Clinical History

Taking a clinical history can be time-consuming especially with patients who have a long history of pelvic pain and several symptoms. It is important that clinicians obtain the relevant information and ask the “right ” questions of the patient. It is also important that the patient describes the symptoms as accurately as possible. See “Talking about Pelvic Pain“.

Clinical/Physical Examination

Examination is an important part of a consultation. If a gynaecological problem is suspected, patients should expect to have an internal/vaginal examination. This may be carried out during menstruation as some conditions such as deep nodules of endometriosis are more easily detected at this time.  In some countries it is also routine to carry out a breast examination at the same time as an abdominal or pelvic examination.

Article summary : “The Assessment of neuropathic pain in primary care” ( Haanpaa et al ) Am J Medicine 2009  click here.

Article: “Is chronic pelvic pain a comfortable diagnosis for primary care practitioners ? : a qualitative study (McGowan et al.) BMC Family Practice 2010 click here.