PPWH-05 - 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.