Pelvic pain is a term commonly used to describe discomfort occurring from reproductive organs in women. Women who live with pelvic pain may be experiencing symptoms of more serious complications. These complications can involve any aspect of the reproductive system, including the cervix, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
What Could Be Causing My Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain can be caused by a laundry list of causes, a portion of which are exclusive to female-bodied persons. Issues with your urinary system, digestive tract, and reproductive organs are all common sources. Developing research has also revealed that ligaments and muscles are also being found to be associated with chronic pelvic pain. Common causes involving the female reproductive system include:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian Cysts
- PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- Uterine Fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Menstrual Cramps
More serious concerns involving pelvic pain include miscarriage in pregnancies of less than 20 weeks, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, and STI’s.
How Will My Nurse Practitioner Determine The Cause Of My Pelvic Pain?
Diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain can be tricky since there are so many potential causes. Diagnosis starts with reviewing your medical history and reviewing your specific collection of symptoms. A variety of physical exams and tests may be used to try to narrow down the specific cause. Among these tools are:
- X-Rays of the Pelvis and Abdomen
- Vaginal Cultures for STI
- Urine and Blood tests
- Stool Tests
- CT Scans
- Ultrasound
- Colonoscopies or Sigmoidoscopies
- Pregnancy Tests
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Which tests our practitioner chooses to use will be determined by your symptoms and the finding of previous tests. By working together, we’ll narrow down the source of your pelvic pain and take steps to bring you relief and potentially a cure.
What Treatments Are There For Pelvic Pain?
Like the diagnostic procedure, the treatment of pelvic pain is dependent on the specific source of the pain. In some cases, over-the-counter medicine may be sufficient, while others may require more intensive treatment options. As you work with our practitioner to determine the specific cause of your pelvic pain, you’ll begin working together to reach an effective treatment method that suits your means, your lifestyle, and your need.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain and are looking for relief, it’s time to reach out to our clinic for an appointment. Our team is dedicated to treating all aspects of women’s health and has helped patients in and around our area find relief from conditions like Chronic Pelvic Pain. When you reach out to us to schedule your visit, our staff will walk you through the new patient process to ensure you can make the most of your first visit. Don’t let Chronic Pelvic Pain go undiagnosed as it can be an indicator of serious health concerns.
