Did you know?
Estimates suggest that 1 in 7 women in the United States is affected by Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP).
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)
Chronic Pelvic Pain (PP) is persistent pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or longer, often multifactorial, impacting physical and emotional well-being, and associated with various medical conditions.
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Overview
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) presents as persistent, non-cyclical pelvic pain lasting over six months, significantly impairing physical and emotional well-being [1]. It commonly links to conditions like endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and major depressive disorder. Symptoms of CPP vary, including sharp, dull, heavy, or burning sensations. The pain can be continuous or sporadic, with varying intensity levels. Unlike a single disease symptom, CPP is a complex, multifactorial syndrome. The microbiome plays a critical role in influencing immune responses and inflammation pathways. Alterations in gut and urogenital microbial communities may heighten inflammation and disrupt immune regulation, intensifying pain. CPP’s complexity categorizes it as both a symptom, and a unique condition. Diagnosis and treatment pose challenges due to its intricate nature, necessitating a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
What conditions are associated with chronic pelvic pain?
Conditions Associated with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Some of the most common conditions associated with CPP include:
Condition | Description |
---|---|
Endometriosis | A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, causing pain, especially during menstruation. |
Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome | A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, characterized by urinary frequency and urgency. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | A disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. |
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, leading to pelvic pain. |
Pelvic Adhesions | Bands of scar tissue that form between pelvic organs and tissues, causing pain by binding organs that are normally mobile. |
Fibromyalgia | A condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues, which can include pelvic pain. |
Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men | A chronic condition in men involving pain or discomfort in the pelvic region and genital area, often associated with urinary symptoms. |
The link between CPP and various conditions underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint underlying causes. Treatment strategies must address the physical and psychological impacts of the condition. These include pain management, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.
Research Feed
Did you know?
Gut microbiota predict endometriosis better than vaginal microbiota.
Did you know?
Estimates suggest that 1 in 7 women in the United States is affected by Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP).
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Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
References
- The role of the vaginal microbiome in distinguishing female chronic pelvic pain caused by endometriosis/adenomyosis.. Chao X, Liu Y, Fan Q, Shi H, Wang S, Lang J.. (Ann Transl Med. 2021)
Chao X, Liu Y, Fan Q, Shi H, Wang S, Lang J.
The role of the vaginal microbiome in distinguishing female chronic pelvic pain caused by endometriosis/adenomyosis.Ann Transl Med. 2021