Overview
Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating disease that affects more than 20% of women today. Much of the pelvic pain is caused by scar tissue known as adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that connect normally separated pelvic structures. This connection represents a common problem in gynecologic health care which causes incapacitating pelvic pain, infertility, constipation, and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Patients are more likely to have adhesive disease after an injury. The injury can be caused by surgery, infection, radiation or trauma to the abdominal area.
Causes of Pelvic Adhesions
Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery (most common reason)
History of infection in the abdominal cavity
Endometriosis
History of cancer or radiation therapy
Previous intra-abdominal trauma or bleeding (ectopic pregnancy, motor vehicle accidents, appendicitis)