Chronic pelvic pain is defined by many investigators as non-cyclic pain localized to the anatomic pelvis, persisting for six or more months, and severe enough to cause functional disability or require medical intervention; it arises from a broad spectrum of gynecologic and non-gynecologic causes (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, pelvic congestion) and is strongly associated with a history of sexual abuse and with postural changes such as lordosis and kyphosis. Diagnosis relies on detailed history and physical examination (including bimanual exam findings localized to specific structures) supplemented by targeted laboratory and imaging studies, while management is guided by the underlying cause when identified, or directed at the dominant symptom when no clear pathology is found.
Chronic pelvic pain is defined by many investigators as non-cyclic pain localized to the anatomic pelvis, persisting for six or more months, and severe enough to cause functional disability or requir…