Most women experience pelvic pain during their menstrual cycle, though it often subsides within a few days. But what if your pelvic pain persists and begins to interfere with your everyday activities?
Chronic pelvic pain develops for many reasons, some not related to your reproductive organs. But one thing is sure: You should always get evaluated for chronic pelvic pain to rule out any severe or life-threatening conditions.
At New England Women's Healthcare, our team of OB/GYN providers offers diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic pelvic pain. Whether you have fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis, our team has a treatment that can provide long-term relief.
Chronic pelvic pain happens to many women, and it can be very uncomfortable. It's not always a concern if it comes and goes, happens when you're bloated, or have a condition that affects your urinary or gastrointestinal tract.
However, any time you have pelvic pain that persists despite taking medications or trying other therapies, it's a good idea to have it checked. You should seek treatment if you have one or more of these symptoms along with the pain:
The symptoms you experience along with pelvic pain depend on what's causing the problem. Your symptoms may come and go or could happen frequently. The pain may be intense, aching, throbbing, or stabbing.
When so many things can lead to pelvic pain, how do you know which one is plaguing you? The only way to know is to visit our office for an evaluation. We may check you for various causes of pelvic pain, including the three most common:
Endometriosis is a chronic problem caused by tissue similar to the uterine lining growing in the abdominal cavity. The tissue reacts to hormonal changes, making it more painful during menstrual cycles.
Over time, the endometrial-like tissue may grow on organs and cause damage. Along with persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis can also lead to infertility.
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that appear in or around the uterus. Although they're not cancerous, they can lead to various painful symptoms. They not only cause pelvic pain but can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during sex, and lower back discomfort.
Dysmenorrhea is a very prevalent condition among women during their childbearing years. It refers to essentially painful periods, including pelvic pain, cramping, and abdominal discomfort. Although it's common, dysmenorrhea can be debilitating, causing some women to miss work and time with friends and family.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cysts are also responsible for pelvic pain in women.
The treatment you need depends heavily on the cause of your pelvic pain. Our team performs a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test if necessary, to get more information on your symptoms.
We may also perform an ultrasound or other imaging studies, along with bloodwork, to determine what's causing your discomfort. Once we have a diagnosis, we develop a customized treatment plan for your needs.
For endometriosis, we offer medications, surgery, and hormonal birth control to alleviate your symptoms. Although there's no cure for endometriosis, we can successfully manage it.
If fibroids are causing your persistent pelvic pain, our team offers medications, hormonal birth control, and minimally invasive procedures to help eliminate discomfort. You may need surgery in severe cases, but it’s usually the last resort.
We can also help you figure out how to manage your periods to decrease pain and cramping. Medications and some lifestyle modifications help reduce pain during your menstrual cycle.
Call your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to set up a consultation for persistent pelvic pain, or request an appointment on the website. We're a premier, full-service practice with convenient locations in Woburn and Wilmington, Massachusetts.
