Presentation: Pelvic Pain Flashcards
What provides innovation to the vulva, perineum and lower vagina?
Pudendal nerve. S2 - S4
What innervates the uterus, tubes, ovaries and visceral peritoneum?
Autonomic nervous system T10 - L1
What processes may lead to pelvic pain?
- distension / contraction of an organ
- stretching of an organ capsule
- irritation of the parietal peritoneum
- ischaemic tissues
- inflammation, neoplasia or fibrosis stimulating nerves
DDx for gynaecological causes of pelvic pain?
- Cyclical (see other card)
- Endometriosis / adenomyosis
- PID
- PCOS
- Residual ovary, ovarian remnant syndrome
- Neoplasia
- Pelvic venous congestion
- Levator muscle spasm
- Pelvic adhesions
What are non - gynaecological causes of pelvic pain?
- GIT (diverticulitis, malignancy, BO, IBD, IBS)
- Urinary tract (calculus, infection, retention malignancy, interstitial cystitis)
- MSK (OA, prolapsed disc, fibro, myofascial pain, peripartum MSK pain, psoas muscle pain)
CFx cyclical pelvic pain?
Dysmenorrhoea during cycle. Often associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis
What are the cyclical causes of pelvic pain?
- dysmenorrhoea
- ovulation pain
- endometriosis
- adenomyosis
- excacervbation of other aetiologies (e.g. IBS and interstitial cystitis)
What are the CFx of ovulation pain?
- acute onset of pain is followed by dull ache for several hours
- pain corresponds to LH peak (1 day pre ovulation)
- prostaglandin F2 causes contractility of ovarian perifollicular smooth muscle
How is PID diagnosed?
- only 60% correctly diagnosed on Hx
- Dx = laparoscopy
What are the sequelae of PID?
- chronic infection
- pelvic pain
- dyspareunia
- menstrual changes
- infertility
- ectopic pregnancy
What are the features of malignant neoplasia causing pelvic pain?
- weight loss
- nausea
- abdo / pelvic pain
- ascites
- lymphadenopathy
- irregular mass in pelvis
What is the proposed aetiology of pelvic venous congestion?
May be due to oestrogen causing dilation of thin walled unsupported pelvic veins
What is the most informative investigation for pelvic pain?
Laparoscopy
What radiological investigations can be useful in evaluating pelvic pain?
- US pelvis
- XR lumbar spine / hip joints
- other if ? non gyn cause
What non radiological investigations can be helpful in evaluating pelvic pain?
- MSU
- Chlamydia swabs
- laparoscopy