Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is prevalent among women, but many people brush it off as part of being female or because it’s “that time of the month.” Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Contact Dr. Robert Gregory Owens — a double board-certified OB/GYN and female pelvic surgeon at Advanced Pelvic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio — for expert diagnosis and treatment of the condition causing you pain in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Owens listens to your concerns and treats you like family. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
Pelvic Pain Q & A
What causes pelvic pain?
Various conditions and diseases can lead to pelvic pain. This condition is more common in women than in men because of the complexity of the female reproductive system. Some common causes of pelvic pain include:
Menstrual cycle - Your menstrual cycle can cause pain. You might feel a sharp pain when you ovulate and your follicle bursts to release the egg, or when you menstruate and your uterus contracts to release the endometrial lining.
Vaginal Atrophy/Menopause - When your estrogen levels decrease due to menopause, you may develop vaginal atrophy, which can lead to dryness, itching, and pain. For more information click here.
Muscle Spasm - Pelvic pain can result from the pelvic floor muscles over contracting for one reason or another.
Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial lining develops outside of your uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs and tissues in your pelvic area.
Ovarian Cysts - Ovarian cysts are benign fluid-filled growths that develop on your ovaries, often after a follicle cyst doesn’t burst when the egg is released.
Uterine fibroids - Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in or on your uterine wall. They cause severe pelvic cramping and heavy menstrual bleeding. Click here to learn more.
Prolapse - Weakness in your pelvic floor can allow pelvic organs, like your bladder or uterus, to descend into your vaginal cavity, causing cramping and pain.
Scar Tissue - Scarring from previous surgery or infection can place tension on organs and cause pain.
Interstitial Cystitis- IC is a painful bladder condition where urine in the bladder causes pain. This is due to defects in the protective coating of the bladder. For more information click here.
How is the cause of pelvic pain diagnosed?
Dr. Owens performs a comprehensive physical exam including a pelvic exam and bloodwork to determine if you have any conditions that cause pelvic pain. He may use a hysteroscope or a colposcope — devices that allow him to examine your cervix, uterus, and other pelvic organs — to look at your pelvic organs and tissues to check for signs of disease.
He listens carefully to your concerns so he can create a practical treatment plan combining functional therapy and state-of-the-art medicine and surgery.
How is pelvic pain treated?
Dr. Owens offers customized treatments to address the specific condition causing your pain. Treatments may include hormonal birth control, pain-relieving medications, or surgical procedures to remove growths and restore your pelvic region.
If you’re living with pelvic pain, don’t suffer in silence. Call the helpful staff at Advanced Pelvic Surgery or book an appointment online today.