Pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer is called chronic pelvic pain. An estimated 15–20% of women aged 18–50 years have chronic pelvic pain that has lasted for more than 1 year.
Chronic pelvic pain can disrupt work, physical activity, sexual relations, sleep, or family life. It also can affect a woman’s mental and physical health.
Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. If a cause is found, chronic pelvic pain usually can be treated. For some women, a cause is never found. For these women, treatment is directed at pain relief. Please see Hunterdon to join the practice.
This pamphlet explains
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Types of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain may be either acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts a short time (a few minutes to a few days) and often has a single cause. This type of pain may be a warning of a problem that needs immediate medical care. Some problems that cause acute pelvic pain include infections,ectopic pregnancy, or an ovarian cyst that has twisted or ruptured (burst).Hunterdon
Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant. It does not have to occur every day for it to be considered chronic. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follows a regular cycle. For example, it may occur during menstruation. It also can occur only at certain times, such as before or after eating, while urinating, or during sex.
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Causes
Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some of these conditions may not be related to the reproductive organs but to the urinary tract or bowel. Some women have more than one condition that might be the cause of their pain. For some women with chronic pelvic pain, no cause is found. Not finding a cause does not mean that the pain is not real. Experts agree that with pelvic pain, it is not always possible to pinpoint a specific cause.
There also appears to be a link between chronic pelvic pain and sexual or physical abuse. About one half of all women with chronic pelvic pain have a history of abuse. The reason for this connection is not clear. Depression also appears to be a complicating factor. It is rarely the sole cause of chronic pelvic pain, however. Physical causes should always be considered.
