Chronic pelvic pain in women

Chronic pelvic pain mainly occurs in people in the developed world.

The incidence of chronic pelvic pain varies widely depending on the definitions used and the population studied. A commonly used estimate is that 15% to 40% of women of reproductive age experience chronic pelvic pain.[7]Mathias SD, Kuppermann M, Liberman RF, et al. Chronic pelvic pain: prevalence, health-related quality of life, and economic correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Mar;87(3):321-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8598948?tool=bestpractice.com [8]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion​ no. 554: reproductive and sexual coercion. Feb 2013 [internet publication]. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/02/reproductive-and-sexual-coercion [9]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee opinion​ no. 518: intimate partner violence. 2022 [internet publication].​ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2012/02/intimate-partner-violence ​​

The majority of patients are untreated and undiagnosed. Women who are white, are younger than 35, and have undergone marital discord or abuse are more likely to have chronic pelvic pain.[7]Mathias SD, Kuppermann M, Liberman RF, et al. Chronic pelvic pain: prevalence, health-related quality of life, and economic correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Mar;87(3):321-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8598948?tool=bestpractice.com The incidence of each associated diagnosis also varies widely, but generally matches the rates for chronic pelvic pain overall.