Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian women

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain (dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and other chronic pelvic pain [CPP]) in a nationally representative sample of Australian women. Design and setting: The CPP survey was part of a broader national study of health and relationships. Computer‐assisted telephone interviews were administered to a random sample of 8656 Australian households; 4366 women aged between 16 and 64 years were interviewed in 2004 and 2005. Eighteen of the more than 200 potential survey questions related to pelvic pain. Main outcome measures: Self‐reports of dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and any other CPP not associated with sexual intercourse or menstruation. Results: Data on 1983 women aged 16–49 years who were still menstruating and sexually active were analysed. Prevalences were 71.7% for dysmenorrhoea, 14.1% for dyspareunia and 21.5% for other CPP; 23.3% of women reported no pelvic pain of any kind. Severe pain was reported by 15.0% (95% CI, 13.0%–17.1%) of women with dysmenorrhoea, 7.8% (95% CI, 5.0%–11.9%) of women with dyspareunia and 20.0% (95% CI, 16.1%–24.6%) of women with other CPP. Just over a third (34.2%) of women who reported any pain had sought advice from a health professional. Women reporting CPP were also likely to report other health conditions, most notably depression and anxiety. There were clear associations between CPP and sexual difficulties, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Rates of pelvic pain in Australian women are high. General practitioners need to be ready to discuss these issues with patients, particularly in relation to underlying anxiety and depression.

Painful Intercourse Is Significantly Associated with Evoked Pain Perception and Cognitive Aspects of Pain in Women with Pelvic Pain

“…This prevalent, costly condition is described as a “medical nightmare” for clinicians [11]. Women with CPP report depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, in addition to limitations in sexual activity and mobility [15],[16]. …”

The psychological profile of women presenting to a multidisciplinary clinic for chronic pelvic pain: high levels of psychological dysfunction and implications for practice

“…Community-based studies estimate the prevalence of CPP to be between 15.8% and 25% 6,7. Moreover, it is often debilitating, affecting a woman’s personal relationships, ability to work, sexual functioning, and self-esteem 8,9.…”

Auricular Acupressure Combined with an Internet-Based Intervention or Alone for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Control Study

“…The rate of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents and youth worldwide is relatively high: 83.2% in Singapore [1], 82% in Korea [2], 73.3% in Taiwan [3], 72.7% in Turkey [4], 71.1% in Australia [5], 65% in the US [6], 64% in Mexico [7], 68.7% in Hong Kong [8], and 60% in Canada [9]. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen without evident pelvic pathologic lesions.…”