Case Based Pearls in Pelvic Pain: A Tutorial Anchored in Clinical Scenarios to Bring to Your Practice
An estimated 6-30% of people worldwide experience chronic pelvic pain (CPP). CPP is responsible for numerous surgical procedures, is a major risk factor for disability and depression, and has a tremendous burden on society. CPP patients have among the poorest QOL scores in chronic disease. "Chronic prostatitis" is the most common urologic diagnosis in men older than age 50 years; the global prevalence is estimated to be 8-14%. Pelvic pain is even more common in women, affecting 1 in 7 and prompting approximately 10% of all gynecological office visits. Because it predominately affects people aged 30-50, it causes great impact in the workplace and at home. We all see patients with pelvic pain in daily practice. Pain derives from gynecological, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and neurological structures, can have local versus systemic causes, and can interplay with psychological factors. Therefore, treating pain within our specialty, one can feel overwhelming or unsuccessful. This session provides concrete perspective and tools on what causes pelvic pain and how to get patients to the correct next steps in work up and treatment.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate the causes of chronic pelvic pain by constructing a comprehensive differential diagnosis, including organ-based, musculoskeletal, and neurological factors.
- Interpret history clues, associated conditions, and distinguishing signs of systemic versus localized pelvic pain to enhance diagnostic accuracy
- Identify the appropriate components of a multidisciplinary assessment of chronic pelvic pain to develop a comprehensive coordinated treatment plan.
- Analyze and synthesize musculoskeletal and neurological evaluation of chronic pelvic pain, integrating insights from an expert physiotherapist and pain management neurologist.
- Evaluate the efficacy of these approaches in clinical practice, and apply key strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
- Identify associated conditions to determine if there are signs of systemic vs localized pelvic pain and how to approach each.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AANP
- 1.00 ACCME (All Other)
- 1.00 ACCME (MD/DO Only)
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
- 1.00 ANCC
- 1.00 APA