Pelvic Pain

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is pain or discomfort which one feels around the reproductive areas. Generally, women are usually thought to suffer from pelvic pain but some men experience this too. In certain cases, the pain emanates from the pelvic bone or even some internal organs. For women, in particular, pelvic pain can indicate a problem with their reproductive organs.

What are the Common Causes of Pelvic Pain?

Some causes of pelvic pain are specific to women, including miscarriage, ovulation, menstrual cramps, and ectopic pregnancy. Women suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease may also experience pain in their pelvic region. For men and women both, pelvic pain can be caused by an injury to the pelvis, e.g. the pelvic bone is broken. Any disorder of the pelvis or any other organ around the reproductive region may result in pelvic pain, including bladder infection. In some cases, pelvic pain is caused by a hernia.

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain generally causes difficulty in passing urine but at the same time may cause bloating, leading to diarrhea. Intercourse can also become painful for both men and women suffering from pelvic pain. Women may also go through menstrual pain and cramps as well as vaginal bleeding. People suffering from pelvic pain may also experience pain in the groin or hip.

How is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam to determine the area where you are experiencing pain. He may then order urine, stool, and/or blood test and X-rays of the pelvis. For severe cases, diagnostic laparoscopy is also used. Women may be asked to take a pregnancy test. Men and women are also sometimes asked to provide penile and vaginal cultures to test for STDs.

How is Pelvic Pain Treated?

Medications: For chronic pelvic pain, doctors usually prescribe inflammatory medications, which include antibiotics.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is also an extremely efficient and effective way of treating constant pelvic pain and mainly includes special exercises to increase pelvic strength and vitality.

Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy is aimed at eliminating baseline pelvic pain and discomfort.

Endometriosis: This includes the removal of scar tissue through laparoscopic surgery.

Injections: There are several options for pelvic pain treatment with a Chicago pain management physician. This may include a superior hypogastric plexus block, ilioinguinal nerve block, and possibly a spinal cord stimulator implant.