Chronic pelvic pain: evaluation of the epidemiology, baseline demographics, and clinical variables via a prospective and multidisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common clinical condition with significant impact on quality of life. The etiology and pathogenesis of CPP is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To examine the epidemiology, base line demographics, and clinical variables, women with CPP were prospectively analysed by an integrated and synchronised approach. RESULTS: Of the 89 women with CPP analysed, the majority were assessed earlier, had a variety of surgical interventions and used pharmacological agents. Irritable bowel syndrome, dysfunction of the pelvic floor musculoskeletal system, and physical or sexual abuse were the most common diagnosed etiologies. Evaluation revealed an increased level of psychological impairment. DISCUSSION: CPP is a debilitating clinical condition and a result of complex interaction between different contributing factors. Patients will benefit from an orchestrated, multidisciplinary, and synchronized approach with attention paid to the different domains of pain. Treatment is mostly not curative; avoiding profound suffering despite persisting pain should be the goal.