Chronic pelvic pain: defining the scope of the problem

OBJECTIVE: To define the scope of the problems associated with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and optimize management. METHOD: Clinical trial results and healthcare utilization data from the literature were reviewed. RESULTS: Recent evidence suggests that a large percentage of women experience CPP. While no etiology tends to be found in the majority of these women, the annual cost for diagnosing and treating CPP seems considerable. The management of patients with negative laparoscopies constitutes a clinical challenge. While surgical and medical therapy have a role in CPP, there appears to be no 100% effective cure. CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus on management of patients with no visible pathology and chronic pelvic pain. Physicians should select a treatment for CPP that will be the least complicated and least risky and will deliver speedy symptomatic relief.