What causes pelvic pain?
Pain in the lower abdomen, below the belly button and surrounding the sex organs, can be the result of a number of health conditions. Outside normal menstrual cramping, many things can cause pelvic pain, including:
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
- Fibroids
- Cysts
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Depression or stress
You need a full medical evaluation to diagnose the cause of pain and identify treatment options.
What are the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain?
Depending on the root cause of your pain, you may experience any of the following in your pelvic region:
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Chronic, severe pain
- Unusual cramping
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Intermittent pain
You may also feel pain during a bowel movement, urination, intercourse, or after standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Pain can fluctuate in severity, from a dull ache in a widespread area to severe, throbbing pain in the pelvic region. Some may experience pain so severe, it disrupts daily life.
You should have Dr. Taymour evaluate pelvic pain lasting longer than a few days. Contact Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group to schedule an appointment if you experience difficulty in standing or sitting or notice your symptoms are getting worse.
How is pelvic pain diagnosed?
Dr. Taymour performs a number of tests to pinpoint the cause of pelvic pain. In addition to discussing your medical history, you may need additional testing, including:
- Pelvic exam: identifies abnormal growths, muscle problems, and infections
- Lab tests: identifies infections, diseases, and blood cell count abnormalities
- Ultrasound: identifies cysts or masses in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries
- Laparoscopy: a surgical procedure using a small camera to closely view the pelvic region, organs, and tissues for signs of infection, disease, and other abnormalities
How is pelvic pain treated?
Treatment plans for pelvic pain depend on the diagnosis. You may take pain relievers, antibiotics, or other medications to provide relief. Dr. Taymour may recommend physical therapy in some cases. You may need minimally-invasive surgery to remove cysts, fibroids, or other abnormalities linked to pelvic pain.
