Chronic pelvic pain in women

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology. ACOG Practice bulletin no. 218: chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;135(3):e98-109. Abstract

​A​merican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. 114: management of endometriosis. Jul 2010 [internet publication].Full text

European Association of Urology. Guidelines on chronic pelvic pain. Mar 2024 [internet publication].Full text

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology. ACOG Practice bulletin no. 218: chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;135(3):e98-109. Abstract

2. Pašalić E, Tambuwala MM, Hromić-Jahjefendić A. Endometriosis: classification, pathophysiology, and treatment options. Pathol Res Pract. 2023 Nov;251:154847.Full text  Abstract

3. Clemens JQ, Erickson DR, Varela NP, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. J Urol. 2022 Jul;208(1):34-42.Full text  Abstract

4. Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 1990 Feb;33(2):160-72. Abstract

5. Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, et al. The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2010 May;62(5):600-10.Full text  Abstract

6. Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, et al. 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016 Dec;46(3):319-29. Abstract

7. Mathias SD, Kuppermann M, Liberman RF, et al. Chronic pelvic pain: prevalence, health-related quality of life, and economic correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Mar;87(3):321-7. Abstract

8. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion​ no. 554: reproductive and sexual coercion. 2022 [internet publication].Full text

9. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion​ no. 518: intimate partner violence. 2022 [internet publication].Full text

10. Fenton BW. Limbic associated pelvic pain: a hypothesis to explain the diagnostic relationships and features of patients with chronic pelvic pain. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(2):282-6. Abstract

11. Porpora MG, Koninckx PR, Piazze J, et al. Correlation between endometriosis and pelvic pain. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc. 1999 Nov;6(4):429-34. Abstract

12. Won HR, Abbott J. Optimal management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain: an evidence-based and pragmatic approach. Int J Womens Health. 2010 Aug 20;2:263-77.Full text  Abstract

13. Kissler S, Hamscho N, Zangos S, et al. Uterotubal transport disorder in adenomyosis and endometriosis--a cause for infertility. BJOG. 2006 Aug;113(8):902-8.Full text  Abstract

14. Warren JW, Morozov V, Howard FM. Could chronic pelvic pain be a functional somatic syndrome? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Sep;205(3):199.e1-5. Abstract

15. Butrick CW. Interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain: new insights in neuropathology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Dec;46(4):811-23. Abstract

16. Kirsch R, Riddell RH. Histopathological alterations in irritable bowel syndrome. Mod Pathol. 2006 Dec;19(12):1638-45. Abstract

17. Pukall CF, Strigo IA, Binik YM, et al. Neural correlates of painful genital touch in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Pain. 2005 May;115(1-2):118-27. Abstract

18. Champaneria R, Shah L, Moss J, et al. The relationship between pelvic vein incompetence and chronic pelvic pain in women: systematic reviews of diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. Health Technol Assess. 2016 Jan;20(5):1-108.Full text  Abstract

19. Poleshuck EL, Dworkin RH, Howard FM, et al. Contributions of physical and sexual abuse to women's experiences with chronic pelvic pain. J Reprod Med. 2005 Feb;50(2):91-100. Abstract

20. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion no. 498: adult manifestations of childhood sexual abuse. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Aug;118(2 Pt 1):392-5. Abstract

21. A​merican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee statement no. 12: health care for women and gender-diverse active-duty and reserve uniformed service members and veterans. Dec 2024 [internet publication].​Full text

22. Latthe P, Mignini L, Gray R, et al. Factors predisposing women to chronic pelvic pain: systematic review. BMJ. 2006 Apr 1;332(7544):749-55.Full text  Abstract

23. Rogers AH, Farris SG. A meta-analysis of the associations of elements of the fear-avoidance model of chronic pain with negative affect, depression, anxiety, pain-related disability and pain intensity. Eur J Pain. 2022 Sep;26(8):1611-35.Full text  Abstract

24. Radzinsky VE, Khamoshina MB, Nosenko EN, et al. Treatment strategies for pelvic pain associated with adenomyosis. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016 Oct;32(sup2):19-22.Full text  Abstract

25. ​A​merican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. 114: management of endometriosis. Jul 2010 [internet publication].Full text

26. European Association of Urology. Guidelines on chronic pelvic pain. Mar 2024 [internet publication].Full text

27. Fletcher SG, Zimmern PE. Differential diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain in women: the urologist's approach. Nat Rev Urol. 2009 Oct;6(10):557-62. Abstract

28. Baszak-Radomanska E, Wanczyk-Baszak J, Paszkowski T. Pilot study of testing a clinical tool for pelvic physical examination in patients with vulvodynia. Ginekol Pol. 2021 Mar 23.Full text  Abstract

