What is chronic pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain lasting more than six months is considered chronic. This type of pain sometimes follows a regular cycle. For example, chronic pelvic pain may occur during your period. It also may occur only when you’re performing specific activities, such as having sex or urinating.

Why do I have chronic pelvic pain?

A variety of ailments may produce chronic pelvic pain. The problem may not be due to an issue with your reproductive organs but instead related to your bowel or bladder.
In some cases, more than one health problem may be causing the pain. In others, no cause can be found. However, Dr. Bhanot strives to pinpoint the source or sources of the pelvic pain to help you feel like yourself again.

Some of the conditions which can cause pelvic pain include:

• Cystitis
• Fibroids
• Ovulation
• Adhesions
• Miscarriage
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual pains
• Rupture of Cysts
• Premature Labor
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Placental Abruption
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

What are the signs of pelvic pain?

You generally feel pelvic pain in the area below your belly button. The painful feeling may come and go, or it may last for hours or even months.

Although pain is the chief symptom, the type of pain may vary. Pelvic pain may feel:

• Dull
• Sharp
• Radiating
• Stabbing

Severe pelvic pain can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.

How is abdominal and pelvic pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing chronic pelvic pain is often challenging because of the variety of potential conditions. Dr. Bhanot will begin assessing a woman’s pelvic pain with a detailed patient history and a thorough examination, including a pelvic exam. She may order further screening and testing; including blood tests, ultrasound, CT scans, or hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus. If a gastrointestinal tract problem is suspected, referral can be made to a doctor who can perform the appropriate testing.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Dr. Bhanot will tailor your treatment based on your diagnosis. Common nonsurgical treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Vitamins B1 and magnesium
• Pain-relieving medication
• Hormonal treatment
• Antidepressants
• Physical Therapy
• Neurostimulation

In some cases, you may need minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial growths, fibroids, or other abnormalities. If you’ve been suffering from pelvic pain, don’t delay. Call today or request a consultation online.