Symptoms
- Discomfort categorized as pelvic pain may include burning, itching, aching, or other painful sensations in the vulva, vagina, perineum, and anal regions.
- Painful intercourse, sensitivity to tight clothing or underwear, and discomfort when sitting are frequent complaints.
- Engaging in exercise or movement may bring on or worsen symptoms.
- Pelvic pain often overlaps with urinary problems like urgency, increased frequency, painful urination, or leakage.
- Women can also experience gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, constipation, and digestive upset.
- For some, pain occurs when provoked by intercourse or tampon insertion; for others, it develops unexpectedly.
- Symptoms may remain consistent and constant, or they may come and go over time.
Symptoms
- Discomfort categorized as pelvic pain may include burning, itching, aching, or other painful sensations in the vulva, vagina, perineum, and anal regions.
- Painful intercourse, sensitivity to tight clothing or underwear, and discomfort when sitting are frequent complaints.
- Engaging in exercise or movement may bring on or worsen symptoms.
- Pelvic pain often overlaps with urinary problems like urgency, increased frequency, painful urination, or leakage.
- Women can also experience gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, constipation, and digestive upset.
- For some, pain occurs when provoked by intercourse or tampon insertion; for others, it develops unexpectedly.
- Symptoms may remain consistent and constant, or they may come and go over time.
Associated Diagnoses
Diagnoses such as Endometriosis, Vulvodynia, Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome, Pudendal Neuralgia, Lichen Sclerosus, Lichen Planus, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are associated with pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Repetitive vaginal and/or bladder infections and/or gynecologic, urologic, dermatologic or gastrointestinal conditions
- The majority of women with pelvic pain have pelvic floor dysfunction
- Prescription medications such as oral contraceptives, acne medications, and hormonal suppressive therapies for diseases such as Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Surgical trauma (childbirth, pelvic organ prolapse repair, hysterectomy)
- Orthopedic injuries or traumas
- Biomechanical or structural dysfunction (hip dysfunction, sacro-iliac joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, scoliosis, leg length discrepancy)
- Vaginal childbirth
- Menopause
- Genital cutting or genital mutilation
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Repetitive vaginal and/or bladder infections and/or gynecologic, urologic, dermatologic or gastrointestinal conditions
- The majority of women with pelvic pain have pelvic floor dysfunction
- Prescription medications such as oral contraceptives, acne medications, and hormonal suppressive therapies for diseases such as Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Surgical trauma (childbirth, pelvic organ prolapse repair, hysterectomy)
- Orthopedic injuries or traumas
- Biomechanical or structural dysfunction (hip dysfunction, sacro-iliac joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, scoliosis, leg length discrepancy)
- Vaginal childbirth
- Menopause
- Genital cutting or genital mutilation
Diagnostic Challenges
Clinical research reveals that women suffering from pelvic pain can spend up to five years waiting for an accurate diagnosis, and in the case of Endometriosis, that delay can be as long as 11 years. The reason for this extended timeline is that pelvic pain often resembles the symptoms of urinary tract infections, bladder problems, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections. When pelvic floor dysfunction is the actual cause, the medical tests used to confirm these other conditions usually come back negative, leaving patients confused and providers unsure of the next step. Many healthcare professionals are not familiar with the fact that dysfunction in the pelvic floor can create persistent pain, and women themselves seldom think of turning to physical or occupational therapy when such symptoms begin. In fact, the majority of patients who come to our clinic tell us they had no idea the pelvic floor even existed until they began experiencing ongoing issues.
Diagnostic Challenges
Clinical research reveals that women suffering from pelvic pain can spend up to five years waiting for an accurate diagnosis, and in the case of Endometriosis, that delay can be as long as 11 years. The reason for this extended timeline is that pelvic pain often resembles the symptoms of urinary tract infections, bladder problems, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections. When pelvic floor dysfunction is the actual cause, the medical tests used to confirm these other conditions usually come back negative, leaving patients confused and providers unsure of the next step. Many healthcare professionals are not familiar with the fact that dysfunction in the pelvic floor can create persistent pain, and women themselves seldom think of turning to physical or occupational therapy when such symptoms begin. In fact, the majority of patients who come to our clinic tell us they had no idea the pelvic floor even existed until they began experiencing ongoing issues.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Women in Daly City experiencing pelvic pain can benefit from a detailed evaluation with pelvic floor physical and occupational therapists who specialize in pelvic health. This evaluation begins with a thorough review of your history and current symptoms, including past medical diagnoses and any previous treatments you may have received, along with their effectiveness. We understand the journey you have been on and recognize the frustration that many women feel by the time they arrive at this stage. During your physical examination, the therapists will carefully assess your muscles, tissues, joints, nerves, and movement patterns to identify contributing factors to your discomfort.
Once the exam is finished, your therapists will review their findings with you and explain how your pain has developed. They will then design a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both immediate goals and long-term strategies to help you achieve lasting relief. Sessions are usually scheduled once or twice per week for about twelve weeks, with a customized home exercise program provided to reinforce your progress. Your therapists will also communicate with the rest of your healthcare providers to ensure an integrated approach to your care. We are here to guide you through the recovery process and help you move forward with greater ease and comfort.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Women in Daly City experiencing pelvic pain can benefit from a detailed evaluation with pelvic floor physical and occupational therapists who specialize in pelvic health. This evaluation begins with a thorough review of your history and current symptoms, including past medical diagnoses and any previous treatments you may have received, along with their effectiveness. We understand the journey you have been on and recognize the frustration that many women feel by the time they arrive at this stage. During your physical examination, the therapists will carefully assess your muscles, tissues, joints, nerves, and movement patterns to identify contributing factors to your discomfort.
Once the exam is finished, your therapists will review their findings with you and explain how your pain has developed. They will then design a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both immediate goals and long-term strategies to help you achieve lasting relief. Sessions are usually scheduled once or twice per week for about twelve weeks, with a customized home exercise program provided to reinforce your progress. Your therapists will also communicate with the rest of your healthcare providers to ensure an integrated approach to your care. We are here to guide you through the recovery process and help you move forward with greater ease and comfort.
How Can We Help You?
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At its foundation, Pelvic Pain Explained explores how pelvic pain develops, the roadblocks patients and providers encounter in reaching an accurate diagnosis, the often overwhelming process of evaluating treatment options, and the way an “invisible” condition shapes patient experiences, relationships, and quality of life.