29. Frock-Welnak DN, Tam J. Identification and treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease and associated sequelae. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2022 Sep;49(3):551-79. Abstract

30. American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: postmenopausal subacute or chronic pelvic pain. 2018 ​[internet publication].Full text

31. Paspulati RM. Chronic pelvic pain: role of imaging in the diagnosis and management. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2023 Dec;44(6):501-10. Abstract

32. American College of Radiology. ACR appropriateness criteria: endometriosis. ​2024 [internet publication].Full text

33. National Institute for Health and Care Research. Detection, screening and diagnosis: ​MRI scan does not help to find the cause of pelvic pain in women. Oct 2018 [internet publication].Full text

34. Khan KS, Tryposkiadis K, Tirlapur SA, et al. MRI versus laparoscopy to diagnose the main causes of chronic pelvic pain in women: a test-accuracy study and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2018 Jul;22(40):1-92.Full text  Abstract

35. Steele LA, Mooney SS, Gilbee ES, et al. When you see nothing at all: outcomes following a negative laparoscopy. A systematic review. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Apr;64(2):95-103.Full text  Abstract

36. Rawicki B, Sheean G, Fung VS, et al; Cerebral Palsy Institute. Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and aftercare for paediatric and adult niche indications including pain: international consensus statement. Eur J Neurol. 2010 Aug;17(suppl 2):122-34. Abstract

37. Butrick CW. Pelvic floor hypertonic disorders: identification and management. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2009 Sep;36(3):707-22. Abstract

38. Merli CEM, Cetera GE, Caia C, et al. "The sound of silence" giving voice to endometriosis-related positional dyspareunia. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 Mar;309(3):887-93. Abstract

39. Yan Y, Erdogan A, Adame EC, et al. Pathoetiology of levator ani syndrome and its treatment with translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Dec 1;118(12):2242-6.Full text  Abstract

40. Song SY, Jung YW, Shin W, et al. Endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain. Biomedicines. 2023 Oct 23;11(10):2868.Full text  Abstract

41. Kobayashi H, Imanaka S. Understanding ultrasound features that predict symptom severity in patients with adenomyosis: a systematic review. Reprod Sci. 2024 Feb;31(2):320-31. Abstract

42. Rodrigues R, Vieira-Baptista P, Catalão C, et al. Chlamydial and gonococcal genital infections: a narrative review. J Pers Med. 2023 Jul 21;13(7):1170.Full text  Abstract

43. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Clinical consensus no. 3: general approaches to medical management of menstrual suppression. Sep 2022 [internet publication].Full text

44. Nguyen AT, Curtis KM, Tepper NK, et al. U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2024. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2024 Aug 8;73(4):1-126.Full text  Abstract

45. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. UK medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use​. Sep 2019 [internet publication].Full text

46. Roland N, Neumann A, Hoisnard L, et al. Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study. BMJ. 2024 Mar 27;384:e078078.Full text  Abstract

47. European Medicines Agency. Medroxyprogesterone acetate - direct healthcare professional communication (DHPC). Oct 2024 [internet publication].Full text

48. Bayoglu Tekin Y, Dilbaz B, Altinbas SK, et al. Postoperative medical treatment of chronic pelvic pain related to severe endometriosis: levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue. Fertil Steril. 2011 Feb;95(2):492-6. Abstract

49. Coccia ME, Rizzello F, Palagiano A, et al. Long-term follow-up after laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis: multivariate analysis of predictive factors for recurrence of endometriotic lesions and pain. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2011 Jul;157(1):78-83. Abstract

50. Hsu AL, Sinaii N, Segars J, et al. Relating pelvic pain location to surgical findings of endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Aug;118(2 Pt 1):223-30.Full text  Abstract

51. Stratton P, Berkley KJ. Chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis: translational evidence of the relationship and implications. Hum Reprod Update. 2011 May-Jun;17(3):327-46.Full text  Abstract

52. Yunker A, Sathe NA, Reynolds WS, et al. Systematic review of therapies for noncyclic chronic pelvic pain in women. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2012 Jul;67(7):417-25. Abstract

53. Lamvu G. Role of hysterectomy in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 May;117(5):1175-8. Abstract

54. Sesti F, Capozzolo T, Pietropolli A, et al. Dietary therapy: a new strategy for management of chronic pelvic pain. Nutr Res Rev. 2011 Jun;24(1):31-8. Abstract

55. Nickel JC, Barkin J, Forrest J, et al. Randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study of pentosan polysulfate sodium for interstitial cystitis. Urology. 2005 Apr;65(4):654-8. Abstract

56. Poletajew S, Brzózka MM, Krajewski W, et al. Glycosaminoglycan replacement therapy with intravesical instillations of combined hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in patients with recurrent cystitis, post-radiation cystitis and bladder pain syndrome: a narrative review. Pain Ther. 2024 Feb;13(1):1-22.Full text  Abstract

