Pelvic Pain

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain causes either continuous or intermittent pain in the lower abdomen area. Pelvic pain causes anywhere from sharp stabbing pains to a dull achiness and affects each woman differently. If the pain lasts longer than six months, it’s chronic.

Sometimes pelvic pain is triggered by a specific event such as:

• Sexual activity
• Urination
• Eating
• Menstruation

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

Various conditions cause pelvic pain, and sometimes no specific cause is ever determined. Some possible causes of pelvic pain include:

• Adhesions: bands of scar tissue inside the pelvic region
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: infection of the reproductive organs
• Ovarian cysts: fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries
• Uterine fibroids: non-cancerous growths in the uterus walls
• Endometriosis: endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus
• Vulvodynia: pain during intercourse
• Interstitial cystitis: painful bladder condition

How is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

First, your Louisiana Women’s Healthcare gynecologist learns as much about your medical history as possible. We ask you general health questions and inquire more about your pelvic pain.

After a conversation about your condition, your gynecologist performs a physical exam, which will likely include a pelvic exam.

Your doctor may also need to perform follow-up testing to verify or rule out certain conditions. Lab tests, ultrasounds, and other investigative tests help them determine your diagnosis.

How is Pelvic Pain Treated?

Treatment varies significantly based on your diagnosis. The specialists at Louisiana Women’s Healthcare start with the least invasive treatment options and progress as the need arises. A few lifestyle modifications and pain relievers help in most cases, but more aggressive therapies are also available if conservative treatments don’t work.

• Medication: Various pain relievers, injections, and hormone treatments are available to help relieve pelvic pain. Birth control pills and muscle relaxers may provide some symptom relief.
• Lifestyle Modifications: You may need to modify specific activities to make them less painful. Exercise and physical therapy often improve pelvic pain conditions.
• Surgery: Sometimes surgery is recommended for large fibroids, painful adhesions, and endometriosis. The providers at Louisiana Women’s Healthcare specialize in minimally invasive surgery, most of which we can perform at our facility.

If you suffer from pelvic pain, take the first step toward relief by contacting the Baton Rouge clinic online or over the phone.