Pelvic pain in the female adolescent patient

Abstract

BACKGROUND Many causes of pelvic pain in adolescent women are similar to adult women. However, there are some specific problems that relate to obstructive congenital anomalies, and acute pelvic pain, caused by ovarian torsion, is also more common in this age group. OBJECTIVE This article discusses the approach to the assessment of pelvic pain in adolescent women and outlines causes that are specific to this patient population. DISCUSSION Despite the many similarities in the aetiology of pelvic pain, there are some critical differences in the approach and management of adolescents that need careful consideration. Establishing good communication, clarifying theissues around confidentiality, an..