57. Turner KJ, Stewart LH. How do you stretch a bladder? A survey of UK practice, a literature review, and a recommendation of a standard approach. Neurourol Urodyn. 2005;24(1):74-6. Abstract

58. Higson RH, Smith JC, Whelan P. Bladder rupture: an acceptable complication of distension therapy? Br J Urol. 1978 Dec;50(7):529-34. Abstract

59. Fariello JY, Whitmore K. Sacral neuromodulation stimulation for IC/PBS, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Int Urogynecol J. 2010 Dec;21(12):1553-8. Abstract

60. Marcelissen T, Jacobs R, van Kerrebroeck P, et al. Sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain. J Urol. 2011 Aug;186(2):387-93. Abstract

61. Yu WR, Jiang YH, Jhang JF, et al. Treatment outcomes of intravesical botulinum toxin A injections on patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Toxins (Basel). 2022 Dec 11;14(12):871.Full text  Abstract

62. Horne AW, Vincent K, Cregg R, et al. Is gabapentin effective for women with unexplained chronic pelvic pain? BMJ. 2017 Sep 21;358:j3520. Abstract

63. Lian YN, Wang Y, Zhang Y, et al. Duloxetine for pain in fibromyalgia in adults: a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Int J Neurosci. 2020 Jan;130(1):71-82. Abstract

64. Arnold LM, Keck PE Jr, Welge JA. Antidepressant treatment of fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis and review. Psychosomatics. 2000 Mar-Apr;41(2):104-13.Full text  Abstract

65. Arnold LM, Choy E, Clauw DJ, et al. An evidence-based review of pregabalin for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018 Aug;34(8):1397-409. Abstract

66. Nüesch E, Häuser W, Bernardy K, et al. Comparative efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in fibromyalgia syndrome: network meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013 Jun;72(6):955-62.Full text  Abstract

67. Montenegro ML, Vasconcelos EC, Candido Dos Reis FJ, et al. Physical therapy in the management of women with chronic pelvic pain. Int J Clin Pract. 2008 Feb;62(2):263-9. Abstract

68. Andrews JC. Vulvodynia interventions: systematic review and evidence grading. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2011 May;66(5):299-315. Abstract

69. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion no. 673: persistent vulvar pain. Sep 2016 [internet publication].Full text

70. Foster DC, Kotok MB, Huang LS, et al. Oral desipramine and topical lidocaine for vulvodynia: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Sep;116(3):583-93. Abstract

71. Haefner HK, Collins ME, Davis GD, et al. The vulvodynia guideline. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2005 Jan;9(1):40-51.Full text  Abstract

72. Horne AW, Vincent K, Hewitt CA, et al. Gabapentin for chronic pelvic pain in women (GaPP2): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2020 Sep 26;396(10255):909-17.Full text  Abstract

73. Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bajzak K, et al. Guideline no. 445: management of chronic pelvic pain. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2024 Jan;46(1):102283.Full text  Abstract

74. Wu C, Goldstein A, Klebanoff JS, et al. Surgical management of neuroproliferative-associated vestibulodynia: a tutorial on vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement flap. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Nov;221(5):525.e1-2. Abstract

75. Boardman LA, Cooper AS, Blais LR, Raker CA. Topical gabapentin in the treatment of localized and generalized vulvodynia. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Sep;112(3):579-85. Abstract

76. Champaneria R, Daniels JP, Raza A, et al. Psychological therapies for chronic pelvic pain: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2012 Mar;91(3):281-6. Abstract

77. Morone NE, Greco CM, Weiner DK. Mindfulness meditation for the treatment of chronic low back pain in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot study. Pain. 2008 Feb;134(3):310-9. Abstract

78. Fox SD, Flynn E, Allen RH. Mindfulness meditation for women with chronic pelvic pain: a pilot study. J Reprod Med. 2011 Mar-Apr;56(3-4):158-62. Abstract

79. Cote JN, Hoeger Bement MK. Update on the relation between pain and movement: consequences for clinical practice. Clin J Pain. 2010 Nov-Dec;26(9):754-62. Abstract

80. Diaz AJ, Rosety MA, Armario JC, et al. Regular exercise improved fatigue and musculoskeletal pain in young adult psoriatic patients without psoriatic arthritis. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 27;15(21):4563.Full text  Abstract

81. Berna C, Vincent K, Moore J, et al. Presence of mental imagery associated with chronic pelvic pain: a pilot study. Pain Med. 2011 Jul;12(7):1086-93.Full text  Abstract

82. McCleane GJ, Suzuki R, Dickenson AH. Does a single intravenous injection of the 5HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron have an analgesic effect in neuropathic pain? A double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Anesth Analg. 2003 Nov;97(5):1474-8. Abstract