The History of Gynecological Treatment of Women's Pelvic Pain and the Recent Emergence of Pain Sensitization

Book excerpt: The History of Gynecological Treatment of Women's Pelvic Pain and the Recent Emergence of Pain Sensitization is a historical account on how women have been treated for the problems of pelvic pain. It describes the earliest reports of women suffering from pelvic pain that seem to suggest the presence of something beyond any understanding prior to the late twentieth century. This book is for awareness of the condition and will help readers understand the complex presentations of pelvic pain: the shift from episodic to persistent pain, referred pain, pain from a non-painful stimulus (allodynia), and excessive pain from a painful stimulus (hyperalgesia). This is a novel reference that provides a detailed chronology of past treatments and how the absence of awareness of pain sensitization led to some disreputable surgical procedures. In addition, it is an historical analysis on the emergence of central pain sensitization as an explanation for the historical challenges of the past to current developments. - Discusses co-morbidities and possible reversal approaches - Provides information on what to look for with pelvic pain to give guidance for potential solutions - Covers early women gynecologists and early developments in surgical practice