Pelvic Pain
Most women, at some time in their lives, experience pelvic pain. Women with symptoms of pain may want to see a gynecologist if pain is severe or if the discomfort doesn't go away after a few days. Workup should begin with a careful history and examination, followed by a pregnancy test. Some women may also need blood work or additional imaging studies such as an ultrasound, and a handful may benefit from having surgical evaluation using laparoscopy.
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods, including severe menstrual cramps. The condition is usually not serious, although it can sometimes be caused by infection, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. This condition can be treated although it may require prescription medications. Painful periods can sometimes be eased by using heating pads or taking a warm bath. Exercise may also help prevent or manage the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil or Aleve can also help with the pain. If these methods are not successful, a physician can prescribe hormones such as the birth control pill to make periods less painful and/or less frequent.
When the pelvic pain persists for longer than 6 months, it is called chronic pelvic pain (CPP). This is a poorly-understood condition that likely represents abnormal neurological function, either in the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system. Determining what's causing the discomfort may be one of medicine's more puzzling and frustrating endeavors. Indeed, no physical cause may ever be discovered. Many women who experience chronic pelvic pain never receive a more specific diagnosis. If a doctor can determine the source of the chronic pelvic pain, then treatment can focus on eliminating that cause. If no cause can be found, then treatment for chronic pelvic pain focuses on managing the pain.
Other Common Causes for Pelvic Pain
- Endometriosis
- Infection
- Bladder, bowel, or uterine pain/sensitivity
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine Fibroids (leiomyoma)