
How to Treat Chronic Pelvic Pain
This article will discuss how to treat pelvic pain that has lasted longer than 6 months. If you are experiencing new, sudden pelvic pain, see your doctor as soon as you can.
What is Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain happens in females below the belly button. It is considered chronic, meaning long-lasting, if it has lasted 6 months or longer and is not related to pregnancy. The type of pain varies from woman to woman; some experience a mild ache while others experience severe pain that makes it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy life. For some women, it comes and goes while for others it can be constant. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follows a regular cycle such as occurring during menstruation or at a certain time, such as during sex. If your doctor is able to find what is causing this pain, treating it may cause the pain to go away. If he or she is unable to find the cause of the pain, the doctor may be able to help find ways to ease the pain and restore your quality of life.What Causes Chronic Pelvic Pain?
There are a number of conditions that can cause chronic pelvic pain. Some common causes of chronic pelvic pain include:- Diseases of the urinary tract or bowel. This can include irritable bowel syndrome and chronic bladder irritation.
- Scar tissue in the pelvic areas as a result of infection or surgery.
- Problems of the reproductive system including endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids.
- Problems with the joints, muscles, and ligaments in the pelvis, lower back, or hips.