Do you have chronic pelvic pain?

We’re here to help.

Chronic pelvic pain in women is a broad term used to describe a host of medical conditions, which by themselves or in combination may have a tremendous impact on one’s quality of life.

Chronic pelvic pain can come and Some conditions that cause chronic –– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): go, or it can be constant. While pelvic pain: A gastrointestinal condition symptoms vary, many women –– Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain characterized by abdominal pain, experience feeling pain: syndrome (IC/BPS): The hallmark of IC/ bloating, constipation and diarrhea. –– While having a bowel movement BPS is bladder pain or discomfort. Pain –– Musculoskeletal disorders: or urinating or pelvic pressure often worsens when Conditions affecting your bones, –– With bladder filling the bladder fills and prompts you to joints and connective tissues in your –– When sitting or standing for long urinate frequently. The condition is musculoskeletal system. This includes periods of time often mistaken for fibromyalgia, pelvic floor muscle –– Prior to or during menstruation a bladder infection. tension, inflammation of the pubic joint or hernia. –– During or after sexual activity –– Vulvodynia: A condition of vulvar –– All the time pain with unknown cause. Patients –– Psychological factors: Depression, often describe burning, irritation, anxiety, chronic stress or a history You might describe your pain in one or itching and sexual pain. of sexual or physical abuse may more of the following ways: –– Endometriosis: A condition in which increase your risk of chronic pelvic –– Discomfort –– Itching the tissue lining the inside of the pain. Emotional distress makes pain –– Pressure –– Burning uterus (endometrial tissue) also worse, and living with chronic pain –– Sharp or dull –– Fluttering grows outside of the uterus. Some contributes to emotional distress— –– Stabbing –– Tearing women with endometriosis have no often causing an unhealthy cycle. –– Aching –– Pulling symptoms, while others experience –– Cramping –– Dragging marked discomfort and pain, and may have problems with fertility. –– Adenomyosis: A condition in which endometrial tissue grows inside the To make an uterine walls. This may cause an appointment, call us at enlarged uterus accompanied by heavy, painful periods. (855) 850-KIWH (5494).

Turn over to learn about diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain: Diagnosis and treatment

How do we diagnose chronic pelvic pain? The good news? Treatments are available. Since chronic pelvic pain can often be a symptom of multiple Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be different conditions, it may be difficult to identify the specific formulated. Since more than one source of pain may be cause. Figuring out the cause of your pain may involve a found (e.g., many patients who are diagnosed with IC/BPS process of elimination. may also have musculoskeletal pelvic pain), several therapies are often necessary for the best results. They may include: As part of the Women’s Pelvic Health Program at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, your clinician will conduct a –– Dietary management comprehensive history and physical exam of the abdomen –– Stress reduction and mindful meditation and pelvic area, and may request laboratory tests to check –– Intravesical therapy, medicines that are instilled into for infections. It may be recommended that more in-depth the bladder, rectum or vagina testing be done, including: –– Nerve blocks –– Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI –– Trigger point injections –– Urodynamics (a specialized examination to test bladder –– Injection of Botox function) –– Physical therapy by experts in the management –– Laparoscopy (looking into the abdominal cavity with a of pelvic pain specialized telescope) –– Oral medications –– Cystoscopy (looking into the bladder with a specialized telescope) –– Topical medications –– Vulvoscopy (looking into the vagina with a powerful –– Neuromodulation, procedures that alter the way nerves magnifying glass) transmit pain –– Surgery performed through specialized telescopes –– Open surgery

Speak with your doctor to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your lifestyle and overall health goals.

To learn more or make an appointment, call us at (855) 850-KIWH (5494).

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