What is Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is defined as any discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or genitals. In addition, pelvic discomfort can be caused by various disorders, such as infections, inflammation, structural issues, or nerve damage.

What are the types of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain may be classified into two types

• Acute pelvic discomfort:This pain is generally intense and occurs unexpectedly. It might indicate a dangerous medical problem that needs quick medical treatment.

• Chronic pelvic pain:This pain is generally This form of pain lasts longer than six months and can be caused by several underlying problems.

What are the common conditions under Pelvic Pain

• PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Interstitial cystitis
• Prostatitis
• Pelvic floor dysfunction

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic discomfort can result from several conditions, including:

• Infections
• Inflammation
• Structural problems
• Nerve damage
• Gynecological conditions
• Urinary tract conditions
• Sexual dysfunction

Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain

• Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or genitals
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements or urination
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills

Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain

To identify the root cause of pelvic pain or discomfort, diagnostic techniques, such as imaging scans, blood tests, and laparoscopy, may be applied.

How do you know if Pelvic Pain is serious

Pelvic pain might indicate a dangerous medical problem that needs prompt treatment, such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, or appendicitis. Get medical help immediately if the pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms including fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Treatment of Pelvic Pain

Treatment options include non-medical approaches, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, surgery, and medications such as antibiotics, painkillers, and hormone therapy.

Interventional Pain Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Interventional pain management techniques can be used to alleviate chronic pelvic pain that has not responded to traditional treatments. These techniques are typically performed by pain management specialists and may include

• Trigger point injections: Injections of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication into trigger points in the pelvic muscles to relieve pain and tension.

• Nerve blocks: Injection of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication into nerves that supply the pelvic region to block pain signals.

• Radiofrequency ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to heat and destroy specific nerves causing pain in the pelvic region.

• Sacroiliac joint injections: Injection of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication into the sacroiliac joint, which is a common source of pelvic pain.

• Spinal cord stimulation: Under the skin, a device is implanted to provide electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which can interfere with pain impulses and give comfort.

• Neuromodulation: Neuromodulation, like spinal cord stimulation, includes using an implanted device to stimulate the nerves that feed the pelvic area and relieve discomfort.

• Pelvic floor physical therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor.

• Radiofrequency ablation: This involves using heat to destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals. Radiofrequency ablation provides long-lasting pain relief and can be an effective treatment option for chronic pelvic pain.

• TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): This involves placing electrodes on the skin over the affected area and electrically stimulating the nerves with low voltage.