The Enigma of Pelvic
Wendel C Guthrie MB, BS, DGO, DM, FRCOG, FACOG

Chronic pelvic is usually defined as pain for more than six months duration, and not related to menstrual periods. It can be very debilitating and very frequently incur high cost, in doctor’s visits, investigations, treatment and surgical procedures. The costs incurred due to loss of time from work usually are difficult to estimate.

The diagnosis is dependent on careful history and examination, since imaging, laboratory studies and even laparoscopy may provide an answer.

Treatment is quite often based on symptoms rather than a definitive diagnosis and sometimes treatment of the presumed diagnosis do not necessarily provide the desired outcome.

This presentation will address some commonly associated cause of pelvic pain, such as endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, adhesions and psychoneurologic conditions.