For women with chronic pelvic pain, it can often be challenging to determine the cause of their discomfort. Pelvic pain can arise from the digestive system, the reproductive system, or the urinary system. A number of gynecological conditions including endometriosis, menstrual cramping, cancer or cysts in the ovaries, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and uterine fibroids can trigger pelvic pain. Damage to the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic floor can contribute as well.
There are a number of at-home solutions that we recommend to women who experience pelvic pain. Nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Pamprin can provide relief. Since heat can relieve pain by improving blood flow, applying a heating pad or warm compress to the pelvic area (or taking a warm bath) can help ease pain symptoms. Getting regular daily exercise can also get the blood flowing and reduce pain in some cases.
If these at-home methods don’t help, it’s time for a visit with a board-certified gynecologist to get the bottom of what is causing this pain. Diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain can be challenging. We may perform an internal and external pelvic exams to look for signs of abnormalities. An unltrasound or CT scan can help detect the cause of pelvic pain. For some women, a minor surgical procedure called a laparoscopy may be required to provide a direct look at the structures in the pelvis and abdomen to better diagnose a potential issue.
Once a diagnosis is made, we work with women to determine the most helpful and appropriate treatment plan for their unique needs and preferences. We may prescribe birth control pills or hormone treatment for issues related to menstruation. Some women opt for surgical procedures to remove a growth or cyst from the pelvic area that is causing their issue. Pelvic pain can also be treated with antibiotics and other non-hormonal medications.
Regardless of what is causing your pelvic pain, we recommend getting it checked out as soon as possible to confirm that there is nothing serious going on and to relieve pain symptoms in a timely fashion. The earlier major gynecological issues are diagnosed; the sooner and more effectively they can be treated. For more information or to request an appointment with one of our gynecological healthcare providers, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional reproductive healthcare news, tips, and more.
