Chronic pelvic pain lasting over six months and not related to menstrual cycle is a condition experienced by women, and there are numerous causes, including gynecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and psychological factors. Women who have suffered sexual, physical, or emotional trauma are at a higher risk of developing chronic pelvic pain, and they also have higher rates of psychological disorders than their peers. Men, on the other hand, commonly experience chronic pelvic pain due to chronic prostatitis and may also have psychological disorders. There are various treatment options, such as surgery, medication, and nonpharmacological therapies, including alternative therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an additional treatment option that should be considered when treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

A 38-year-old female, gravida 2, para 2, presents with pelvic pain for several years. Pain is localized to the bilateral lower abdomen and pelvis. She describes it as dull, achy, constant, and of mild intensity. Pain occurs most days and is unrelated to menses. She has been reading on the internet that hysteroscopic sterilization devices have been removed from the market and she is concerned that her implants may be causing her symptoms. She reports fatigue but no nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, irregular bleeding, vaginal discharge, or bladder symptoms. She has no past medical history. Her surgical history is significant for Essure hysteroscopic sterilization 5 years ago. She is not taking any medication and has no known allergies.

A 35-year-old nulligravid woman is scheduled to undergo diagnostic laparoscopy for evaluation of chronic pelvic pain. She describes her pain as sharp and stabbing that does wax and wane throughout the month but is always present. It is located in the pelvis and does not seem to be affected by bowel or bladder function. Her medical history is significant for ulcerative colitis and endometriosis. Her surgical history is significant for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, coloproctectomy with ileo J pouch creation, laparoscopic ablation of endometriosis, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Her coloproctectomy was complicated by postoperative peritonitis that necessitated a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics. She is not currently on any medications and has no known allergies.