Chronic Pelvic Pain & Causes
Chronic pelvic pain is caused by a variety of conditions. The cause of an individual's pelvic pain can be difficult to diagnose at first since many conditions of the vagina and bladder that cause pelvic pain have no visible signs. Most women will see a variety of doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis. Pelvic pain is real and can impact the daily routines of suffering women. It is important for women to be self-advocates and to find a doctor who will take their pain seriously.
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Vulvodynia
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Vulvodynia is a chronic nerve pain condition. Women who suffer from this condition will experience shooting, knifelike pain in the vulva. Some women experience pain all over the pelvic region due to vulvodynia. Other women have a subset of the problem called vulvar vestibulitis, where pain is only felt on contact when they try to insert a tampon or have sex. The cause of vulvodynia remains unknown. It is important to remember that it is not caused by an injury or infection. Vulvodynia is usually diagnosed by exclusion to make sure no infections are present. Doctors can also do a cotton swab test to see how sensitive a woman's vulva is to touch.
Interstitial Cystitis
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Interstitial cystitis, commonly called IC for short by doctors and patients, is a chronic disease where the bladder is constantly inflamed. People with IC suffer many of the symptoms of a bladder infection on a regular basis, but are completely infection free. Due to the position of the bladder, pelvic pain can be a typical symptom of IC. IC patients also urinate excessively. Pelvic pain can be experienced throughout the day or during urination only. IC is usually diagnosed using a potassium sensitivity test or by a urologist performing a hydrodistention.
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
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Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition where patients have unexplained muscle spasms in their pelvic area. These spasms can cause serious pain and discomfort in the vagina, perineum and rectum. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be present in women who have IC and vulvodynia or can exist on its own. It can cause urinary issues and problems with intercourse. If the condition is left untreated, it can be impossible for women to have sex.
Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain
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Although chronic pelvic pain has no cure, there are many ways that it can be managed. IC has a specific medication called Elmiron which can help to coat the bladder when used long-term. Physical therapy can help with IC, pelvic floor dysfunction and vulvodynia. There are two kinds of physical therapy for pelvic pain. One type is biofeedback, where a probe is inserted into the vagina to record muscle spasms and help patients train their muscles to relax. Another kind is internal massage, where a physical therapist manually relaxes the muscles. Pain killers and vaginal Valium suppositories are also given to some chronic pelvic pain patients. Home remedies such as ice packs, heating pillows and baths can also help. There are some surgeries available as a last resort.
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