A range of conditions and problems can contribute to pelvic pain, from a urinary tract problem to irritable bowel syndrome to something else entirely. The experienced providers at Connecticut Women OB/GYN are experts in the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pelvic pain. With three convenient office locations in the towns of South Windsor, West Hartford, and Enfield, Connecticut, they offer complete pelvic pain care for patients in the greater Hartford County area.
Pelvic pain is considered chronic when it lasts six months or longer. It may be:
Often, pelvic pain follows the same pattern. It may always occur before or during your menstrual cycle, for example, or it may mostly happen:
For some women, pelvic pain emerges after sitting too long.
Ongoing pelvic pain can have a multitude of causes. Even though just one underlying problem may be at its root, pelvic pain may also symptomatic of coexisting problems that contribute to the condition. Common gynecological causes of chronic pelvic pain include:
Uterine fibroids
These noncancerous growths affect the uterine wall, often causing pelvic pain and pressure. They usually emerge during childbearing years, and are most common in women who are in their 40s or 50s. Fibroids can be:
Endometriosis
In this common disorder, the tissues that normally line the uterus, called endometrium, are found growing outside the organ, often:
Pelvic pain is one of the main symptoms of endometriosis, especially during menstruation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of PID, which is caused by an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs. Although PID can result from any bacteria that travel from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, it can often be linked to gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Other causes include:
Successful treatment requires a proper diagnosis. To reach the right diagnosis, your OB/GYN will begin with a comprehensive physical exam, including a pelvic exam and detailed medical history. The exam may also include:
Ultrasound imaging can help your doctor at Connecticut Women OB/GYN determine if there are any masses or cysts on your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or elsewhere in your pelvic region.