Pelvic Pain Specialist in Edmond, OK

Pelvic pain is an extremely common symptom, especially in women. Discomfort within the lower abdomen and pelvic region could be a result of an abnormality or illness relating to a variety of key bodily systems and functions.

Most often, this type of pain is typically related to the reproductive system, digestive, urinary system, or the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Glass is a board-certified gynecologist with over 38 years of experience treating women at his gynecology office in the Edmond, OK area. He is highly trained in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause pelvic pain. Please call (405) 341-9996 to schedule an appointment today!

What Activities May Worsen Pelvic Pain?

Generally, pelvic pain is described to either be a dull yet constant pain, or sudden, sharp pain. If the pain is consistently present over a long period of time, it is classified as chronic pelvic pain. If the opposite is true, then the patient is likely to suffer from acute pelvic pain.

Most individuals will notice that their pelvic pain becomes more intense as they engage in certain activities. For example, if the source of your pelvic pain is your digestive system, then you may experience more pain after consuming certain foods or drinks. It is also common for pelvic pain to worsen during sexual intercourse or while urinating.

Potential Causes of Pelvic Pain

Reproductive System

The reproductive system is a common culprit to pelvic pain, particularly for women. Conditions of this system that can trigger pelvic pain include, but are not limited to:

• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramping
• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pregnancy complications
• Mittelschmerz
• Ovarian disorders such as the presence of potentially cancerous cysts
• Vulvodynia
• Pelvic congestion syndrome

Urinary System

Another likely source to pelvic pain, a person’s urinary system can encounter several different conditions or abnormalities, such as:

• Urinary tract infection
• Interstitial cystitis
• Kidney stones

Musculoskeletal System

It is also possible for pelvic pain to be a result of a deformity or injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments located around the pelvis. This can often be a result of situations like:

• Levator syndrome (recurring spasms of the levator ani muscle)
• Fibromyalgia
• Loss of control or strength in the pelvic floor muscles

Pelvic Pain Q & A

Why do I have pelvic pain?

There are many different reasons you could have pelvic pain, including gynecological issues, urinary tract problems, or bowel problems.

It’s important to keep track of your pelvic pain, including the time, duration, intensity, and circumstances when you experience it, to help the team uncover its cause and make a treatment plan.

What does it mean to have chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a pain in your lower pelvis that lasts for a minimum of six months. Your pain may be either constant or sporadic. Many women experience pelvic pain only during their periods or may have painful intercourse but don’t have pelvic pain at other times.

If your pelvic pain is a consistent issue that’s causing problems in your life, like missed work or social activities, it’s time to seek help from Dr. Michael Glass.

What kind of tests do I need to diagnose pelvic pain?

In addition to a pelvic exam and medical history review, Dr. Glass may recommend a variety of tests to diagnose pelvic pain, such as:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Vaginal culture
• Ultrasound, imaging of your inner pelvis using sound waves
• Colposcopy, a detailed cervical exam
• Laparoscopy, a procedure to view your inner pelvis
• Cystoscopy, a procedure to view your urethra and bladder
• Pelvic MRI scan, imaging of your inner pelvis
• Colonoscopy, a procedure to view your colon

Pelvic pain testing is noninvasive or minimally invasive with little downtime. It typically takes a few days or longer to get results after these tests because professionals need to analyze the results and draw conclusions.

What is the best way to stop pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain treatment often combines approaches to give you maximum relief. Your treatment may include lifestyle changes like regular exercise and improved eating habits along with:

• Oral pain medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Hormone therapy, such as birth control pills
• Supplements like vitamin B1 and magnesium
• Pelvic floor physical therapy

You might need to try a few different approaches to find what works best for your pelvic pain, but there’s always an answer, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.