The four female OBGYNs at Associated Women’s Healthcare are all board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and are all members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They have extensive experience diagnosing and treating the causes of pelvic pain. Contact Associated Women’s Healthcare today to schedule an appointment in Plano, TX by calling 972.612.8829.
schedule an appointmentWhat Activities May Worsen Pelvic Pain?
If the pain is consistently present over a long period of time, it is classified as chronic pelvic pain. If the opposite is true, then the patient is likely to suffer from acute pelvic pain. Most individuals will notice that their pelvic pain becomes more intense as they engage in certain activities. For example, if the source of your pelvic pain is your digestive system, then you may experience more pain after consuming certain foods or drinks. It can also be true that pelvic pain worsens during exercise, sexual intercourse or while urinating. Your menstrual cycle can also cause your pelvic pain.
Potential Sources of Pelvic Pain
Reproductive System
The reproductive system (your cervix, uterus, ovaries) are a common culprit of pelvic pain. Conditions of this system that can cause pelvic pain include:
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual cramping/PMS
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Pregnancy complications
- Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain)
- Ovarian disorders such as cysts
- Vulvodynia or vulvar pain
Urinary System
The source of pelvic pain may be a person’s urinary system. Problems such as urinary tract infection, interstitial cystitis and kidney stones can cause pain.
Musculoskeletal System
Pelvic pain may be a result of an injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments located around the pelvis. This can often be a result of situations like:
- Levator syndrome (recurring spasms of the levator ani muscle)
- Fibromyalgia
- Loss of control or strength in the pelvic floor muscles
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain that affects up to 10% of all women. Many women report pelvic pain both during and after their menstrual cycle and for some women it takes years to receive their correct diagnosis. Symptoms can range from cramping during the menstrual cycle to pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements and a chronic pelvic pain that never seems to go away.
This condition happens when endometrial cells that are normally present in the inner lining of the uterus are found outside of the uterus. These cells can move to various places including the fallopian tube, ovary and more rarely bowel and bladder. This causes scar tissue build up and inflammation which then leads to pain and sometimes infertility.
Diagnosing endometriosis begins with an experienced physician who is aware of the signs and symptoms. Discussing symptoms, performing a pelvic exam and having a pelvic ultrasound all provide valuable information. The most definitive way to diagnosis endometriosis is through a surgical procedure called a diagnostic laparoscopy where your gynecologist will use a small camera to inspect your pelvis for endometriosis. There are multiple medications that can be used to treat and manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
Schedule an Appointment in Plano, TX
Contact women-led Associated Women’s Healthcare to schedule an appointment and address all of your questions and concerns surrounding pelvic pain and endometriosis. All four of our physicians have experiencing treating women with endometriosis and improving patient’s quality of life. Patients may call our office in Plano, TX, at (972) 612-8829 to schedule an appointment with one of our four female gynecologists!