An overview of the incidence and types of pelvic pain is presented, followed by some practical information concerning the presentation of patients with pelvic pain. Simple physical therapy techniques that are use in treating patients with pelvic pain are also discussed.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine what relationship exists between interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain in patients. METHODS A prospective study of 35 women with a complaint of chronic pelvic pain was performed between August 2002 and September 2003. These patients underwent a workup to exclude other causes of pelvic pain and underwent a laparoscopy and a cystosc...

PURPOSE Previous reports have identified bacteria in the prostate of men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. To examine whether prostatic bacteria are more prevalent among patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome than among those without pelvic pain, we compared 4-glass urine test and prostate biopsy results. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 120 patients with types IIIa and IIIb chronic pelv...

Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden b Pain Management Centre, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom Centre for Urogynaecology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom ...

Dr. Muller is the Executive Director, National Association For Continence (NAFC). The NAFC is a national, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence. The NAFC’s purpose is to be the leading source for public education and advocacy about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, and management alternatives for incontinence. This ar...

OBJECTIVE Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is difficult to diagnose, poorly understood, and often confused with other causes of chronic pelvic pain. Thus, gonadal vein reflux, its relation to lower extremity venous insufficiency (LEVI), and treatment remains controversial to physicians and payors. We present our experience with endovascular PCS treatment and hypothesize that properly selected p...

OBJECTIVE To estimate associations of progestin-only contraceptives with persistent pelvic girdle pain 18 months after delivery. METHODS Prospective population based cohort study during the years 2003-2011. We included 20,493 women enrolled in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study who reported pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy week 30. Data were obtained by 3 self-administered questionnai...

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of surgically confirmed endometriosis in women undergoing laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomy, including those with and without preoperative indications of chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis, and to describe characteristics and operative findings associated with surgically confirmed endometriosis in women undergoing hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain....

BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain has often been described as a major women's health issue, but no information exists on the extent of the problem in the United Kingdom. AIM To investigate the community prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and its effect on the lives of consulting and non-consulting women. DESIGN OF STUDY Postal questionnaire survey. SETTING Women aged 18 to 49 (n = 3916) rando...

Chronic pelvic pain in women is a common and disabling illness caused by numerous organic pathologies usually accompanied by varying psychological dysfunctions. Many patients may receive misdiagnosis, misdirected therapies, or do not seek help at all. Pelvic congestion may be responsible for pain in patients without more common diseases, such as endometriosis and pelvic adhesions, among others....