HOW IS THE CAUSE OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN IDENTIFIED?
— Because a number of different conditions can cause chronic pelvic pain, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the specific cause. A thorough history and a physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis are essential components of the diagnostic work-up. Laboratory tests, including a white blood cell count, urinalysis, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and a pregnancy test may be performed. The lab results may suggest causes of pelvic pain such as infection or pregnancy. Some diagnostic procedures may also be helpful in identifying the cause of chronic pelvic pain. For example, a pelvic ultrasound examination is very good at detecting pelvic masses, including ovarian cysts (sometimes caused by ovarian endometriosis) and uterine fibroids. A surgical procedure called a laparoscopy may be helpful in diagnosing some causes of chronic pelvic pain such as endometriosis and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. At laparoscopy, a flexible tube with a special fiberoptic lens is inserte
