Major Research Findings

These studies explore various causes and treatments of pelvic pain in women. Chronic pelvic pain in particular is a common symptom, accounting for up to 10% of gynecological consultations and over a third of diagnostic laparoscopies. 4 , 1 , 2 . The causes of pelvic pain are complex and can involve a variety of factors, including gynecological conditions, gastrointestinal, urological, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological factors. .

Reasons for the Causes

Pelvic pain is often a complex symptom, with no specific cause identified in many cases. 1 , 2 . In addition to gynecological conditions, factors such as gastrointestinal, urological, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological factors can intertwine and potentially trigger pelvic pain.

Common Causes

Gynecological

Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ruptured ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, uterine fibroids, etc. 4 , , .

Gastrointestinal

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, constipation, diarrhea, maldigestion, etc. , 1 , .

Urological

Interstitial cystitis (IC), cystitis, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, etc. .

Neurological

Neuralgia, lumbar herniated disc, nerve entrapment, etc. , 7 .

Musculoskeletal

Back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pelvic floor muscle tension, etc. , 6 , .

Psychological Factors

Depression, anxiety, stress, etc. , .

Countermeasures for the Causes

Gynecological

For endometriosis, hormone therapy, surgical treatment, etc. are available. .

Gastrointestinal

For IBS, dietary therapy, exercise therapy, drug therapy, etc. are available. .

Urological

For IC, drug therapy, bladder dilation, nerve block, etc. are available. .

Neurological

For neuralgia, drug therapy, nerve block, surgical treatment, etc. are available. .

Musculoskeletal

For musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain, physical therapy, exercise therapy, and drug therapy are available. , 6 , .

Psychological Factors

If psychological factors are involved, counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, etc. are available. , .

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Many studies point out that the causes of pelvic pain are complex, with multiple factors intertwined. 1 , 2 , , . Diagnosis is also often difficult, so proper treatment requires prioritizing communication with the patient and having multiple specialists collaborate in treatment.

Differences Between Studies

Each study has different areas of focus regarding the causes of pelvic pain. For example, while one study emphasizes gastrointestinal diseases, another study highlights musculoskeletal problems. , , 6 , . This is likely due to the diverse symptoms of pelvic pain and the fact that the causes vary depending on the individual patient's condition.

Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life

Pelvic pain can significantly impact daily life. Pain can be particularly severe when moving, such as during work, housework, or hobbies. 1 , 2 . Therefore, if you are struggling with pelvic pain, it is essential to see a doctor early to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, avoiding actions that exacerbate pain and incorporating exercises that help reduce pain can also be effective in daily life.

Limitations of Current Research

The causes of pelvic pain are complex and there are still many areas that are not fully understood. 1 , 2 . In particular, further research is needed on how psychological factors affect pelvic pain. Furthermore, many pelvic pain treatments have not been sufficiently proven to be effective. 3 . Therefore, research on the development of new treatment methods and the verification of the effectiveness of existing treatment methods is needed.

Future Research Directions Needed

The following research is needed in the future to elucidate the pathology of pelvic pain and develop treatment methods. 1. Basic research on the pathophysiology of pelvic pain 2. Research on the relationship between psychological factors and pelvic pain 3. Research on the development of new treatment methods and the effectiveness of existing treatment methods 4. Research on the quality of life of patients with pelvic pain It is hoped that these studies will reduce the suffering of patients with pelvic pain and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

Pelvic pain is a common symptom experienced by many women. 4 , 1 , 2 . The causes are complex and can involve a variety of factors, including gynecological conditions, gastrointestinal, urological, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological factors. . If you are struggling with pelvic pain, make sure to see a doctor early and receive appropriate treatment. 3 .