Analysis of 230 women with chronic pelvic pain assisted at a public hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Chronic pelvic pain is prevalent, presents difficult treatment and has been poorly investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze 230 patients from the chronic pelvic pain ambulatory of Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Goiás.METHODS:Cross-sectional and intervention study, from 2007-2011.RESULTS:Mean age was 38.3±10.0 years. Most women were mulatto, married/cohabitating, attended elementary school, financially dependent, had an income of up to five minimum wages, normal body mass index, up to three children and sexual activity. Almost 30% had abortions, 15.8%, physical abuse and 11%, sexual abuse. Previous surgeries were common. Most had normal bowel and bladder function. Pain lasted over 16 days/month; it worsened in perimenstrual period and started, on average, 6.7 years before. In over 70% of cases there was a coincident event with the onset of pain, and conflict and/or trauma were the most commonly reported. Physical examination and ultrasound were normal in most of these women. Adhesion and/or endometriosis were found in almost 2/3 of 41 laparoscopies performed. There was an average reduction of 39.2% of the pain scale (3.1/7.9) with various adopted treatments (drugs, psychotherapy and laparoscopy) p<0.001. History of sexual abuse and abortion was associated with less pain reduction.CONCLUSION:This study adds epidemiological and clinical information on women with chronic pelvic pain in Brazil. Clinical and psychotherapeutic treatments induced significant reduction of the pain scale between the first and last visit of patients. Laparoscopy did not potentiate the reduction of pain.

Keywords

• epidemiology
• pelvic pain
• psychotherapy
• signs and symptoms
• therapeutics