Predictors of pelvic pain in a general urology clinic population

To assess the prevalence and predictors of chronic pelvic pain in a general urology population presenting for evaluation of unrelated non-painful complaints.Generalized pelvic pain is estimated to afflict between 6% and 26% of women and is often multifactorial in aetiology. A paucity of prospective research exists to characterize chronic pelvic pain patterns and to understand related predictors.

This is a prospective, cross-sectional survey-based study of female patients presenting to a general urology clinic over a 10-month period (7/2018-5/2019). Patients completed a 32-item survey with questions pertaining to demographics, comorbidities and chronic pelvic pain characteristics. Comparison tests (chi-squared, Fisher's exact) and stepwise multivariable logistic modelling were performed to assess for predictors of chronic pelvic pain.

A total of 181 women completed the survey, with a mean age of 56 years. Overall, 75 (41%) women reported chronic pelvic pain. Those with chronic pelvic pain were younger compared to those without (52 vs 59 years, p = 0.001). Univariable logistic regression analysis identified BMI, depression, fibromyalgia, overactive bladder and any bowel symptoms as possible positive predictors of chronic pelvic pain. Final best-fit multivariable model found overactive bladder, fibromyalgia and presence of bowel symptoms as independent positive predictors of chronic pelvic pain.

Our study is one of the few studies that has prospectively analysed chronic pelvic pain and its predictors. The present study identified significant associations with overactive bladder, fibromyalgia and bowel symptoms. Further research is needed to better understand the aetiologies of chronic pelvic pain and the possible relationship with identified clinical predictors.