Chronic Pelvic Pain and Sexuality
Description
Its origin is unknown, but we do know that it is exploited by multiple biological/organic, psychological and environmental conditions, which interact in a non-linear way and predispose the patient to present with the condition. There is a clear trend for patients to attend multiple specialists, with requests for complementary testing, which can become iatrogenic, with the patient often feeling misunderstood and ill-treated by the healthcare system.
Symptoms
As it is more of a clinical condition rather than a diagnosis as such, the symptoms can vary a lot, but they always centre around persistent pain. It has a major impact on women of reproductive age and its impact on quality of life varies depending on the causes. It is worth remembering that it gravely impacts on patients’ sex lives and this can cause very significant psychological issues.
How is affected by the condition?
According to research, the prevalence of pelvic pain in epidemiology is vary variable. This almost certainly has to do with sociocultural aspects. According to the latest studies, it could be as much as 6.4-25.4% in women and lower in men, at around 2-17%. It is very likely that in the case of men there is an underestimation of this prevalence as there is less willingness to look at problems that also affect the sexual sphere.
DIagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical. An appropriate clinical history needs to be conducted with the patient and/or relatives by a specialised healthcare professional. There are different scales to assess the severity of symptoms or associated comorbid disorders, and neuropsychological tests that evaluate cognitive difficulties in terms of attention and concentration. There are also some useful complementary tests to rule out organic causes and make a good diagnosis.
Typical treatment
A multi-modal approach is required: psychoeducation, psychological treatment and pharmacological treatment. If the condition is also affecting the patient’s sexuality, we must consider tackling the issue with the patient’s partner as a priority. Several drugs have been shown to help control the symptoms. It very important for treatment to create a good doctor/patient relationship, avoiding unnecessary and iatrogenic complementary testing.
Typical Tests
Clinical history. Psychological interview. Neuropsychological examination. Blood test, vital signs, weight and height. Neuroimaging. Scans.
Prevention
Work with healthcare professionals from the different specialisms that treat chronic pelvic pain. Schedule regular appointments and manage requests for complementary tests and medical interventions to prevent iatrogenic illness. Do regular physical exercise, try to rest well at night, stay active and take part in employment and/or leisure activities, practise relaxation therapies such as mindfulness and avoid consuming toxic substances. Rehabilitation physiotherapy.
Notable professionals at Vall d'Hebron who treat this condition
Psiquiatría: Dr. J A Navarro Sanchis
Hospital o serveis complementaris relacionats
General Hospital
Children's Hospital and Woman's Hospital
Gil Moreno
Gil Moreno
Ramos Quiroga
Ramos Quiroga
Parramon Puig
Parramon Puig
Ferrer Vinardell
Ferrer Vinardell
Amat Huerta
Amat Huerta
Rodriguez Urrutia
Rodriguez Urrutia
Fadeuilhe Grau
Fadeuilhe Grau
Cepeda Diez
Cepeda Diez
Navarro Sanchis
Navarro Sanchis
Perea Ortueta
Beneria Gonzàlez
Ramos Gascon
Ramos Gascon
Fidel Kinori
Fidel Kinori