The pelvic pain syndrome as a psychosomatic symptom in women with conflicts in gender identity

Abstract

One hundred and ten women suffering from chronic pelvic pain were somatically and psychologically examined to investigate the hypothesis that conflicts in gender identity might play a role in the genesis of the pain. As a group, the pelvic pain patients showed characteristics which can be seen as indicators of conflicts in gender identity. Besides this, they showed characteristics of insecurity and lack of self-confidence. A tentative theoretical view on the relationship between pelvic pain and conflicts in gender identity is presented.