title: A possible link between dysmenorrhoea and the development of chronic pelvic pain.
abstract: Anecdotally, severe dysmenorrhoea can pre-date the development of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). This study describes the timeline for the transition from dysmenorrhoea to CPP in a cohort of new patients attending a private gynaecology clinic. In 16.4% of cases, transition occurred within one year, and within 12 years in over 50%. Our study suggests clinicians need to observe women with severe dysmenorrhoea for signs of chronic pain. Further research is needed into the transition from dysmenorrhoea to CPP, and effective early interventions.
authors.affiliation: Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hardi
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Craigie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D018450:Disease Progression; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D008875:Middle Aged; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: chronic pelvic pain; dysmenorrhoea; gynaecologist