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Pathophysiology and Clinical Evaluation of Chronic Pelvic Pain

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Female Genitourinary and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

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Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain is a prevalent problem among the female and male population worldwide. This disorder is commonly multifactorial and although diagnosis and management can prove difficult for even the most experienced clinician, it is often straightforward and satisfying to treat. In more complex cases, a multidisciplinary team is best equipped to manage, as pelvic pain can result from any pelvic organ or system. Initial signs and symptoms that will aid in the diagnosis of a specific etiology and treatment can be tailored to underlying diagnosis, if found. In cases with no established diagnosis, symptoms can still be managed effectively based on information from the workup. Psychological referral can be especially important in these cases, but must be introduced as a holistic component care, clearly validating that the pain is physiologic. Mind-based approaches can not only address the loss associated with chronic pain but known techniques can reduce pain severity and impact. This chapter presents etiologies for chronic pelvic pain in a pragmatic, useable manner, including the signs and symptoms pointing to each organ system and causes of systemic pain, as well as treatment strategies to help patients cope with this disorder when idiopathic.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Elise J. B. De

  2. Anahuac University, Mexico City, Mexico

    Jan Alberto Paredes Mogica

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  1. Elise J. B. De
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  2. Jan Alberto Paredes Mogica
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Correspondence to Elise J. B. De .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Francisco E. Martins

  2. University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Henriette Veiby Holm

  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

    Jaspreet Sandhu

  4. Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Kurt A McCammon

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De, E.J.B., Paredes Mogica, J.A. (2023). Pathophysiology and Clinical Evaluation of Chronic Pelvic Pain. In: Martins, F.E., Holm, H.V., Sandhu, J., McCammon, K.A. (eds) Female Genitourinary and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71112-2_53-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71112-2_53-1

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