Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Diagnosing & Managing Pelvic Pain
Diagnosing & Managing Pelvic Pain Aug 09, 2012
Chronic Pelvic Pain Chronic pelvic pain is defined as pain that occurs below the umbilicus (belly button) that lasts for at least six months. It may or may not be associated with menses or periods. It is not a disease but a symptom that can be caused by several different conditions. Causes Of Pelvic Pain Gynaecologic Causes:
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
Other Causes:
- Abdominal myofascial pain (trigger points)
- Pelvic floor pain
- Fibroids
- Iritable Bowel syndrome
- Diverticulitis
- Interstitial cystitis (bladder infection)
- Fibromyalgia
- Detailed history
- Clinical examination
- Blood tests
- Urine test
- Pelvic Ultrasound
- Laparoscopy (key hole camera procedure through the belly button)
- Others: CT scan, MRI scan
- Pain killer tablets (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, etc)
- Hormonal manipulation (Endometriosis / fibroids)
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis / fibroids / adhesions or scarring
- Relaxation techniques / hypnosis
- Psychosocial support and counselling (Individual therapy/ group therapy/ patient support groups)