Pelvic pain is frequently linked to discomfort in the region of women’s reproductive organs, but it can impact people of any gender and have various underlying causes. Pelvic pain could be a result of an infection, discomfort in the pelvic bone or internal organs unrelated to reproduction. However, in women pelvic pain often serves as a potential indicator of an issue with one of their reproductive organs located in the pelvic region, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. If you’re interested in discussing pelvic pain treatment options in Cleveland, schedule a consultation at our locations in Westlake, Beachwood, or Middlefield.
Chronic pelvic pain is characterized by persistent discomfort lasting for a minimum of six months, with a level of severity that significantly impacts your daily life and activities, which may encompass sleep, work, or physical exertion, among others. In the United States, approximately 15% of women report experiencing this type of enduring discomfort for a duration of at least six months.
Possible causes include:
Effective management of pelvic pain is contingent on identifying its root cause.
The type of pelvic pain that females experience varies from patient to patient. Some symptoms of pelvic pain include:
Due to various potential causes of pelvic pain, a comprehensive evaluation may involve multiple visits. During your initial consultation, our gynecologists will inquire about your medical history, current symptoms, and conduct a thorough pelvic exam. Tests may include blood or urine analysis. Imaging studies such as pelvic ultrasound, pelvic MRI, or pelvic CT might be ordered. Pelvic ultrasound is ideal for identifying issues like pelvic masses, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. MRI can aid in evaluating conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis, although it doesn’t provide definitive diagnoses for these conditions. CT scans may be required if there are suspicions of certain diseases or the presence of masses in the pelvis, colon, or bladder.
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed in the operating room to evaluate and potentially treat the underlying case of pelvic pain. This procedure avoids the need for a large abdominal incision by utilizing a laparoscope, a small camera inserted through a 5-10mm incision in the belly button or lower abdomen. Using this camera, the surgeon can closely examine the internal organs. After the procedure, the incision(s) are typically closed with a few stitches, leading to minimal recovery time.
If your doctor diagnoses you with a specific problem that is causing your pain, you will be treated for that problem. Common treatments for pelvic pain patients in Cleveland include:
If the cause of your pelvic pain remains unknown after a complete workup, there are several other treatment options that you and your doctor may explore, including:
Every patient is unique and their response to treatments may vary from one another. It might be necessary to explore various treatment choices before identifying the most effective approach for managing your pain. If your current treatment plan isn’t yielding favorable results, don’t hesitate to discuss alternative options. Effective communication with your healthcare provider is crucial, as they can only adjust your treatment if they are aware of its ineffectiveness.
Take an active role in your treatment and advocate for your needs. If you need a consultation regarding pelvic pain treatment in Cleveland, please schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Westlake, Beachwood or Middlefield.