Chronic Pelvic Pain

About one-third of women may experience pelvic pain during their lifetime. If you develop ongoing (chronic) pelvic pain, see the skilled OB/GYN specialists Elizabeth Ramirez, MD, FACOG, and Huiying Hou, MD, at Jersey Women’s Care Center in Jersey City and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. They pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and offer treatments providing lasting relief. Schedule an appointment by phone or request a visit online today.

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is an ongoing feeling of discomfort in your lower abdominal area. Chronic pain typically lasts six months or longer, while acute pelvic pain is short-lived. 

While common, it’s important to see your provider if pelvic pain becomes ongoing or severe. The experts at Jersey Women’s Care Center find the underlying cause to ease your symptoms and avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain may appear as:

• Discomfort in your abdominal area
• Severe pain
• Steady discomfort
• Pain that comes and goes
• Sharp pain
• Cramping
• Dull aching
• Pressure
• Heaviness
• Pain during sex
• Pain with urination or a bowel movement
• Discomfort when you stand or sit for long periods
• Upset stomach
• Bloating
• Low back, hip, or groin pain
• Constipation or diarrhea

The pain may appear in different parts of your abdomen and be present all of the time or during certain activities. Its severity ranges from mild to severe, and it sometimes becomes crippling. 

What are the risk factors for chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain risk factors include:

• Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Endometrosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Nerve injuries
• Painful bladder syndrome 
• Cancer
• Appendicitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Kidney problems
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hernias
• Pelvic floor dysfunction 
• Pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Cancer

You might have pelvic pain during certain times of the month because of cramping (painful periods). 

How is chronic pelvic pain diagnosed?

The Jersey Women’s Care Center team discusses your medical history and symptoms, completes physical and pelvic exams, and may suggest you complete diagnostic tests. Examples include STD testing, blood work, urine tests, an ultrasound, other imaging procedures, or a laparoscopy.

How is chronic pelvic pain treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for pelvic pain depends on its cause and severity. It might include one or more of the following:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Heat packs
• Relaxation techniques
• Trigger point injections
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Surgery

It’s helpful to stay active, eat healthy foods, not smoke, get plenty of sleep, maintain a healthy weight, and minimize stress. Follow up with the Jersey Women’s Care Center experts to ensure your pain subsides long-term.

Don’t struggle with pelvic pain when simple solutions are within reach at Jersey Women’s Care Center. Call the office or request an appointment online today.