Chronic Pelvic Pain

Alternative Treatments

Alternative Treatments Alternatives to Hysterectomy Surgery The proliferation of hysterectomies has led to numerous questions regarding both its necessity and the overwhelming repercussions it poses to women. As more than 600,000 women in the United States undergo this procedure each year, the general public and medical community has voiced concern over the essential question of whether a hysterectomy is always needed in these types of cases. While it certainly may be a necessity in some cases and…

Basics of Undergoing a Hysterectomy

Basics of Undergoing a Hysterectomy What You Need to Know As with undergoing any major medical procedure, being well informed is a top priority when considering a hysterectomy. The second most common surgery for women after C-sections, hysterectomies are performed frequently throughout the world. In America, it is estimated that one out of every three women may undergo this procedure before the age of 60. Although safe, a hysterectomy does entail some risks and can certainly impact the lives of…

Before a Hysterectomy

Before a Hysterectomy Questions to Ask Before Hysterectomy Surgery As a hysterectomy can certainly be a stressful experience, taking steps to understand the procedure, what to expect, and whether it is right for you should always be a priority. From weighing all of your available options and alternative treatments to considering the ways in which this procedure can affect your life physically and emotionally, it becomes clear that there is much to think about before making a decision. At Hysterectomy.com,…

Life After a Hysterectomy

Life After a Hysterectomy Navigating the Healing Process A serious medical procedure that poses risks and physical side effects, hysterectomy surgery also entails a number of emotional implications that have the ability to impact your life in numerous, profound, and deeply personal ways. As you prepare for life after hysterectomy or as you begin to navigate the new changes after surgery, ensuring that you know what to expect and that you have access to the information and support you need is important…

Recovering From Hysterectomy Surgery

Recovering From Hysterectomy Surgery After the Procedure While the type of hysterectomy surgery performed and the underlying condition at hand will always impact your recovery after a hysterectomy surgery, there are some general effects and challenges all women can expect after this procedure. As always, personally reviewing what you can expect with your doctor will ensure that you have information that relates specifically to your situation. After Surgery Depending on the procedure you undergo,…

How to Avoid a Hysterectomy Surgery

How to Avoid a Hysterectomy Surgery Prevention, Intervention & Understanding Your Options Hysterectomy surgery is often a matter of personal choice. Although some conditions may dictate treatment and make a hysterectomy a medical necessity, many women now have a number of options to choose from when it comes to finding safe and effective treatments for their particular condition. If you are interested in exploring ways in which your medical condition can be safely resolved without a hysterectomy,…

Hysterectomy Surgery Risks

Hysterectomy Surgery Risks Knowing What to Expect When considering hysterectomy surgery, understanding the benefits and risks is essential to making a well-informed decision. Although every woman should assess whether or not hysterectomy is the right choice on an individual basis, it is important to understand that all types of hysterectomy surgeries will entail some inherent risks. On a general basis, a hysterectomy will pose similar risks and complications associated with any major surgery,…

Types of Hysterectomy Surgeries

Types of Hysterectomy Surgeries Understanding Your Options For any woman who has been informed by their doctor that their condition can be treated with a hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, it is important to understand that options are available. Taking preemptive measures to research, collect information, engage in discussions with your doctor, and explore all available means and methods is crucial to making an informed decision that is right for you. As hysterectomy surgeries vary in…

Reasons for a Hysterectomy

Reasons for a Hysterectomy Conditions & Disorders Strong social opinions muddled by a numerous misconceptions have made hysterectomy a procedure shrouded in misinformation and uncertainty. Once used as a standard in the treatment of numerous female reproductive conditions, increased awareness about various medical conditions as well as advances in medical science and viable treatment alternatives have contributed to our collective knowledge about hysterectomy. In general terms, hysterectomy…

Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain in women, by definition, involves pain in the pelvic region - the area below the belly button and between the hips - persisting for six months or longer. Chronic pelvic pain can be a symptom that signifies the existence of other medical conditions or maybe its own condition caused by neuropathic pain, or the abnormal function of the nervous system. Proper assessment and diagnosis is essential to developing effective treatment programs that address the underlying condition and/or relieve symptoms.

Chronic pelvic pain, while a relatively less common reason for a hysterectomy, accounts for roughly 10 percent of all gynecological visits. In many cases, the specific cause is undiagnosed. Some of the common causes of and conditions associated with chronic female pelvic pain include:

Gynecologic conditions - Various gynecologic conditions affecting the female reproductive organs/system can cause chronic pelvic pain. Common conditions can include endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids, among others.

Other conditions - Other various abdominal, nerve, and muscular conditions can cause chronic pelvic pain. Proctitis, colitis, appendicitis, internal hernias, urinary conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, and others are common conditions that can create pain symptoms. In some cases, chronic pelvic pain has been associated with psychological and emotional factors, including a history of sexual or physical abuse.

When investigating the underlying cause of chronic pain, doctors may conduct full assessments and use a variety of tests and diagnostic approaches. Pelvic examinations, cultures, ultrasound, and other imaging tests are commonly used to rule out and/or find a specific condition. Laparoscopy, which involves the insertion of a tiny camera (laparoscope), may also be used to further explore possible abnormalities or signs of infection.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Symptoms
Signs and symptoms can vary from case to case. Among the many various symptoms, all of which last for at least six months, some of the most common includes:

Steady, severe pain

Intermittent pain (periods of pain / no pain)

Sharp pain and cramping, especially during periods

Heaviness or pressure within the pelvis

Pain during intercourse, when having a bowel movement, urinating, or when sitting

Chronic pain can also create much more debilitating repercussions, particularly to a person's emotional stability and well-being. The difficulty of living with persistent pain on a daily basis has been known to cause depression and anxiety, which can further lead to unhealthy habits and a decreased quality of life. While a definitive diagnosis may be elusive in some cases, the chronic pain and symptoms women experience can be effectively treated using a number of options and approaches.

Treatment Options

As with any pain symptoms, treatment options are largely influenced by the particular circumstances at hand. If a specific medical condition has been diagnosed, then certain, specialized approaches may be taken to target the underlying cause of pain. In other cases, medical professionals, including physicians and rehabilitation specialists, can develop treatment programs that aim to reduce pain and symptoms and promote a more active, healthier, and happier lifestyle. Many patients are able to control pain symptoms using conservative treatment options such as pain relievers and over-the-counter medications, antibiotics for infections, and physical therapy. Other options include hormone treatments, antidepressants, nerve stimulation, and trigger-point injections.

Surgical treatment options may be appropriate in cases of chronic pelvic pain that involve a known, underlying condition. Pelvic adhesions and endometrial tissue, which can be a source of pain, can be removed using laparoscopic surgery. Hysterectomy, a procedure in which the uterus is removed, may become an option for serious conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment. Hysterectomy surgery should be carefully considered in comparison to other available alternatives and options.

If you are suffering from chronic pelvic pain, specific medical advice and assessments from a specialist are essential to developing an effective treatment approach. Hysterectomy.com is a reliable resource that can provide you with access to the information you need regarding your particular condition and available treatment options, including ways in which a hysterectomy can be potentially avoided. Contact us to learn more.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain

Treatment Options

Office Location

What Patients Say