What is chronic pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain exists in the area between your hips and below your belly button. For your doctor to classify it as chronic pelvic pain, you must have had it for at least six months.
It can be a condition in its own right or a symptom of something else, but it's not always easy to identify what's causing the pain.
Your provider attempts to isolate the root cause. In the meantime, they provide pain relief to manage your discomfort levels and to improve your quality of life.
What causes chronic pelvic pain?
Several factors can cause chronic pelvic pain. These may include:
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths. They can cause feelings of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus. It thickens and breaks down each month but has nowhere to go, so it remains in your abdomen, where it can cause painful adhesions.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can cause pelvic pain and pressure.
Musculoskeletal problems
Musculoskeletal disorders, like inflammation of the pubic joint (pubic symphysis), fibromyalgia, hernia, or pelvic floor muscle tension, can cause recurring pelvic pain.
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
Untreated infections can cause scarring to your pelvic organs.
Cystitis
Cystitis causes a frequent need to urinate and recurring pain in your bladder. The pain worsens as your bladder fills.
Your provider discusses with you your medical history and runs tests to understand what's causing your pain.
What are the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain?
Many symptoms accompany chronic pelvic pain. These include:
- Dull aches
- Cramps
- Steady pain
- Pain that comes and goes
- Pressure
- Painful bowel movements and urination
- Painful intercourse
- Pain when sitting or standing for a long time
Your provider works with you to create a treatment plan that reduces your symptoms and eases the severity of the pain.
How do you treat chronic pelvic pain?
Your doctor uses several treatment options to target pelvic pain, such as:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Other therapies
- Pain rehabilitation programs
- Lifestyle and home remedies
- Alternative medicine
The providers at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, take an integrated approach to patient care. They explore a combination of treatment methods to find the most successful solution for you. Call to book a consultation or schedule an appointment online today.
