Neurobiological mechanisms of pelvic pain

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:903848. doi: 10.1155/2014/903848. Epub 2014 Jul 8.

Abstract

Pelvic pain is a common condition which significantly deteriorates health-related quality of life. The most commonly identified causes of pain in the pelvic region are gynaecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, neurological, and musculoskeletal. However, in up to 33% of patients the source of this symptom is not identified, frustrating both patients and health-care professionals. Pelvic pain may involve both the somatic and visceral systems, making the differential diagnosing challenging. This paper aimed to review the mechanisms involved in pelvic pain perception by analyzing the neural plasticity and molecules which are involved in these complex circuits.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Pelvic Pain / diagnosis
  • Pelvic Pain / metabolism*
  • Pelvic Pain / physiopathology*
  • Quality of Life*