Neuropathic Pain in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of neuropathic pain among women with chronic pelvic pain and explore associated clinical characteristics. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a pelvic pain and endometriosis outpatient clinic between August 2022 and July 2025. Women underwent anamnesis, physical and complementary examinations, and questionnaire assessment. Neuropathic pain was classified using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire. Benjamini-Hochberg adjustment was applied to comparisons as a single family. RESULTS: The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 34.3%. A higher Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire total score was the only association retained after adjustment (p < .001; q = 0.004). Parity (p = .010), miscarriage history (p = .049), fibromyalgia (p = .016), infertility (p = .019), irritable bowel syndrome (p = .046), urinary symptoms (p = .005), myofascial pain (p = .004), and anxiety (p = .024) showed nominal associations only. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain was common in this specialized clinic population, and greater sensory and affective pain severity was the only association retained after multiplicity adjustment. The other eight nominal findings are exploratory and require confirmation; multidimensional assessment remains relevant to individualized care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Neuropathic pain screening may complement comprehensive nursing assessment of women with chronic pelvic pain. Integrating pain characteristics, associated symptoms, and patient priorities may support individualized multidisciplinary evaluation and care.