For many women, the cause of pelvic pain isn’t clear; we can help
you get to the root of it.
Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem
Though the cause is not always clear, many women struggle with pelvic pain.
The pelvis is the area of the body where your lower abdomen meets your
legs. It houses your reproductive organs, urinary bladder and genitals.
Pelvic pain that lasts for longer than six months without improvement is known as
chronic pelvic pain.
What causes chronic pelvic pain?
There are a wide variety of issues that can lead to pelvic pain, and it
can be difficult to identify the root of the pain. Potential causes include:
Inflammation or irritation of nerves due to injury, fibrosis, pressure,
or peritonitis
Muscle cramps
Pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus (known as ectopic pregnancy)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Twisted or ruptured ovarian cyst
Miscarriage or threatened miscarriage
Urinary tract infection
Appendicitis
Ruptured fallopian tube
Chronic pelvic pain cases may also be due to:
Menstrual cramps
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids (growths on or in the uterine wall)
Scar tissue between the organs in the pelvic cavity
Endometrial polyps
Cancers of the reproductive tract
Other problems in the digestive, urinary, or nervous systems
Diagnosis of the root cause of chronic pelvic pain:
Physical exam including pelvic exam
Laboratory tests
Radiographic imaging
Cystoscopy (evaluation of the bladder with a scope)
Bladder biopsy
Treatment options for chronic pelvic pain
Treatment for chronic pelvic pain often involves a combination of therapies
from multiple specialty areas. The type of treatment that works best depends
on the status of your condition. It’s important to work closely
with your provider to find the best treatment plan for your specific type
of pelvic pain.
Some treatment options for chronic pelvic pain include:
Medicine: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen,
may help with mild to moderate pain. Sometimes, prescription medications,
such as hormone therapy or nerve blockers, may help with conditions that
cause pelvic pain.
Physical therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy involves exercises that strengthen pelvic
floor muscles. These exercises can help with the pain. Mind-body and relaxation
techniques also may help relieve muscle tension and pain.
Surgery: Your provider may suggest surgery if what’s causing your pelvic
pain is a structural issue. Examples include uterine fibroids or ovarian
cysts. For some types of pelvic pain, minimally invasive procedures, such
as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, can help diagnose and treat the underlying
condition.
Psychological counseling: Chronic pelvic pain is sometimes linked to anxiety, depression, or other
emotional issues. Counseling or psychotherapy may help with the pain and
finding ways to cope.
Complementary therapies: Therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, or yoga, may help with pain,
stress, and muscle tension.
Neuromodulators: Injections with botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau)
can help with chronic pelvic pain.
Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reduced stress, and more sleep can
help with chronic pelvic pain symptoms and overall health.
