Chronic Pelvic Pain: Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment

Chronic pelvic pain is a common debilitating and complex condition that can be associated with significant morbidity. The etiology of chronic pelvic pain remains poorly understood, although it has been associated with endometriosis, adhesions, infection, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as musculoskeletal and neuropathic conditions. Current therapeutic interventions include a multidisciplinary approach that acknowledges the complex interactions between physiological, neurological, and psychological mechanisms. The goal of this paper is to review strategies to diagnose and manage chronic pelvic pain conditions.