As a chronic condition, pelvic pain can stem from many causes and can be considered challenging to treat. However, our May-Grant OB/GYN team can diagnose and treat your causes of pelvic pain and help you find relief from your symptoms.
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is a broad symptom, as each experience with pelvic pain is unique to the patient. Pelvic pain can feel dull, throbbing, sharp, irritating, or have all those symptoms. It can fluctuate with menstrual cycles, appear randomly, or constantly exist throughout your life.
Because pelvic pain comes in many variations, there are several conditions, both gynecologic and not, that can cause pelvic pain.
Some gynecological conditions that cause pelvic pain include:
- Menstrual cramps
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Vulvodynia
- Ovarian cancer
In other cases, your pelvic pain may reside from other conditions, including:
- Appendicitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Cystitis and urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Hernias
When pelvic pain occurs, don’t wait. Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away within one to two days of rest and over-the-counter medications requires attention, as it can indicate underlying conditions that affect your health.
Diagnosis and Treatment For Pelvic Pain at May-Grant OB/GYN
As part of our dedication to high-quality women’s care, our team offers patient-focused consultations and exams to diagnose your condition. These exams include:
- Pelvic Exams: Performing a basic pelvic exam allows our physicians to observe potential problems within the uterine walls, including pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, and different types of cancers.
- Pap Smears: Pap smears can identify diseases causing pelvic pain, such as sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
- Ultrasounds: For women experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy or through other underlying conditions, our ultrasounds provided in-house can produce precise imaging to detect masses or cysts causing pelvic pain.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Abdominal x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans may also be performed to help detect problems with the pelvic areas, such as abnormal growths.
- Urogynecology: Our urogynecology services can further treat signs of urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and other pelvic floor conditions.
- Well-Woman Exams: For long-term management of pelvic pain, our team can provide scheduled wellness exams to track and treat symptoms over time.
Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the potential causes of your pain. Each underlying cause can help determine and further your treatment to alleviate your symptoms. At May-Grant OB/GYN, our focus is to accurately diagnose the cause of your pelvic pain and help screen for conditions that may contribute to your pain.
Prevention
While not all causes of pelvic pain can be prevented, certain lifestyle adjustments can help reduce risk:
- Regular exercise to improve overall pelvic health.
- A balanced diet to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy weight.
- Stress reduction techniques to alleviate tension that may contribute to pelvic pain.
Outlook
With the right treatment, many women experience significant relief from pelvic pain. The team at May-Grant OB/GYN is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, utilizing the latest treatments and interventions to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are common causes of pelvic pain?
A: Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and gastrointestinal or urinary disorders.
Q: When should I seek medical attention for pelvic pain?
A: If you experience persistent or severe pelvic pain, especially if it interferes with your daily activities or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or bleeding, it’s important to consult with our team.
Q: Can pelvic pain be a sign of something serious?
A: While pelvic pain is often related to benign conditions, it can sometimes be a symptom of more serious issues. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Q: Is surgery always necessary for treating pelvic pain?
A: Surgery is not always required. Many pelvic pain conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments, and surgery is typically considered when other options have not provided relief.
Prioritize Your Pelvic Health with May-Grant OB/GYN
If pelvic pain is impacting your life, let the team at May-Grant OB/GYN help. We offer expert care tailored to your specific needs, using the latest in medical advancements to treat and manage pelvic pain. Call us at 717-397-8177 to book your consultation and take the first step toward relief and recovery.
