Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain in women is a common health problem that can have various causes and treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the possible reasons for pelvic pain and the options available to manage it. This post is written by Dr. Lorenzo and Kortney Jones ARNP from Complete Healthcare for Women, a clinic that provides comprehensive and compassionate care for women of all ages.

Pelvic pain is defined as pain in the area below the belly button and between the hips that lasts six months or longer. It can be mild or severe, constant or intermittent, dull or sharp. It can also affect different parts of the pelvic area, such as the lower abdomen, lower back, vagina, rectum, or bladder.

Some of the common causes of pelvic pain in women are:

Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowel. This tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions that can lead to pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, ovulation, or sex. Endometriosis can also affect fertility. Treatment options include painkillers, hormonal therapy, surgery, or a combination of these.

Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and do not cause any symptoms. However, some cysts can grow large, rupture, or twist, causing pelvic pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting. Treatment options depend on the size, type, and location of the cysts. They may include observation, medication, or surgery.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the female reproductive organs, usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. PID can cause pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, pain during sex or urination, or difficulty getting pregnant. Treatment options include antibiotics and painkillers. It is important to treat PID early to prevent complications such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility.

Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. They can vary in size, number, and location. Some fibroids do not cause any symptoms, while others can cause pelvic pain, heavy periods, pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen or lower back, or problems with urination or bowel movements. Treatment options depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. They may include medication, surgery, or other procedures.

Vulvodynia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, which is the external part of the female genitals. The pain can be burning, stinging, throbbing, or itching and can affect the entire vulva or just certain areas. The cause of vulvodynia is unknown, but it may be related to nerve damage, inflammation, infection, or hormonal changes. Treatment options include medication, topical creams, physical therapy, biofeedback, or surgery.

These are some of the possible causes of pelvic pain in women, but there are many others that may require further investigation and diagnosis. If you experience chronic or severe pelvic pain that interferes with your daily life or if you have other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, fever, or weight loss, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we offer a range of services to help you with your pelvic pain issues. We can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain and provide you with personalized treatment options that suit your needs and preferences. We also offer counseling and support to help you cope with your condition and improve your quality of life.

If you have any questions or concerns about pelvic pain in women or if you would like to make an appointment with us, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your healthcare needs.

Author

Kortney Jones, ARNP Kortney Jones is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides OB/GYN services, including birth control, pregnancy and prenatal care, and infertility, as well as gynecological services, such as women’s health and wellness, abnormal uterine bleeding, weight loss, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.