Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women

Living with chronic pelvic pain can take an immense toll on a woman’s life. This type of pain is not only physical, but it also affects mental and emotional wellbeing as well as daily functioning.

It is essential to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments available for chronic pelvic pain in order to properly manage this condition and its effects on overall health and quality of life.

In this blog post, we will dive deeply into all aspects of women’s chronic pelvic pain: the potential underlying causes, recognizing symptoms, diagnosing the condition, exploring treatment options – both traditional medicine and natural remedies – plus tips for managing day-to-day challenges associated with living with this condition.

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that affects many women and can range from mild to severe. It is characterized by long-standing (usually more than six months) and often daily pain in the lower abdomen, around the hips, lower back, or genital area.

The cause of chronic pelvic pain is often complex and can include factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adhesions, interstitial cystitis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and nerve problems.

Treatment options vary depending on the underlying causes but might include physical therapy or medications.

What does chronic pelvic pain feel like?

Chronic pelvic pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen, hips, lower back, or genital area. The pain can vary in intensity but is typically a dull ache or cramping sensation that can occur in the lower abdomen, hips, lower back, or genital area. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may be aggravated by movement such as walking or during sexual activity.

Who gets chronic pelvic pain the most?

Chronic pelvic pain is most commonly experienced by people in the reproductive age group, particularly women of childbearing age.

How common Is chronic pelvic pain?

It is estimated that chronic pelvic pain affects 10-15% of women in the reproductive age group.

What are the psycho-social effects of chronic pelvic pain?

The psychological and social effects of chronic pelvic pain may include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Stress and difficulty sleeping
• Low self-esteem, sense of guilt, or blame
• Social isolation due to physical symptoms or emotional distress
• Difficulty with relationships due to fears of pain or feelings of inadequacy

What are the causes of chronic pelvic pain?

The exact causes of chronic pelvic pain are not always known, but possible causes include:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic floor muscle tension or spasm
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Adhesions (scar tissue) in the abdominal/pelvic area
• Reproductive organ infections or inflammation (such as ovarian cysts, postpartum endometritis, and PID)

How do you diagnose chronic pelvic pain?

Diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain may involve:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Pelvic exam and/or vaginal ultrasound
• Urine tests to check for an infection
• Blood tests to rule out other conditions such as autoimmune or endocrine disorders
• Cystoscopy, a procedure that looks inside the bladder using a thin viewing instrument
• Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to view the reproductive organs

What blood tests are needed to diagnose chronic pelvic pain?

Blood tests may be used to help diagnose chronic pelvic pain, and can include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Tests for hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone
• Thyroid panel to test for thyroid abnormalities

What kind of scans do you need to diagnose chronic pelvic pain?

Scans that may be used to diagnose chronic pelvic pain include:

• Pelvic ultrasound
• Abdominal or pelvic computed tomography scan (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower abdomen and pelvis
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Is chronic pelvic pain a cause of infertility?

Chronic pelvic pain can be a cause of infertility. It can impair ovulation and lead to scarring in the uterus or fallopian tubes, leading to infertility or difficulty conceiving. Additionally, chronic pelvic pain can interfere with sexual intimacy and decrease libido, which may contribute to difficulties with conception.

Is chronic pelvic pain caused by an STD?

No, chronic pelvic pain is not typically caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, some STDs may cause inflammation in the pelvic area that could lead to chronic pelvic pain. As mentioned, other potential causes of chronic pelvic pain include endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis, ovarian cysts, and adenomyosis.

Is chronic pelvic pain dangerous?

Chronic pelvic pain can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated. These complications may include difficulty conceiving, infertility, depression, anxiety and stress. Additionally, chronic pelvic pain may interfere with sexual intimacy and may even cause sexual dysfunction in some cases. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any type of pelvic pain.

Can chronic pelvic pain syndrome cause blood in the urine

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome can cause blood in the urine, which is called hematuria. Hematuria can be caused by inflammation or irritation of the bladder, urethra, uterus, or ovaries. Other causes include pelvic tumors, kidney stones, and prostate problems. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any type of blood in the urine.

Does chronic pelvic pain go away?

While chronic pelvic pain can go away on its own, it is important to seek medical attention if the pain persists or worsens. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes and psychological therapy. In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat underlying conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain.

How do you treat chronic pelvic pain?

Treatment options for chronic pelvic pain may include:

• Medications to reduce inflammation or pain
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area and relieve tension
• Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
• Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Surgery to treat underlying conditions that may be causing the pain

The latest treatments (not suggested for all cases) for chronic pelvic pain include:

• Exercise therapy, such as core stability and stretching, helps to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area and reduce tension
• Trigger point injections, which can be used to help reduce inflammation
• Interventional therapies, such as nerve blocks, temporarily block the transmission of pain signals
• Botox injections, which can help relax tense muscles in the pelvic area
• Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol and reducing stress levels.

Is there a cure for chronic pelvic pain?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic pelvic pain. However, there are treatments available that can help to manage the condition and reduce symptoms.

Can you live a normal life with chronic pelvic pain?

Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with chronic pelvic pain. Managing symptoms and finding relief through treatments such as lifestyle changes, exercise, psychotherapy, and medications can help those with chronic pelvic pain improve their quality of life.

Which doctor treats chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is typically diagnosed and treated by specialists in fields such as gynecology, urology, and physical therapy. Consult with your primary care provider to help find the right specialist for you.

Can a doctor help manage chronic pelvic pain online?

Yes, it is possible to find medical help for managing chronic pelvic pain online. Many providers are now offering telemedicine services that allow patients to receive diagnosis and treatment remotely. Talk with your doctor about whether this option is available and whether it would be beneficial for you.

Conclusion

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that affects many women and can range from mild to severe. It is characterized by long-standing (usually more than six months) and often daily pain in the lower abdomen, around the hips, lower back, or genital area.

The cause of chronic pelvic pain is often complex and can include factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adhesions, interstitial cystitis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and nerve problems. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying causes but might include physical therapy or medications.

If you are dealing with chronic pelvic pain and would like to explore treatment options with one of our expert providers, book a telemedicine appointment with Dr. Eric Pulsfus, MD FACOG today.