Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Pelvic pain syndrome is a chronic condition that affects women both physically and emotionally as severe pelvic pain leads to emotional and behavioral changes such as sleeping problems and depression. Pelvic pain may be the result of several different causes, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and many others. However, this chronic condition occurs when the actual pain becomes the condition and is a bigger problem than the original cause, leading to its own symptoms and side effects.

Patients with pelvic pain syndrome often experience:

• Constant or intermittent pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful menstrual periods
• Backache
• Severe cramps

The pain in the pelvic muscles can also affect the bladder and bowels, and may even spread to the back and legs as well because of the nerves involved. Many women with this condition do not seek treatment

Diagnosing Pelvic Pain Syndrome

If pelvic pain syndrome is suspected, your doctor will review your medical history in detail and perform a physical examination in order to properly diagnose this condition. Certain lab tests may also be performed in order to gain a full understanding of your symptoms. Patients can help with the diagnosis of this condition by gathering any medical records, lab tests and x-rays they may have, and by providing their doctor with as many details as possible about their location, type and severity of their symptoms.

Treating Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Your doctor will work with you and assess your individual condition in order to decide the best treatment for you. Since pain from this condition affects the body and mind, effective treatment must focus on both areas, and usually requires more than one method in order to fully relieve symptoms.

Many treatment plans for pelvic pain syndrome begin with pain medication to help patients handle the severe pain from their condition before long-term treatment methods take effect. It is important to be patient with their treatment and realize that results may take months to occur, but can offer long-term pain relief and a cure from this troubling condition.

Long-term treatment may include identifying trigger points of tender muscles and developing a physical therapy program to develop healthier and stronger muscles. Emotional pain can be treated through a combination of therapies and working with a strong support system of friends and family. Surgery is occasionally required to treat underlying causes such as endometriosis or scar tissue.

Please contact us to schedule an appointment.