Chronic pelvic pain without endometriosis

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition affecting approximately one in six of the adult female population in the UK1. It presents in primary care as commonly as asthma and migraine2. For many women it is a debilitating and depressing condition that can lead to breakdown of relationships, social isolation and loss of earnings. Some women with CPP feel they do not get the help and support they need from their doctors3.There is a lot that is unknown or poorly understood about CPP, its etiology and how best to treat it, and this may leave the doctor feeling inadequate and uncomfortable. But even if an accurate diagnosis cannot be made, there is huge value to the patient in listening to her story, accepting the reality of her pain and attempting to treat the pain on an empirical basis if nothing else. The stories women tell of the support they receive from their general practitioners bear testament to this.