Sexual Health | Bacterial STIs and related conditions | Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women

Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the specialist approach to chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women, including suspected chronic pelvic infection and endometriosis.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Identify differential diagnoses of chronic pelvic pain
• Explain the role and interpretation of imaging and laparoscopy in investigation
• Initiate management in your setting for suitable patients
• Refer on those that require specialist consultation

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is common with up to an estimated one million women in the UK suffering from such pain.

What is chronic pelvic pain?
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) defines CPP as pain where all of the following criteria are met:

• Pain has a duration of at least six months
• Pain is not associated with pregnancy
• Pain does not occur only during menstruation or intercourse
• Pain is either intermittent or constant

The cause of CPP is often multifactorial in nature and not necessarily gynaecological in origin.

Women with chronic pain pay a heavy social and economic price, which can lead to major disruptions in their lives. An accurate diagnosis and effective management may avoid multiple referrals, investigations and operations.

This session aims to explore the possible causes of chronic pelvic pain, and suggested management strategies.