Pelvic Pain Specialist

Pelvic pain can be a debilitating condition, affecting not only your physical well-being but also your emotional and mental health. This article will explore various aspects of pelvic pain, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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Pelvic Pain Explained

Pelvic pain is a broad term used to describe discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. For some women, it may come and go with menstruation, while others may suffer from persistent or chronic pain that lasts for months. The nature of pelvic pain can range from sharp and stabbing to dull and aching, often depending on its underlying cause. Pelvic pain is commonly linked to gynecological issues, but it can also be related to other systems, such as the urinary or digestive tract.

Chronic pelvic pain is defined as pain lasting six months or more and can significantly affect a woman’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Determining the exact cause is key to effective treatment.

Pelvic Pain

“Pelvic pain” is a general term used to describe pain that occurs mostly or only in the region below a woman’s belly button. The pain can be steady, or it can come and go. Severe pain can interfere with daily living and quality of life. Pelvic pain is chronic if it lasts for more than 6 months. Learn when to seek medical care.

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

There are many potential causes of pelvic pain, and understanding these is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Some common causes include:

Gynecological Issues: Chronic conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts are often responsible for pelvic pain. Menstrual cramps (or dysmenorrhea) can cause significant discomfort in some women, especially if associated with an underlying condition. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. If untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs.
Urologic Issues: (UTIs): A UTI, which affects the bladder and urinary tract, can cause pelvic pain along with symptoms like frequent urination and burning during urination. Interstitial cystitis (IC)/Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) can also cause more chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Causes: Issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause pain in the pelvic region due to digestive tract inflammation.
Musculoskeletal Problems: Strain or injury to the pelvic muscles, ligaments, or nerves can result in pelvic pain, as can conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic Support Problems

Pelvic support problems happen when your pelvic floor muscles get weak or injured. Common causes are pregnancy and childbirth. Learn about symptoms and treatment options.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles that support the pelvic organs become weak, tight, or spasm involuntarily. These muscles help control bowel and bladder function, as well as sexual activity, so any dysfunction can result in pelvic pain and other symptoms like urinary incontinence or constipation. In many cases, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to chronic pelvic pain, making it a critical condition to identify and treat.

What Are the Symptoms That Accompany Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can provide clues about its underlying cause. These symptoms might include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Painful urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Lower back pain
Bloating or abdominal swelling
Menstrual cramps that are more severe than usual
Nausea or vomiting

Patient Education Brochure

To get answers to questions such as:

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)?
What Is The Difference Between “Acute” And “Chronic” Pain?
What Is “Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome”?
Can CPP Affect Other Parts Of My Body?
And more.

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How is the Cause of Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain typically begins with a comprehensive pelvic exam and a detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms. In many cases, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary, including:

Ultrasound: To examine the reproductive organs and check for abnormalities like ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the doctor to view the pelvic organs directly and take tissue samples if needed.
CT Scans or MRIs: These imaging tests can help identify issues with the bladder, intestines, or pelvic muscles.
Urine and Blood Tests: These can detect infections like UTIs or other underlying medical conditions.

What Treatments Are Available for Pelvic Pain?

There are various treatment options available to address pelvic pain, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments include:

Medications: Pain relievers, antibiotics (if the pain is caused by an infection), and hormonal treatments like birth control pills can help manage pelvic pain.
Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy is often recommended to treat pelvic pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction. This therapy helps strengthen and relax the pelvic muscles, improving symptoms.
Gynecologic Surgery: In cases where pelvic pain is caused by structural problems like endometriosis, fibroids, or severe adhesions, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures such as laparoscopic surgery can relieve pain by removing or correcting the underlying issue. For example, women with severe endometriosis may benefit from the removal of excess tissue that has grown outside the uterus. Similarly, uterine fibroids causing significant discomfort can be surgically removed to reduce chronic pain.
Lifestyle Changes: Modifying diet, reducing stress, and incorporating gentle exercise can alleviate some forms of pelvic pain, particularly when related to conditions like IBS.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: As a leading treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and other organs. This therapy can include exercises, manual therapy, and biofeedback to alleviate pain and restore proper function.

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What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment aimed at improving the strength, flexibility, and coordination of the pelvic muscles. It’s a highly effective approach for treating conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, which is often responsible for chronic pelvic pain.

A physical therapist will work with you on exercises to strengthen weak muscles and relax tight ones, and they may also use manual therapy techniques to release muscle tension. Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and posture correction are additional components of this therapy.

Many patients find relief through pelvic floor physical therapy, especially when combined with other treatments like medication or surgery.

Personalized Care for Pelvic Pain

If you’re struggling with pelvic pain, don’t wait to seek relief. Contact us at Maiden Lane Medical today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Our New York City locations make it easy to get the care you need. Start your journey toward pain-free living today!

Medically Reviewed By

Janette Davison, MD

Board Certified Gynecologist

Women's Health Specialists

Rachel Barr, MD

Emily Blanton, MD

Janette Davison, MD

Ilene Fischer, MD

Dena Harris, MD

Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS

Fernando Mariz, MD

Jordan Pavia, NP

Savita Sukha, WHNP

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