Vall d’Hebron Hospital treats over 500 chronic pelvic pain patients

The Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona has treated over 500 patients in its specialized chronic pelvic pain clinic over the last decade. Chronic pelvic pain is defined as persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting six months or longer. It can affect daily activities such as walking, sleeping, and working.

Diagnosis is often difficult because the pain frequently lacks a single identifiable cause. It can stem from various issues, including endometriosis, inflammatory processes, infections, musculoskeletal alterations, or nerve injuries. Patients often report a long and frustrating journey through multiple medical specialties—such as traumatology, dermatology, and neurosurgery—before receiving specialized care.

Statistics from the hospital indicate that between 15% and 25% of women may suffer from chronic pelvic pain, while the prevalence in men is estimated between 2% and 17%. The clinic, which launched in September 2016, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach involving up to seven different specialties to address these complex cases.