Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: Sharing Interdisciplinary Experience

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain  (CPP) is a common, burdensome, and cost
ly condition that disproportionately affects women. Touching 
an estimated more than 20% of people worldwide or approximate
ly 1 in 7 women,1 CPP is a common problem. In one study of 
reproductive-aged women in primary care practices, the reported 
prevalence rate of pelvic pain was 39%.2 Of all referrals to gyne
cologists, 10% are for pelvic pain.3  
Ten percent (10%) of the world’s population - approxi
mately 60 million people - endure chronic pain4 and fairly reliable 
estimates in individual countries and regions indicate chronic pain 
prevalence closer to 20-25%.5,6 Primary care facilities in Asia, Afri
ca, Europe, and in the Americas have patients reporting persistent 
pain prevalence of 10-25%. Consistent estimates of chronic pain 
prevalence in the U.S. range from 12-25%, and a prevalence of 
20% has been noted in Europe.7 The World Health Organization 
(WHO) has estimated that as many as 1 in 10 adult individuals are 
newly diagnosed with chronic pain each year