Chronic pelvic pain: multifactorial influences.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common and complex disease whose cause is often clinically inexplicable, with diagnosis and treatment being more difficult. From a clinical viewpoint, CPP is defined as non-cyclic, non-menstrual pain lasting at least 6 months and sufficiently severe to interfere with habitual activities and requiring clinical or surgical treatment. Thus, CPP is a syndrome resulting from a complex interaction of the nervous, musculoskeletal and endocrine systems and also influenced by psychological and sociocultural factors. CPP is influenced by emotional aspects with an impact on quality of life, and involving high costs for health services. Its aetiology is not always clear and a cure or significant improvement of symptoms is not always obtained with the treatments employed, with constant frustration of the professionals involved. It can be seen that its treatment is often unsatisfactory, simply providing temporary relief of symptoms. METHODS: In the present study, we reviewed the bibliography regarding pelvic pain, with emphasis on emotional aspects and on the importance of a multidimensional approach to the care for these patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: New investigations are needed to clarify these relations and interventions in a more effective manner. Interdisciplinary care can minimize the impact of the disease, helping the patients to cope with symptoms and improving their quality of life.