Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women-Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Chronic pelvic pain can be described as any persistent pain experienced in pelvic region. A pelvic pain can be classified as a chronic pelvic pain only in case the pain persists for six months or more. The pain may be consistent or episodic. Such pelvic ache may be mild or may also be unbearable in some cases. There are several factors that may cause such pain in the pelvic; some of the common factors resulting in chronic pelvic pain are as follows:

Gynecologic factors causing pelvic pain:

Endometriosis:
It is a condition wherein cells similar endometrial, occurs and grows in regions which is outside the cavity in uterine. It is in fact an issue related to the lining of the uterus. In this case the tissues which are present in the lining of uterus traverses through the uterine tubes and reach the ovary in the pelvic region. During the course of menstrual cycle this traversed tissues protrudes and bleeds similar to the lining or uterus. This may also cause chronic pelvic pain.

PID or Pelvic Inflammatory diseases:
Pelvic Inflammatory disease also abbreviated as PID is an infectious condition affecting the reproductive organ in female, such as uterus, uterine tubes and ovary etc. Generally, the cervix keeps any bacterial infection from spreading to the internal organs from vagina.  However, if the cervix gets infected due to exposure to any STD or sexually transmitted disease, then the bacteria may travel to other internal organs as well and create infection. This may cause chronic pelvic pain. Moreover, in such a case uterine tubes may get damaged making it difficult for the affected female to become pregnant.

Fibroids:

Fibroid is a condition wherein benign growth of non cancerous lumps in experienced in the uterine muscular wall. The growth of this lump can be as big as a cantaloupe or even a very tiny one. This condition may also serve as a reason for chronic pelvic pain.

Ovarian Remnant: Ovarian remnant is a post surgical condition. During a hysterectomy treatment, wherein the uteri as well as ovaries are taken away, small pieces of ovaries are sometimes left over. These remaining pieces of ovaries may sometimes develop cyst which may be painful. This is also one of the factors causing chronic pelvic pain.

Other factors leading to chronic pelvic pain:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Irritable bowel syndrome also abbreviated as IBS is a medical condition related to the intestine. In case of individuals afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome the intestine squeezes intensely or normally that causes the food to move faster or extremely slow.

Intersitital cystitis:

Interstitial cystitis can be described as bladder problem. In case of interstitial cystitis the bladder of the afflicted individuals gets inflamed and sores may occur. In some cases the bladder becomes stiff due to inflammation. Due to stiffness when urine is filled in the bladder it does not expand; moreover in some cases the wall of the bladder also bleeds slightly.

Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain. Any past or recent sexual abuse may lead to traumatic injuries around the pelvic region causing such abnormalities.

These are some of the factors that may contribute to the list of factor that leads to chronic pelvic pain.

Diagnosing chronic pelvic pain:

To get diagnosed for chronic pelvic pain it is essential that you first consult a certified doctor. He/ she may initially probe you about your health history and familial issues if any. Your doctor may probe you and ask you to describe the symptoms in order to analyze the condition. It is essential to inform your doctor about any worrying aspect of the pain. Here are some questions that your doctor may ask you:

• Is the pelvic inflammation any how related to your menses or regular menstrual cycle?
• Do you experience any bowel movement while the pain occurs?
• Does the pelvic hurt while urinating or performing coital activity?
• Did you experience any pelvic infection in past or recently?
• Have you ever had surgery at or around pelvic region?

There are chances that your doctor may also perform some basic tests in the clinic itself to find the cause of the issue.

Types of diagnosis procedures:

There are a number of tests that may be suggested to determine the exact cause of chronic pelvic pain. Some of these tests may include:

• Blood test
• Urologic test
• X-ray imaging test
• CT scan

In some cases your health care provider may want you to undergo laparoscopy which is a procedure wherein a thin tube of light is entered into the vaginal or abdomen to look for any abnormalities in internal pelvic organs.

Chronic pelvic pain treatment:

Treatment for chronic pelvic pain is highly depended on the cause of the issue. Based on the diagnoses your doctor may suggest you suitable treatment. However, here are some treatment options for pelvic pain.

• Ceasing ovulation through birth control medication or else injections (Releasing eggs from the ovary)
• Taking NSAIDS or Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs that helps by providing relief from the pain
• Relaxing physical therapies and biofeedback
• Injections in the abdominal trigger point can help in blocking the pain
• Use of antibiotics may help in reducing or eradicating infections that may in turn reduce pelvic pain.
• In rare cases surgical treatment may be necessary to remove affected pelvic region in order to avoid further abnormalities.

These are some possible treatment that may be suggested by your doctor in case of pelvic pain. However, if you experienced even a mild pain for sometime in your pelvis it is essential to consult a doctor immediately before it turns into chronic pelvic pain.