Pelvic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain Overview

Any kind of irritation in your pelvic region, below the belly button and above the buttocks is termed as Pelvic Pain – and if this ache lingers for more than 3 months, it’s also chronic in nature. Such chronic pelvic pain is found both in men and women. The basic cause of chronic pelvic pain is difficult to locate. But once the cause has been identified, the treatment focuses on resolving that cause, and if the cause is un-identified, the treatment focuses on techniques which can be helpful in managing the ache.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Causes

Causes of chronic pelvic pain in women

According to the figures, around 10% of the visits to gynecologists are due to the chronic pelvic pain. In girls, pelvic and abdominal pain is common when entering the gynecologic maturity period. In men, Chronic Pelvic Pain is called Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS). Men facing this condition show no viable infections, but do feel severe pelvic stinging lasting more than 3 months. These are the main symptoms of this condition:

• Endometriosis: This situation occurs when the tissue from lining of the uterus outgrows your uterus. During periods, this tissue responds by swelling and bleeding, but when it all is happening outside the uterus lining, the condition can be painful.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to the infections of the female reproductive organs such as uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

• Muscle tension: Spasms or stiffness of the pelvic floor muscles can result in enduring chronic pelvic pain.

• Pelvic congestion syndrome: This condition may occur due to bloated and swollen veins around the uterus and ovaries.

• Fibroids: Fibroids refer to the non-cancer growths in the muscular wall of the uterus, which may make your lower abdomen feel heavy. This condition seldom causes pain unless the fibroids start degenerating due to lack of nutrients.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): The irregular functioning of the intestines and the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including bloating,

• constipation or diarrhea can be the cause unpleasant chronic pelvic pain.

• Interstitial cystitis: Inflammation of your bladder may also be a reason for experiencing pelvic discomfort.

• Stress and depression: emotional distress and sexual abduction may also be among the causes.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Symptoms

Chronic pelvic pain may emit the following symptoms.

• Severe and cramping ache

• Heaviness or a feeling of pressure inside the pelvis

• Irregular pain strokes in the pelvic area

• Dull aching

• Discomfort during bowel movements

• burden or heaviness in the lower abdomen

• difficulty in standing for long periods

• pain during intercourse

You may not have all of the above symptoms and pain intensity may vary from person to person. Therefore, consult your pain physician if your pelvic pain symptoms seem to be getting worse by every passing day.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Diagnosis

In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor you consult will first want to know about your health history, the kind of pain you feel, its intensity, interference in daily activities and some more information about your condition. After initial pelvic examination, your pain physician will conduct certain tests for diagnosis which may include ultrasound, abdominal X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scans and Laparoscopy.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Treatment

Treatment of chronic pelvic pain depends on your individual problem. Sometimes the treatment may revolve around the major cause of your condition, and sometimes it may be targeted towards managing the painful condition. At Pacific Pain Care Consultants, we have all possible treatments for relieving your chronic pelvic pain Our experienced doctors will help you determine the kind of treatment you need, along with complete guidance. Following treatment methods are used:

• Pain Relievers, Antibiotics and Antidepressants may provide a great deal of relief from your pelvic pain.

• Hypogastric Plexus Blocks that block the nerve fibers supplying the area

• Impar Ganglion Blocks that are effective for Coccyx and Rectal pain.

• Sometimes the chronic pelvic pain may be a result of hormonal imbalance, and Hormone

• Treatments can work well by replacing the missing hormones and curing the ache.

• Muscle strengthening exercises, biofeedback, Applications of heat and cold to your pelvic area, massage, acupuncture, and other such physical therapies may greatly improve your chronic pelvic pain.

• Psychological Counseling may be a good way to reduce and relieve chronic pelvic pain arising from stress, depression and anxiety.

• Chronic pelvic pain arising from pelvic adhesions or endometriosis deposits can be cured by surgery.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Prevention

A painful pelvic condition can make you incapable of doing almost anything, chronic pelvic pain can leave strong marks on your daily life activities and frustrate you easily. In order to prevent oneself from such a situation, it’s important to consider the following preventive measures:

• Manage your stress, particularly during anger and grief. Share your feelings with others and let everything out.

• Distract yourself, because the more you focus on your pain, the worse it will become.

• Divert your attention on other interesting activities such as watching TV, reading a book, or going out for walk.

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, as doing this will make your muscles stronger and build your resistance towards ache.