/ Health Concerns / Women's Health

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Introduction

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a complex and multifaceted condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. Characterized by persistent pain in the pelvic region, CPPS can arise from various underlying causes, including musculoskeletal issues, neurological conditions, and inflammatory processes. Traditional treatment approaches often involve medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications; however, these may not provide sufficient relief for all patients. As a complementary approach, acupuncture has gained attention for its potential in managing CPPS. This alternative therapy aims to alleviate pain, enhance functional mobility, and improve overall well-being. Recent research indicates promising outcomes for acupuncture in treating this condition, highlighting its efficacy and safety as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Acupuncture has been found to be superior demonstrating safety and efficacy, thus it should be recommended when available (Chang 2016 – SR of 7 RCTs). Furthermore, acupuncture showed significant improvements in terms of pain management, voiding, and quality of life (QoL). Therefore, acupuncture should be considered as an adjunctive treatment for symptom control (Qin 2016 – SR of 7 RCTs).