Could That Chronic Pelvic Pain Be Endometriosis?

Like any chronic pain, pelvic pain can make everyday tasks nearly unbearable. No matter if your pain is steady or random, all-encompassing or focused in a single spot, it can make your life difficult. Chronic pelvic pain can be so severe that it can interfere with your responsibilities, such as work, and prevent you from enjoying leisure activities, such as exercise.

Pelvic pain is a main symptom of many diseases and disorders. Chief among them is endometriosis, a disorder in which uterine tissue grows in other parts of the body. This disease can cause pain, excessive bleeding, and even infertility. 

If you have chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis may be to blame. Asia Mohsin, MD, and her team at Progressive Women’s Health will give you a thorough evaluation and treat the cause of your pain, be it endometriosis or not.

Pelvic pain basics

According to the National Institutes of Health, every year about 15% of women of childbearing age in the United States experience pelvic pain lasting at least six months. According to the United States Census Bureau, that comes out to 11 million women.

Much like other chronic pain, pelvic pain can vary from one woman to another. While some chronic pain can be daily, or near-daily, other women may experience sporadic pain. For example, many women experience more pain during ovulation or menstruation.

Endometriosis basics

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus, called endometrial tissue, grows outside of the uterus. When this tissue grows outside the uterus, it usually shows up in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis.

Even though the tissue is misplaced, it still continues to function as uterine tissue. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. This can lead to the development of cysts, painful periods, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding, and infertility, among other symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment

First, Dr. Mohsin will discuss your symptoms and examine your pelvic region. You may also need to undergo blood testing, an ultrasound, or minimally invasive procedures, such as a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, to get a complete diagnosis.

Treatment will aim to deal with the symptoms and the disease itself. Pain medication may be able to reduce or eliminate the pain, and hormone therapy may be able to slow and contain tissue growth, which should also help lessen the symptoms. Finally, surgery may be needed to remove the misplaced tissue. All three methods may be used in concert to manage pain and tissue growth.  

You don’t have to suffer through chronic pelvic pain. Whether you have endometriosis or not, Dr. Mohsin can give you a complete evaluation and get you on the road to recovery. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Progressive Women’s Health today.