This study investigates the correlation between chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and use of non prescription substances (alcohol, tobacco and marijuana) We hypothesize that severity of pain is associated with higher rates of substance use for self management of CPP.

Design: We conducted an IRB approved retrospective chart review on survey questionnaires distributed to new patients initiating care at a chronic pelvic pain clinic

Setting: Outpatient chronic pelvic pain clinic between January 2019 to March 2024

Patients or Participants: Study population is comprised of 102 patients (N=102) initiating care at a large tertiary health center

Interventions:

Statistical analyses were conducted using Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was pre-specified at p<0.05. All analysis were performed using the software R 4.3.2. Pain was measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS).

Measurements and Main Results: There was no statistically significant difference between level of pain and tobacco use ( P = 0.123) There was also no statistically significant difference between level of pain and alcohol use (P = 0.22) The data did show a statistically significant difference in level of pain and marijuana use (p = 0.002). No patients who reported lower levels of pain (1-3) reported use of marijuana. 53.3% of patients ( N =21) who reported high levels of pain (7-10) reported marijuana use.

Conclusion: Survey data did not show a correlation between CPP and alcohol or tobacco use. However, there is a positive correlation between cannabis use and severity of chronic pelvic pain which supports the current literature. Cannabinoid receptors responsive to marijuana are expressed in both the nervous system and peripheral organs like the reproductive tracts. Although data on side effects to marijuana is limited, its use among patients with higher reported levels of CPP warrants a valuable investigation into its use as a therapeutic agent.