Female Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis

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The definition of female pelvic pain syndrome is nonmenstrual pain of 3 months duration or longer that localizes to the anatomic pelvis and is severe enough to cause functional disability and require medical or surgical treatment.  The most important concept for the patient and practitioner to remember when treating this condition is that the etiology or cause of this disorder is not clearly understood.  Because of this uncertainty, patients are often asked to undergo countless tests and are often then encouraged to repeat these tests.  A thorough physical examination and focused imaging studies are typically indicated prior to treatment.  Once infection and malignancy have been excluded, an active treatment can be discussed.  While treatments are numerous, many patients’ symptoms can be dramatically improved when a personalized treatment regimen is prescribed.