagnosing chronic pelvic pain include:
*A history of the woman's symptoms, menstrual periods, pregnancies, and other health problems.
*A routine pelvic exam and PAP test.
*Complete blood count (CBC).
*Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
*Tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
*Urinalysis and urine culture.
*Laparoscopy
*Pelvic ultrasound.
*Other tests as deemed necessary.