What causes pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain has many possible causes, but in women, it’s typically related to urinary tract issues or gynecological problems. This type of pain can affect women at any age, from childbearing years to menopause and afterward. Some of the most common causes of pelvic pain include:
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovulation
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cancer
There are also many other conditions that could cause pelvic pain. For example, although uncommon, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause pelvic pain, and some medical professionals think that pelvic congestion syndrome can cause pelvic pain.
When should I seek help for pelvic pain?
If your pelvic pain causes significant disruption in your life, for example, causing you to cancel activities or miss work, on a regular basis, you need evaluation and treatment.
Ignoring pelvic pain can be dangerous because some causes can be quite serious or even life-threatening if untreated.
How is pelvic pain diagnosed?
At Rose Midwifery & Women’s Health, Mr. Rauda performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your pelvic pain. In addition to a medical history and a pelvic exam, Mr. Rauda closely examines the details of your pelvic pain.
If possible, keep close track of when the pain happens, how long it lasts, how intense it is on a scale of 1-10, and the circumstances surrounding the pain (For example, does it happen only after sex, mainly during your period, or at some other time in particular?).
He may order imaging tests, in-office procedures, STD testing, general lab testing, or other types of tests to determine the reason for your pelvic pain and make a diagnosis.
How is pelvic pain treated?
Pelvic pain treatments vary widely based upon the diagnosis. You may need medication, hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, or other non-surgical treatments.
If you have severe pelvic pain and don’t feel better after non-surgical treatments, Mr. Rauda may recommend a surgical procedure to correct problems like endometriosis or fibroids. For the most severe cases of pelvic pain that originate in your uterus, you could need a hysterectomy, which removes your uterus. Mr. Rauda works closely with specialists that may perform minimally invasive procedures to correct the problems.
Mr. Rauda believes in helping each woman make her health care choices, so he offers you every viable option and explains all the choices.
To book your pelvic pain evaluation, call Rose Midwifery & Women’s Health or click on the online appointment maker now.