Chronic Pelvic Pain Poses Great Challenge, Doctors Admit

Online resources, quoting medical experts, report that chronic pelvic pain in women is a common problem posing a major challenge to medical specialists because of its unclear causes, involvement of complex body organs, and poor response to treatment. This condition has become prevalent in the United States where 39 percent of women are of child-bearing age experience these symptoms -- with almost a half of them claiming to have reduced productivity at work, according to findings of a recent study. 

 

Chronic pelvic pain may be defined as a non-cyclic pain occurring below the navel which may last from six months or more as opposed to acute pain which is shorter in duration. For this type of pain, it may be severe enough that a woman’s functional ability is affected and that medical attention may be required. 

 

Most common causes of chronic pelvic pain include the following: 

 

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) 

Probably the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain among women is interstitial cystitis or IC which is responsible for over 33 percent of all reported cases. Usually affecting women in their 30s and 40s, this condition has been traced to an inflammation of the bladder due to an infection. Treatment involves using of antibiotics to relieve symptoms only since exact cause of this condition has yet to be established. 

 

The most common indication of this disorder is the need to urinate frequently which may be multiple times in just an hour. This condition may also be manifested in the form of pressure above the pubic area, pain during sex, and painful urination. 

 

Endometriosis 

Women in their thirties are mostly affected by this condition although it may be found in females between the ages of 13 and 50 and those where conceiving may be a problem. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus, usually in the ovaries, bladder, fallopian tubes, intestines, and other nearby organs. 

 

Even if endometriosis may not be a serious health problem, this may cause extreme pelvic pain particularly during certain periods of the month. Women with this condition may find it very difficult to get pregnant due to the formation of scar tissues. Treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms since no cure has yet been discovered for this ailment. 

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

Although not affecting the reproductive organs, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS may still cause severe and chronic pelvic pains to a woman. The exact cause of this medical condition has not yet been known although doctors agree that IBS is associated with digestive disorders. 

 

Common symptoms may include recurring abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation although these may vary from person to person. There are medications available to alleviate these symptoms but not to completely cure the disorder. Other strategies to address this condition may include diet changes and stress management. 

 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse 

Women who have given birth and those in the advancing years are most commonly affected by this condition. Pelvic organ prolapse or POP occurs when a pelvic organ such as bladder and uterus descends into a lower position. While this disorder may not be considered serious, it may be very disruptive and uncomfortable. 

 

Chronic pain in the affected area, a feeling of being full in the lower belly, pressure against the vaginal wall, and dyspareunia or pain during sex are the usual symptoms of POP. Pelvic exercises, lifestyle changes, medical devices and surgeries are among the several options available in the management of this condition. This last option which may include vaginal mesh surgeries has become controversial in recent years due to alleged complications resulting from the use of these devices which have in fact led to numerous vaginal mesh lawsuits. 

 

 

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