Pelvic pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact your quality of life. It can be a persistent ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or a radiating pain that extends to the back or legs. We understand that living with it can be frustrating and even debilitating. We’re here to offer compassionate care and support as you navigate this challenging experience.
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can manifest in various ways:
- Location: It can be felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower back, or even the inner thighs.
- Type: The pain may be described as a dull ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, a throbbing pain, or a feeling of pressure or fullness.
- Timing: It can be constant, intermittent, or cyclical, often related to the menstrual cycle.
- Intensity: The pain can range from mild and annoying to severe and incapacitating.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
A variety of underlying causes can exist, some of the most common including:
- Menstrual Cycle-Related:
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Cramping during menstruation is a common cause.
- Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women experience pain around the time of ovulation.
- Reproductive System Conditions:
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus.
- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs.
- Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A disorder that affects the digestive system.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Urinary Tract Issues:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections of the bladder or kidneys.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic bladder condition.
- Musculoskeletal Problems:
- Muscle Strain or Spasm: Pain in the muscles or ligaments of the pelvic floor.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain condition that can affect the pelvic region.
- Other Causes:
- Nerve Entrapment: Pressure on or damage to nerves in the pelvis.
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Enlarged veins in the pelvis.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can sometimes contribute to pelvic pain.
Diagnosing Pelvic Pain
Diagnosing the cause can sometimes require a thorough evaluation, as the symptoms can be complex. Dr. Basu will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend additional tests, such as:
- Pelvic Ultrasound: To visualise the pelvic organs.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualisation of the pelvic organs.
- Other tests: Depending on the suspected cause, other tests may be necessary, such as blood tests, urine tests, swabs or further imaging of the bowel or urinary tract.
Treatment of Pelvic Pain
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
- Pain Management:
- Over-the-counter pain relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or ponstan.
- Prescription pain medication: For more severe pain.
- Hormonal medications: Can help reduce pain associated with menstruation.
- Physiotherapy: To strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve posture.
- Counseling: To address any psychological factors that may be contributing to the pain.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the pain, such as removing fibroids or endometrial deposits.
About Dr. Basu’s Approach
We understand that living with pelvic pain can be challenging and impact every aspect of your life. Dr. Basu is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. She will work closely with you to understand your individual experience, identify the cause of your pain, and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, symptoms and explore options with Dr. Basu now.
