Adolescent pelvic pain
Sanfilippo, J.S.; Black, A.
Best Practice and Research. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 17(1): 93-101
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1521-6934 PMID: 12758228 DOI: 10.1053/ybeog.2003.0355Document Number: 237120
Chronic pelvic pain is a frequent complaint in adolescent females. It is a complex disorder with multiple causes. The assessment must attempt to differentiate between gynaecological and non-gynaecological sources of pain. An understanding of the physical, cognitive and environmental factors associated with the pain are essential. Laparoscopy has been used in the assessment of CPP but a significant number of patients will have no obvious aetiology at the time of laparoscopy. For the young patient with CPP, a multidisciplinary approach may be essential to facilitate diagnosis and management. Although the symptoms may not always be curable, management that allows the young female to obtain normal or near normal function may be possible. This chapter focuses on the various causes of pelvic pain in the adolescent female with a focus on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the different causes.