What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is pain felt in the lower pelvic region, which is the area below your belly button and above your pubic bone. The type of pain you feel may vary, and it may be sharp, dull, stabbing, aching, burning, or throbbing.
Your pain may be acute, occurring suddenly and disappearing quickly. Or it may be intermittent, occurring at certain times of the month in relation to your menstrual cycle.
If your pelvic pain lasts six or more months, then you have chronic pelvic pain.
What causes pelvic pain?
Your pelvic region is home to many organs, including your bladder, bowel, and uterus, as well as your pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic pain may develop from a problem that affects one or more of these organs.
Common causes of pelvic pain include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Urinary tract infections
- Interstitial cystitis
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Appendicitis
- Kidney stones
Depression may contribute to or exacerbate pelvic pain.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain that’s affecting your quality of life, Pelvic Health Specialists can help.
What happens during a pelvic pain consultation?
When you visit Pelvic Health Specialists to be evaluated for pelvic pain, you can expect an in-depth history and physical. The goal of the exam is to find the source of your pain so you can get the most effective treatment.
During your consultation, your provider asks detailed questions about your pelvic pain, including the types of symptoms you experience and when they occur. They also review your medical and gynecological history and perform a physical and pelvic exam.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your doctor may run diagnostic tests such as blood work, a urinalysis, an ultrasound, X-rays, or an MRI.
How is pelvic pain treated?
The team at Pelvic Health Specialists takes a patient-centered approach to care. After determining the cause of your pelvic pain, your doctor spends time talking to you about your condition. Then, they review your treatment options and work with you to develop your plan of care.
Treatment for pelvic pain may depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Diet modification
- Bladder or bowel training
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Hormonal contraception
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Disease-specific medication
- Trigger point injections
- Pelvic floor Botox® injections
When needed, Pelvic Health Specialists also offers surgical options. They use the most advanced surgical tools and techniques, including da Vinci® robotic surgery, so you get the best outcome with less risk.
Don’t let your pelvic pain take over your life. Call Pelvic Health Specialists or book an appointment online to get the relief you need.
