Pain in gynecologic practice

This paper has given a general discussion of the spectrum of pain complaints presented to the gynecologist. Specific information about pain sensation and localization has been reviewed together with the gynecologic causes of acute abdominal pain. Chronic pain has been classified as episodic or continuous, and the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of episodic and chronic pelvic pain have been presented. The concluding remarks have outlined some diagnostic considerations for the patient with chronic pain. (The interested reader will find more extensive information on these subjects in the articles listed in the bibliography.).