Vercellini P, Vigano P, Somigliana E, Abbiati A, Barbara G, Fedele L
The aim of this descriptive review is to describe the management of CPP, which can focus on treating the pain itself, the underlying cause, or both. Combination drug therapy with medications with different mechanisms of action may improve therapeutic results. Pelvic denervating procedures should be indicated in selected circumstances, as the magnitude of the effect is undefined. Several alternative non-invasive treatments have been proposed including exercise programmes, cognitive and behavioural medicine, physical therapy, dietary modification, massage and acupuncture. When the woman has completed her family and particularly when pelvic varices have been demonstrated, hysterectomy can be considered after a careful pre-operative assessment. However, substantial pain relief may be achieved in no more than 60-70% of the cases. A minority of patients (3-5%) will experience worsening of pain or will develop new symptoms after surgery. Treatment of CPP, generally, requires acceptance of the concept of managing rather than curing symptoms.
This article is a good summary of the management of CPP in women.
Gynecological Endocrinology, 2009, 1-14