Women's Health: Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women and Girls

• Chronic pain is a top five health concern for Australian women and a National Women's Health Priority.
• Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) can be caused by various factors, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, chronic infection, vulvodynia, irritable bowel syndrome, and bladder pain syndrome.

Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain

• Endometriosis is the most common cause of CPP, accounting for 24-40% of all CPP diagnoses.
• The prevalence rate of endometriosis in Australia is around 11%.
• Endometriosis has a long diagnostic delay, which can impact a person's health and wellbeing.

Impact of Endometriosis on Quality of Life

• Endometriosis affects social activities, mental and emotional health, work/finances, and sexual relationships.
• People with endometriosis report a physical quality of life similar to that of cancer patients.
• Research suggests that it is the pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, rather than just the presence of endometrial lesions, that impacts quality of life.

Non-Endometriosis Related CPP

• People with non-endometriosis related CPP may experience similar issues, but possibly with less severe impact.
• There is a lack of research on non-endometriosis related CPP, which requires further investigation.