Pelvic pain or prostatitis is a quite discomforting condition common in women. However, that nowhere means that men don’t have it. Commonly occuring in the lower abdomen area, pain can be steady, or it might be something that comes and goes. The intensity of the pain varies from one individual to another. However, severe pain can take a toll on your quality of life and day-to-day activities. Thus, if you’re someone struggling with the same, understanding pelvic pain, its causes, symptoms, and prevention becomes quite important. The same can help you with pain management. Continue reading to understand pelvic pain and everything relevant related to it. Also, don’t forget to check our quality services and physical therapies at Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, one of the best in pelvic pain relief in Indianapolis.
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain, in the most simple terms, can be understood as pain in the reproductive region. Common in women but also found in men, pelvis pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. It can be an alarming sign of an underlying infection, or it may occur even from the pain in your non-reproductive organs. However, in women, it is most commonly a sign of a problem in one of your reproductive parts, like ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc.
Pelvic pain is generally of two types: acute and chronic. Acute pelvic pain is the one with severe pain and sudden flares. Chronic pelvic pain, on the other hand, can be referred to as constant pain, or your pain might come and go, usually stretching for longer periods. Such pain lasting for around 6 months with no signs of improvement is commonly known as chronic pelvic pain.
What Causes Pelvic Pain?
As mentioned earlier, prostatitis can occur due to a variety of reasons. Let’s have a look at some of its common causes.
- Bladder concerns like UTIs
- Kidney stones or infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Intestinal concerns like colitis
- Appendicitis
- Broken or damaged pelvic bones
- Disorders in the pelvic region
In addition to these, here are some common causes of prostatitis in women:
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual Camps
- Ovulation
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
Prostatitis pain in men is generally caused by any concern affecting the prostate area, for example, prostatitis.
Before moving any further, let’s also have a look at some of the health concerns that may cause prostatitis pain.
- Adhesions
Adhesions are nothing but scarred tissues in a band forming between your organs and the internal tissues.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
It is a digestive concern that generally causes constipation, bloating, diarrhea, or pain.
- Pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor pain or disorders are caused when your pelvic holding tissues or muscles are weakened. Such disorders can be quite discomforting and they may also disrupt your normal body functions. For example, uncontrolled loss of stool or urine.
- Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are when there is extra growth or muscle cells are overgrown within the uterus walls.
What are the Warning Signs to Look Out for?
Now that you know what causes pelvic pain, let’s move ahead and see what are the symptoms to watch out for.
- Pain during sex
- Bloating
- Pain in the vulva
- Menstrual pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Constipation
- Bleeding during passing your stool
Pelvic Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step towards your pelvic pain relief treatment is understanding the root cause behind the same. Here comes the diagnosis of your pain which starts with your doctor understanding your triggering signs and symptoms and medical history. Here are some of the popular diagnosis tools and tests you might need to take.
- Pregnancy exams
- Urine and blood tests
- X-rays for your abdominal and pelvic region
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Pelvic or abdominal CT scan
- Ultrasound
Now that you know the causes, and symptoms of prostatitis, let’s take the next step: treatment. Your treatment for prostatitis pain relief depends on a variety of factors like age, cause, intensity, symptoms of your pain, and more. Here are some of the common treatment options you may expect when searching “pelvic pain specialist near me”.
- Medication
In case of light pain, your doctor may advise you on suitable medications to ease the pain. This may also include antibiotics or other medicines based on your symptoms.
- Surgery
Your doctor may suggest surgery in case there is any problem with your internal organs. Helping treat the problem ultimately helps with pelvic pain relief.
- Therapy
Physical exercise and therapies suggested by a healthcare expert can also come in handy to reduce pain.
How Can I Prevent Pelvic Pain?
Individuals with pain often seem to wonder if there are any suitable ways to prevent prostatitis pain. However, you may not always prevent the pain but following a few easy and effective strategies can help ease the risk factors. Here are some of them:
- Don’t exhaust yourself a bit too much
Don’t tire your body excessively. Try to avoid or limit the time of activities that require you to sit or stand for longer stretches.
- Include more fiber in your diet
Adding more fiber to your diet can come in handy to reduce your pelvic pain, especially if it is caused by diverticulitis.
- Stretching is important
Physical exercise or regular stretching can help your muscles and bones be in shape and in good health. It also ultimately helps you lessen the risk of pelvic pain.
- Regularly visit your doctor
Consider regularly visiting your healthcare advisor to take general tests. This may help you identify the problems at an early stage. This is quite useful for early diagnosis and treatment.
Wrapping Up
Chronic pelvic pain can be quite discomforting and unsettling. Recognizing the symptoms like vaginal bleeding, period pain, pain during sex, and more can help you visit your doctor at an early stage. You may also follow a few self-relief strategies or prevention tips to help you ease pelvic pain. For example, applying heat, taking medications, and being physically active can help. Furthermore, if you frequently struggle with such pain, then it’s high time you pick up your phone and search “pelvic pain specialist near me”. Don’t forget to check the location, compare your proximity, read the reviews, and do your research.
At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, a reputed pain relief center in Indianapolis, we aim to help you enjoy a long-lasting pain-free life. Enjoy our neurological treatments, that too personalized ones, to help improve your quality of life.
Delay no more, and book an appointment today. Call us @ 317-939-6100.