Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner: Chronic Pelvic Pain and the Overlap of Chronic Pelvic Pain Disorders

Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner – Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is the key element comprising several disorders that are all characterized by intermittent or continuous pain of at least 6 months duration localized to the pelvic area, the lower part of the abdominal cavity. Bowel, lower urinary tract, sexual, and/or gynecologic function are often affected. Chronic pelvic pain disorders affect 15% of both men and women, and include disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); interstitial cystitis (IC); chronic inflammation of the prostate gland; rectal pain that lasts for hours or even days; and vulvodynia. A discussion of "cross-sensitization," whereby acute or chronic irritation of one pelvic organ can lead to abnormal activity, sensitivity, or even inflammation in another, non-irritated organ or structure.