Gastroenterologic causes of chronic pelvic pain

A large proportion of women with chronic pelvic pain can be found to have gastrointestinal disorders, either pathologic or functional. The location of referred pain from the gastrointestinal tract overlaps that of the reproductive organs. An awareness of the differential diagnosis, a knowledge of the common presentations of gastrointestinal disorders, a thorough history that includes an appropriate discussion of gastrointestinal symptoms, and a relevant examination will ensure that gastrointestinal diagnoses are not overlooked.