Get the facts about pelvic pain and discover how treatment can help
You’re not alone if you have pelvic pain. Cedars Sinai reports that about 15% of women have chronic pelvic pain. However, just because this type of pain is common, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Learning facts about pelvic pain can help you find the relief you deserve.
Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology believes that no one should live with chronic pelvic pain. That’s why our San Antonio OBGYNs are proud to offer pelvic pain treatment and information.
Facts about pelvic pain: What can cause pelvic pain?
There isn’t just one type of pelvic pain. It can feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and burning. Sometimes, this type of pain comes and goes. In other cases, it’s constant. To recommend the right pelvic pain treatment, our OBGYNs will need to find what’s causing it.
Your pelvis has many different organs, muscles and nerves. As a result, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms to determine what’s causing your pain.
Gastrointestinal causes
- Diverticulitis
- Colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Appendicitis
Urinary causes
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Kidney infections
Reproductive causes
- Pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
Structural causes
- Broken bones
- Hernia
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Nerve conditions
Knowing what can cause this type of pain is the first step to finding relief, so it’s wise to learn the facts about pelvic pain. It’s also important to learn how our doctors diagnose and treat pelvic pain.
How do doctors diagnose and treat pelvic pain?
Our San Antonio OBGYNs will first ask about your health history and symptoms before performing a physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests.
- Blood, urine and pregnancy tests
- Cultures to test for STIs
- Imaging, including ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs and X-rays
After your test results come back, your doctor can determine which pelvic pain treatment is right for you.
- Medication, such as antibiotics, pain relievers or muscle relaxers
- Surgery for issues with pelvic organs
- Physical therapy for muscle strengthening and stretching
With many effective pelvic pain treatments, you don’t have to accept pain as your normal. If you have more questions or want to explore your treatment options, our San Antonio OBGYNs are here to support you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.
