What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic congestion syndrome PCS refers to the condition where blood gets accumulated in the dilated veins of the pelvis.

What is the pain pattern?

Pelvic pain is different from period pain. The pelvic pain may be continuously present or may come and go. Some women experience sharp stabbing pain at a particular point while others may complain of dull pain that feels to spread out. Extreme pain can compromise the quality of life and become an obstruction for everyday activities. Pelvic pain that starts suddenly is referred to as “Acute Pelvic Pain” whereas the pelvic pain that lasts for more than 6 months is termed as “Chronic Pelvic Pain”.

How common in pelvic pain?

1 in 6 women complain of chronic pelvic pain.

What are the reasons behind pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain signals towards a health issue with either of the organs in the pelvis such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus, or vagina. Women may also have pelvic pain due to urinary tract infections, or infections in the bowel, rectum, etc.

Pelvic pain can occur due to numerous disorders such as :
1. Endometriosis
2. Large Fibroids
3. Adenomyosis
4. Inflammation of the bladder
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
6. Adhesions
7. Depression
8. Musculoskeletal pain

How is the reason for pelvic pain diagnosed?

This depends on the cause behind. A thorough medical history and examination can rule out hint to the possible reason. Ultrasound scan can diagnose endometriosis, large fibroids, adenomyosis. Urine culture for urine infection. swabs for pelvic infection, a blood test to check for STIs etc

What is the treatment for pelvic pain?

Treatment depends on the cause. Treatment may either be oral medication or may rarely need to undergo Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is the procedure which involves making a keyhole size incision near the belly button. A camera is inserted through this small cut that helps examine the pelvic region and confirms diagnosis. If the diagnosis reveals a medical disorder of the bowel, bladder or intestines, the woman may be referred to urologist or gastroenterologist for treatment.