Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain and Ovarian Cancer

This course is divided into nine detailed units, each focusing on different aspects of diagnosing and managing pelvic pain and related conditions:

Unit 1: Anatomy of the Female Pelvis
This unit provides a detailed overview of the complex anatomy of the female pelvis, discussing how different organs and systems can contribute to pelvic pain. The unit emphasizes understanding the structures involved in pain presentation, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis

Unit 2: Approach to Diagnosing Pelvic Pain
This unit focuses on clinical reasoning methods and diagnostic approaches for pelvic pain, including acute, recurrent, and chronic presentations. Various models of clinical reasoning are discussed, helping practitioners systematically approach each case​.

Unit 3: Case Study 1 – Acute Pelvic Pain in a Young Woman
This case study explores the diagnostic process for a 15-year-old female patient with acute pelvic pain. The unit covers potential diagnoses such as appendicitis, ovarian cysts, and gastrointestinal issues, and emphasizes the importance of thorough history-taking and differential diagnosis​.

Unit 4: Case Study 2 – Pelvic Pain in a 35-Year-Old Woman
This unit presents a case of a 35-year-old woman with acute pelvic pain, guiding participants through the differential diagnosis process, including ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and appendicitis​.

Unit 5: Case Study 3 – Pelvic Pain in an Older Woman
Focusing on a 75-year-old woman, this case study highlights the challenges of diagnosing pelvic pain in older women. Conditions such as bowel obstruction, mesenteric artery occlusion, and other serious gastrointestinal or vascular issues are explored.

Unit 6: Recurrent and Chronic Persistent Pelvic Pain
This unit covers the complexities of chronic pelvic pain, discussing common causes like endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also emphasizes the psychosocial impact of chronic pain on patients.

Unit 7: Endometriosis
A dedicated unit on endometriosis, exploring its prevalence, symptoms, and diagnostic challenges. The unit covers the causes of endometriosis, treatment options, and its significant impact on fertility and overall health​.

Unit 8: Ovarian Cancer
This unit discusses ovarian cancer, including its risk factors, symptoms, and the difficulties in diagnosing it due to its often vague presentation. The unit also covers the stages of ovarian cancer and treatment options.

Unit 9: Final Summary
The course concludes with a summary of key concepts, reinforcing the importance of clinical vigilance in diagnosing pelvic pain. It encourages practitioners to apply a systematic approach to ensure no serious conditions, like ovarian cancer or endometriosis, are missed​.

Presented by Dr. Christine Ahern, this course provides essential tools for diagnosing and managing pelvic pain, ensuring healthcare providers can deliver effective, patient-centered care.