Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Posted By Dr. Deepti Asthana on 23-04-2021

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Chronic pelvic pain is an excruciating pain, which can last for more than six months in the region of your pelvis, which is below the belly button and above your thighs. It is non cyclic in nature and may or may not be associated with menstrual cycles. In a few cases, it can cause physical impairment for a short period of time.

It is seen in almost 15% of the women in the reproductive age group.

What other gynecological problems are associated with chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

1. There is certainly a link between endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues similar to that of the uterine lining start growing outside the uterus and have the same effect that the endometrium has on various hormones. This uterine tissue, which grows in unusual sites other than the uterus also swells and sheds off with every menstrual cycle causing pain.

2. Fibroids or leiomyomas also pose a threat of this kind of a pain. Any previous surgery for a new infection also can spike up chronic pelvic pain.

3. Non gynecological problems like that of the intestine i.e, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and interstitial cystitis can also cause CPPS.

4. Neuromuscular reasons like entrapment of nerve fibers in the muscles of the uterus or hypermobility of the joints is another reason for chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The nerves are hypersensitive and react to the tiniest pain stimulus, flaring up any kind of a pain.

5. Pain during sexual intercourse is also often related to CPPS.

How can one diagnose chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

1. Complete urine analysis is a must to rule out any infections in the bladder.

2. Blood checkup for levels of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) should be done.

3. Imaging by Trans-Vaginal ultrasound with Doppler is a requisite to visualize any fibroids, adenomas, cysts, etc.

4. Also the patient should be screened for diabetes to rule out any diabetic neuropathy.

5. A bimanual physical examination can ascertain this syndrome after all the other investigations are completed.

How can this syndrome be treated?

1. The treatment mainly is based on the cause.

2. It requires a multidisciplinary approach of gynecologists, anesthetists and physiotherapists.

3. This condition can be medically managed by birth control pills, GnRH agonists and other suppressing hormones.

4. Do not self-medicate yourself. Fix your appointment with the best gynecologist and obstetrician in Gurgaon, Dr. Deepti Asthana, to heal you from long-standing pelvic pain.