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An update on the management of chronic pelvic pain in women
Author(s) -
Vincent K.,
Evans E.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/anae.15421
Subject(s) - medicine , pelvic pain , chronic pain , physical therapy , multidisciplinary approach , quality of life (healthcare) , etiology , pain management , nursing , psychiatry , surgery , social science , sociology
Summary Chronic pelvic pain represents a major public health problem for women and impacts significantly on their quality of life. Yet it is under‐researched and a challenge to manage. Women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain frequently describe their healthcare journey as long, via a variety of specialists and frustrating, with their pain often dismissed. Aetiological factors and associations are best conceptualised using the ‘three P’s’ model of predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors. This integrates the numerous biological, psychological and social contributors to the complex, multifactorial nature of chronic pelvic pain. Overall management involves analgesia, hormonal therapies, physiotherapy, psychological approaches and lifestyle advice, which like other chronic pain conditions relies on a multidisciplinary team approach delivered by professionals experienced and trained in managing chronic pelvic pain.