PELVIC PAIN Q & A
WHAT IS PELVIC PAIN?
Chronic pelvic pain is the pain in the area between your belly button and mid-upper thighs and between your hips that lasts for 6 months or longer, including pain with intercourse (sex). It may or may not be affected by your menstrual cycles.
Chronic pelvic pain often starts with a trigger, such as a bladder infection, or endometriosis. Even after the initial trigger has been treated, pain can stick around for years. This is due to up-regulation of the pain receptors in the pelvis and brain. For more information, please see “Where is my pelvic pain really coming from?”
In most cases, there are multiple causes of pain. The goal of treatment is to reduce your pain and other symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A visit to Nurture Women’s Health is critical in assessing your condition, and the cause of your pelvic pain.
WHAT IS CAUSING MY PELVIC PAIN?
Pelvic pain often comes from more than one place. Most of the time, it starts with an initial trigger, an infection or endometriosis. It can also come from stress related contractions of the pelvic muscles. The most common causes of pelvic pain treated by Dr. Stoehr are:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC)
- Vulvodynia
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts, pelvic masses
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Vestibulitis
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Pelvic trigger points
- Genitofemoral nerve pain
Treatments currently available with Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health:
- Surgeries for endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic masses, heavy periods
- Trigger point injections into pelvic floor
- Bladder instillations
- Medications for IBS, IC, depression, anxiety, vulvodynia and vestibulitis
- Nerve block injections for pudendal neuralgia
- Comprehensive education about your pelvic pain
Treatments coming soon with Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health:
- Botox injections into pelvic floor
- Nerve block injections for lower abdomen/pubic bone area, buttocks and lower back
- Physical therapy for pelvic floor
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF PELVIC PAIN
A visit with Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health can ascertain the cause of your pelvic pain. Once at the clinic, she will inquire about your symptoms and any past medical problems. A physical exam, as well as other additional tests, can help determine the source of your pain. Tests include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Pregnancy tests
- STD screenings
- Abdominal and pelvic imaging
- Cystoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Extensive back, lower abdomen, and pelvic exam
These tests, among many others, can help diagnose your condition, which can lead to a proper treatment plan.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMATIC SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC PAIN?
Pelvic pain may yield various symptoms. These signs, in particular, may indicate an abnormality, and require a visit to your doctor for further examination:
- Worsening of menstrual cramps
- Menstrual pain
- Painful or difficult urination
- Frequent urination (more than once every 2 hours)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Pain in the hip area
- Pain in the pubic bone area
- Pain in the ovaries
- Pain with ovulation
- Pain in the lower back and buttocks
- Pain or cramping with intercourse (sex)
If your symptoms are disruptive to your daily life, or worsening, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health during normal business hours. However, in the case of sudden and severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health determines your particular treatment method depending on your case. She will assess your constellation of symptoms and make a treatment plan with the appropriate frequency of visits.
Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Stoehr at Nurture Women’s Health to receive the proper care to ensure your health.