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

Diagnoses Of The Cause Of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Detailed history
Clinical examination
Blood tests
Urine test
Pelvic Ultrasound
Laparoscopy (key hole camera procedure through the belly button)
Others: CT scan, MRI scan

Managung Pelvic Pain

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)