Pelvic pain in urogynaecology. Part I: evaluation, definitions and diagnoses

Aim of this review is to summarise the available literature on the definitions and assessment of pelvic pain in the urogynaecological patient. A MEDLINE search and a hand search of conference proceedings of the International Continence Society and International Urogynecological Association were performed. Sixty-nine articles were reviewed. The site of pain was specified in 45% of the articles, 20% used the digital examination of pelvic myofascial trigger points for the diagnosis; 20%, the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptom Scale; 26%, the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index and 39%, a simple visual analogue scale. The diagnosis was interstitial cystitis in 67% and chronic pelvic pain in 19% of the articles. Consensus on the diagnostic procedures and definition of pelvic pain in the urogynaecological patient should be achieved in order to provide exact diagnostic information which will lead to more satisfying treatment options.