The organs that are extremely important for women’s reproductive functions are located in the pelvic area. The pelvic pain that occurs in this area sometimes appears suddenly, and sometimes it can be chronic pain that has made itself felt for a long time. Pelvic pain, which is mostly felt in the abdominal area, can be pain of the cramping or muscle-contraction type. If pelvic pain has continued for longer than 6 months and affects the person’s quality of life, it is accepted as chronic pain and medical help must be sought.
The Cause of Pelvic Pain Must Be Identified Correctly
Pelvic pain is encountered quite frequently in women during menstruation. In addition, pelvic pain, which can also be seen due to catching a chill or to different causes, can in some cases be accompanied by conditions such as sweating, vomiting and nausea. Problems concerning the organs located in the pelvic area can cause pelvic pain. For this reason pelvic pain can be categorised as pelvic pain due to gynaecological causes, due to pregnancy, or due to bowel or bladder problems. However, if the pelvic pain is very severe and has continued for several weeks, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor and to begin a process of detailed examination and radiological investigation.
Can Pelvic Pain Be Treated?
Pelvic pain is mainly felt in the area where the pelvic bone is located. Pain related to disorders of the ovaries, bowel, bladder, uterus and tubes located in this area generally appears as groin pain. Because pelvic pain can arise from many different causes, making a diagnosis can be difficult. Its treatment also varies according to the disease causing the pelvic pain.
In order to make a definite diagnosis regarding pelvic pain, it is first assessed whether there is an infection. After urine and blood tests, radiological investigations and minor surgical procedures can be used if considered necessary.
Endometriosis (the chocolate cyst), adenomyosis, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), fibromyalgia, ectopic pregnancy, thickening of the uterus and ovarian cancer can cause chronic pelvic pain. The treatment of pelvic pain is determined according to the cause that can be identified. If the factor causing the pain cannot be determined, treatment aimed at relieving the pain is applied. In cases where the pain cannot be completely treated, the priority becomes the application of treatment methods aimed at improving the person’s quality of life. Among these treatments, antibiotics, antidepressants, the contraceptive pill, hormone treatment, painkillers, physical therapy and nutritional therapy can be applied. If no response is obtained from these treatments, surgical procedures may come into question.