Focus for the future: tackling the 'pelvic pain' problem in gynecologic practice - an interactive session

OBJECTIVE: The clinical management of women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and endometriosis involves important issues that exist at the interface between these two conditions. METHODS: To address these issues, an interactive session was convened to discuss an empiric algorithmic protocol for the clinical management of CPP and endometriosis presented during the Takeda-sponsored session as part of the XVI FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics and to monitor the audience response to this approach. RESULTS: Approximately one-third of the audience responded that they would definitely try this method, approximately 18% were already using it, and approximately 21% would be fairly likely to try it. Thirty percent of the audience was not convinced that the empiric approach is the best management strategy. CONCLUSION: The advantages of this management strategy should be carefully considered, and discussed with colleagues who do think it is the reasonable treatment approach in selected cases.