The evil twins of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: endometriosis and interstitial cystitis.

Abstract

Patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome are very difficult to manage. Eighty percent were found to have endometriosis and had numerous previous operations. Many patients failed to respond to multiple therapies. In many cases, pain persists even after a hysterectomy. Through our study, we showed the high prevalence and association of interstitial cystitis and endometriosis, the evil twins of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It is absolutely necessary to perform both laparoscopic and cystoscopic examinations concurrently with the patient anesthetized in the initial evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome to avoid unnecessary delay in making the diagnosis of the evil twins, because chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be caused by either or both of these entities. It is very important to have the gynecologists and urologists working as a team in making an early diagnosis to resolve these chronic debilitating diseases.