Pelvic area refers to the area below your belly button and between your hips. Chronic pelvic pain refers to pain in the pelvic area which lasts for 6 months or longer. The pain can be sharp or dull, severe and steady, or intermittent. You may also experience pain during intercourse, or bowel movements, or after sit for a long time. Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by other medical problems. If this is the case, treating the underlying problem may be enough to eliminate the pain. If there is obvious underlying medical problems can be found, the goal of treatment is relieving the pain. Tests include pelvic exam, chlamydia or gonorrhea test, and blood cell count. If urinary tract infection is suspected, urianalysis will be done. Ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI may also be used. Sometimes the doctor may use a laparoscopy procedure to actually see your pelvic organs. Treatment include OTC and prescription pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen. If the chronic pain is related with your menstrual cycle, birth control pills or other hormonal medication can be prescribed. If there is infection, antibiotics is needed. Some patients need antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). If it is caused by endometriosis, laparoscopic surgey may be used to remove adhesions or endometrial tissues. For rare cases, you may want to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
How is Chronic pelvic pain treated in practice?