Pelvic Pain Specialist

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain occurs in the lowest part of your pelvis starting at your hips and ending at your tailbone. Sometimes it can also affect in your abdomen. This type of discomfort can vary depending on its cause and can:

• Develop during urination or sexual intercourse
• Radiate into the lower back, thighs, or buttocks
• Feel sharp or dull, mild to severe, and intermittent or constant

If pelvic pain persists for more than six months, it might be due to prevailing conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or a pelvic inflammatory disease.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when your endometrium begins growing outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the tissue lining the inside of your uterus that thickens during your menstrual cycle to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

When endometrial tissue grows on the organs and tissues in your pelvic area, it continues to function as it would inside the uterus. That means that each month, this displaced endometrial tissue bleeds and breaks down with your menstrual cycle.

Over time, endometriosis can irritate surrounding tissue or cause scar tissue and adhesions.

What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts develop in the ovaries or on their surface. There are several types of ovarian cysts, but the majority are caused by your menstrual cycle.

Each month, your ovary grows a follicle that produces progesterone and estrogen. These cyst-like structures release an egg during ovulation. When your follicle continues to grow after ovulating, it becomes a fully-formed cyst.

What is a pelvic inflammatory disease?

A bacterial infection in your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries can cause a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition either has few to no symptoms or exhibits severe pain in the pelvis with fever and chills.

Pelvic infections can have several causes, including:

• Unprotected sex
• Regular douching
• Endometrial biopsies
• Childbirth or miscarriage
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Having multiple sexual partners or a non-monogamous partner

How is pelvic pain treated?

Pelvic pain is treated based on its cause. Following a comprehensive physical examination that might include additional testing like lab work or ultrasound, Dr. Khalil might recommend several options, such as:

• Antibiotics or other medications
• Hormone therapy like contraceptives
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
• Observing your condition to see if it resolves itself

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, call Women’s Medical Connection or schedule an appointment online today.