Many women have experienced acute or chronic pelvic pain. Many women do not seek treatment for their pain, believing that it is normal.
While some causes of pelvic pain are expected, such as moderate menstrual cramping, there are many potentially dangerous conditions which can cause acute or chronic pelvic pain.
Dr. Joon Song describes the symptoms which should send women to their gynecologists for evaluation and treatment.
General Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain, especially pain which is not directly related to the menstrual cycle, should be examined by a gynecologist. Many women endure this pain daily and do not believe they can be helped.
There are a range of painful conditions that can cause this problem. Fibroids, endometriosis, endometritis, ovarian cysts, and dermoid cysts are only a few of the conditions that can cause pelvic pain.
A gynecologist will be able to ask the right questions to determine the cause of the pain and recommend treatment options.
Uterine Swelling
Uterine swelling is a very important symptom. It may be that the patient is experiencing pregnancy, or it may be that fibroids, infections, or other conditions may be causing the swelling. Uterine swelling can lead to constipation, frequent urination, and a general feeling of pain and pressure in the pelvis.
It can also lead to lower back pain. This may not be one of the obvious symptoms that a person can determine on their own, but it is vital that a patient sees a gynecologist.
Heavy or Irregular Bleeding
Menstrual bleeding has a great variety among women. Some women experience light bleeding with little discomfort, while others bleed heavily and experience a great deal of pain.
There are many conditions which can cause irregular or heavy menstrual periods. Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, and other conditions could be to blame.
Sharp Pain
Sharp pelvic pains should never be ignored. Some conditions involve a stabbing pain in the uterus or pelvis. Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infections are some of the common conditions that can cause this pain.
Unusual Discharge
Most women are aware of what constitutes their own healthy vaginal discharge. Any variation in this discharge should be seen by a gynecologist.
Abnormal discharge can be caused by infections and other conditions. Sometimes, uterine infections can lead to conditions as severe as infertility.
Lack of Periods
If a woman notices a change in her menstrual pattern, this is an important reason to see a gynecologist. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, side effects from hormonal birth control, and premature ovarian failure can lead to this condition.
It is also necessary to check for pregnancy when this condition occurs.
Pain During Sex
When women experience abnormal pain during sex, they should see their doctors. Endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cysts, fibroids, cervicitis, and vulvodynia can cause this painful problem.
This could also be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease.
Ovarian Pain
Pain that occurs in the lower abdomen, whether it is concentrated on one side or both sides, could be an ovarian problem. This could be caused by a ruptured cyst, by other growths on the ovaries, or in serious cases, by ovarian cancer.
Difficulty Becoming Pregnant
Any woman who is having difficulty achieving pregnancy should visit a gynecologist. There are many common conditions, including fibroids, which can interfere with pregnancy.
Women who want to become pregnant should also follow basic lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress as much as possible.
Preventative Care
Every woman should see her gynecologist annually for preventative care. Gynecologists can provide annual pap smears, which test for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions.
It is especially important to screen for cervical cancer because it does not usually present symptoms on its own.
See Your Gynecologist
Women should always see a gynecologist when they are experiencing any of these symptoms or when they need preventative care. Many of these conditions can lead to infertility if they are not treated properly.
It is good news that many conditions causing acute or chronic pelvic pain can be successfully treated, leading to a pain-free life. Gynecologists like Dr. Joon Song are equipped to provide their patients with the newest and best treatments for their pelvic issues, giving them a better quality of life.
