Prevalence and characteristics of chronic pelvic pain among women in Alexandria, Egypt

Background Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is widespread among women with a significant impact on their health. The nature and severity of pain varies between different women and areas. Objectives To estimate the prevalence CPP and associated dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia among women attending Family Health Centers in Alexandria, Egypt and to describe the nature and severity of pain as reported by women. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 900 ever-married women aged (18-59) years attending three Family Health Centers in Alexandria, Egypt (2007-2008). Personal, social, reproductive, and medical data were collected using a modified Oxfordshire questionnaire. Severity of pain was assessed using both the Verbal Rating Scale and the Visual Analogue Scale. Results Prevalence of CPP was 26.6%, dysmenorrhea was 55.3%, and dyspareunia was 40.5%. The three types overlapped. Most women (92%) had CPP of intermittent type and 46.9% had this pain for more than 1 year (1-5 years). Pain was perceived as severe in approximately one third of them (32.2%). Their mean Visual Analog Scale for pain severity was 6.5 2.1. The most frequently mentioned types of pain were moderate cramping pain and moderate heaviness (40%). Factors that increase their pain were mainly full bladder, sexual intercourse, and loaded colon (60, 46.4, and 40%, respectively). Relieving factors were urination and sleep/rest (46.9 and 46.4%, respectively) and use of medications (40%). Conclusion and recommendations The three types of pain were highly prevalent and overlapping among the women studied. CPP was perceived as severe and intermittent by many women. Pelvic pain should receive greater attention both in public education and in clinical practice. Primary care physicians should be prepared to initiate pain management to alleviate women's stress and disability. Women should be educated regarding the importance of seeking medical treatment early.