PELVIC PAIN
What causes pelvic pain?
Mild to moderate pelvic pain can be a normal part of your monthly period. However, frequent or persistent pain not related to your menstrual cycle, or pain that disrupts your life, maybe the result of several underlying medical conditions.
Common causes of pelvic pain not related to your period include:
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Infections
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Adenomyosis
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Endometriosis
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Uterine fibroids
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Hormone sensitivities
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Ovarian cysts or polyps
In some cases, pelvic pain has nothing to do with one's gynecology, but is related to problems in the:
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Bowel
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Urinary tract
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Nervous system
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Musculoskeletal system
How is pelvic pain diagnosed?
Dr. Asfouri offers comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your pelvic pain. He reviews your symptoms and the frequency of your pain to determine if the condition is related to your reproductive organs. To identify underlying medical conditions, Dr. Asfouri performs a pelvic exam and may request imaging tests, including ultrasounds and CT scans, to identify fibroids, cysts, and other conditions. He also evaluates your medical and family history to customize a treatment plan.
What treatments are available for pelvic pain?
Depending on Dr. Afouri’s diagnosis, he may recommend one or more treatments to alleviate pain and treat the underlying medical condition:
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Pain medications
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Hormone therapy
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Physical therapy
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Surgical procedures
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Hysterectomy
Dr. Asfouri may perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, including laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, to identify your causes of pelvic pain.
A laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube with an attached camera that is inserted into the belly button and examines your pelvic organs to identify endometriosis, tumors, or cysts.
A hysteroscopy uses a thin, lighted tube that inserts into the uterus through the vaginal canal to take a closer look at your uterus. The device also has other surgical tools to remove tumors (polyps or fibroids) from within the uterus.
When your underlying medical conditions are severe, and do not rspond to the above Dr. Asfouri my offer you hysterectomy to resolve your pelvic pain.
What causes painful cramps?
During your normal menstrual cycle, it’s common to experience cramps as the lining of the uterus sloughs off. However, when you experience frequent, painful, throbbing cramps during your period that interferes with your life, you may have underlying medical conditions that require treatment.
Period cramps are caused by chemicals released by the uterus during a period that make muscles contract and relax. Cramps can also have an organic cause that is affecting your reproductive organs, such as:
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Endometriosis
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Adenomyosis
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Uterine fibroids
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Cervical stenosis
You may also experience symptoms associated with cramps including:
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Headaches
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Loose stools
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Radiating pain
How is period pain diagnosed?
If you experience persistent pain during or after your period that disrupts your life, Dr. Asfouri reviews your medical history and performs a pelvic exam to identify the potential causes of severe cramping. He may also recommend imaging tests, including ultrasounds or a laparoscopy, to get a closer look at your reproductive organs.
What treatments are available for cramps?
Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Asfouri may recommend pain relief medications to alleviate painful cramps during your period.
If he identifies uterine fibroids or endometriosis, he may recommend other treatments to reduce your pain:
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Anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications
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Hormonal treatment
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Surgical procedures
Frequent pain in your pelvic area not related to your monthly menstrual cycle may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. At Austin Southwest OBGYN located in South Austin Dr. Asfouri is experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause ongoing pelvic pain. To learn more about pelvic pain treatments, schedule an appointment online or by phone.
You don’t have to keep suffering from painful cramps when you get your period each month. Cramping and persistent pain that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter medications and interferes with your daily routine requires medical evaluation. At Austin Southwest OB/GYN located in South Austin Dr. Asfouri offers effective solutions for alleviating painful cramps and identifying the cause of abnormal period pain.
