Acute gynecologic pelvic pain

Abstract

Acute pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. A detailed description of the pain should be obtained with attention to its timing, duration, characterization, and modifying factors. A complete gynecological history should include the patient’s last menstrual period, a description of the menstrual cycle, use of contraceptives, sexual history, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and previous self-therapies. Workup should include a pregnancy test in all reproductive-age women. The categories of acute pelvic pain are divided by anatomic structure; however, some conditions may involve multiple pelvic organs.