Pelvic Pain Specialist

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain occurs in your lower abdomen, below your navel.  Pelvic pain can be intermittent or chronic and may feel like:

• Sharp stabs
• Cramping
• Pressure
• Dull ache
• Severe, steady pain

Your pain may be triggered or exacerbated during sex, when you use the bathroom, or when sitting for long periods of time.

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain has a number of causes and can result from a combination of conditions, such as:

Endometriosis

The uterine lining grows outside your uterus and can’t leave your body during your period.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), scars your reproductive organs.

Uterine fibroids

These benign growths on the inside or outside of your uterus can put pressure on your bladder.

Psychological factors

Pelvic pain can be the result of a number of psychological factors, especially if you have a history of abuse or sexual abuse.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

Your doctor may suggest one or more tests to identify the underlying cause of your pelvic pain. These tests include:

• A pelvic exam
• STD testing
• Blood cell count tests
• Urinalysis
• A pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to look for abnormalities 

Your doctor may need to perform a minor surgical procedure that allows more direct visualization of your organs, such as a pelvic laparoscopy (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes), a cystoscopy (bladder), or a colonoscopy (bowel).

How is pelvic pain treated?

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on its underlying causes. In many cases, pelvic pain may require combination therapy. Common remedies include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
• Hormone treatments that regulate your menstrual cycle
• Antibiotics to clear any infections
• Antidepressants, if your pain has psychological components

If all other avenues have been exhausted, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve your pelvic pain. This might entail laparoscopic or open surgery to repair or remove:

• Fibroids
• Endometrial adhesions
• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Ovaries

Getting relief from your pelvic pain starts with an evaluation to help pinpoint the source. Call the specialists at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN for a consultation or book one online.