Pelvic pain is described as the discomfort that occurs in the lowest part of the torso, the area below the abdomen and between the hipbones. The pelvic area is home to your bowel, ovaries, bladder, uterus, and more. Persistent pelvic pain, also known as chronic pelvic pain, is pain that is present on most days for six months or more. The degree of pain can vary from woman to woman, from mild ache to an intense, steady pain that makes everyday activities and enjoying life difficult.

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a common and debilitating experience caused by a range of possible conditions. Some women might have pain related to the reproductive organs, or the urinary tract or bowel, or both. The most common cause of chronic pelvic pain is endometriosis. Other possible conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain include:

• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic adhesions
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Interstitial cystitis
• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic floor disorders

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?

For most women, the primary symptom of chronic pelvic pain is the pain itself, that varies from woman to woman. Women have experienced the following symptoms when discussing pelvic pain:

• Pain that ranges from: mild to severe, or dull to sharp
• Internal ache inside the uterus
• External pelvic area discomfort
• Severe cramping during periods
• Painful sex
• Pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement

How is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

Be prepared for your doctor to ask questions about your past and present health, and any health-related problems in your family. During the appointment, your doctor will complete a full pelvic exam as well as ask a series of questions to better understand your symptoms. To be prepared, here are some questions to consider before your appointment:

• What is your menstrual cycle history?
• Does it hurt during urination or sexual activity?
• Can you identify the exact area you’re feeling pain?
• How severe is the pain?
• Have you experienced this type of pelvic pain in the past?
• Is the pain steady or sharp?

What are the Treatment Options for Pelvic Pain?

Depending on the cause of your pelvic pain, our experts can determine which form of treatment is right for you. This may include:

• Medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical therapy
• Hormone treatment
• Minimally invasive surgery

Treatment at Vaginal Health Center

Always remember that you are not alone. Sometimes pelvic pain conditions can be difficult to manage, and it can feel like other people can’t relate to it because your pain cannot be seen. But treatment is available. Our double board-certified urogynecologists at Vaginal Health Center can help.  Call 770.721.6060 or contact us online.