Focus on primary care: chronic pelvic pain in women.

Focus on Primary Care: Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women - T. A. Gelbaya - H. E. El-Halwagy Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a major health problem. It is the reason for 10% of all outpatient visits to gynecologist as well as being responsible for approximately 40% of laparoscopies and 10% to 15% of hysterectomies. A significant number of patients have no obvious etiology for their pain at the time of laparoscopy. The condition may not be cured in a large number of patients. This is ultimately unsatisfying for both the patient and physician. Although CPP may not be curable, it can be managed so those patients attain normal or near-normal levels of functions. To identify and review the methods used for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women, a MEDLINE and Cochrane systematic review search from 1980 to 2000 was performed to collect information and evidence on diagnosis and treatment of women suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to define the entity of chronic pelvic pain, describe the anatomic pathways that transmit pelvic pain, and review the various treatment options for patients with chronic pelvic pain.