Chronic Pelvic Pain is Diagnosed and Treated by Gynecologists at Mercy

Chronic pelvic pain in women refers to dull or severe pain of the abdomen – the area below the bellybutton and between the hips – that lasts six months or longer. The cause of chronic pelvic pain can be the symptom of another health related issue or a condition in its own right. 

Symptoms of chronic pelvic pain include:

• Severe and steady pain
• Pain that comes and goes
• Dull aching
• Severe cramping during periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during long periods of sitting and/or standing

Because there are many causes of chronic pelvic pain, diagnosing the problem is a process of elimination. Typical diagnosis begins with a review of symptoms and medical history.

Along with pelvic exams and ultrasounds, doctors may utilize laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgery used to look at the uterus and surrounding area for infections.

If your doctor is able to determine a cause for your chronic pelvic pain, medications and therapies are typically used for treatment. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove growths causing pain. In cases where a specific cause cannot be determined, treatment will focus on pain management.