Chronic pelvic pain In Men and Women: When pain itself becomes the disease

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as persistent or recurrent pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis in both men and women. It is frequently associated with adverse cognitive, behavioral, sexual, and emotional consequences, as well as with symptoms suggestive of dysfunction involving the urinary, sexual, gastrointestinal, pelvic floor, or gynecological systems. Accordingly, the clinical presentation of CPP commonly reflects a multifactorial interplay among urological, gynecological, musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychosocial factors. There is considerable heterogeneity in patients’ descriptions of pain onset, location, and radiation, as well as in the nature of accompanying persistent symptoms, the duration and severity of which may vary substantially . Chronic pelvic pain syndromes impose a multidimensional burden characterized by persistent pain, psychological distress, functional impairment, and significant socioeconomic impact. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding chronic pelvic pain in both men and women and examine key clinical and pathophysiological aspects of this complex and multifaceted condition.