How can chronic pelvic pain be managed?

In this article below, Professor Saad Amer, an esteemed consultant gynaecologist, tells us all about chronic pelvic pain, including how this condition can be best treated.

What are the different types of chronic pelvic pain?

There are many types of pelvic pain. The main ones are:

• Pelvic pain associated with menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain during ovulation – also called mid-cycle pain
• Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
• Non-cyclical pelvic pain, which could be constant or intermittent
• Pain associated with bowel and bladder functions

What is the difference between acute and chronic pelvic pain?

Acute pelvic pain typically only lasts for a few weeks or months, whereas chronic pelvic pain lasts longer than six months.

How can chronic pelvic pain affect daily life and relationships?

Severe chronic pelvic pain can have a detrimental effect on women’s quality of life and ability to carry out day to day activities. It often affects their physical, emotional, and mental health with a major impact on social relationships. 

Some women are forced to quit their jobs and to abandon their careers due to the severity of their pelvic pain. It can also make sexual intercourse extremely uncomfortable with a detrimental effect on relationships.

What are the most effective treatments for chronic pelvic pain?

Treatments will start as soon as the woman presents with the chronic pelvic pain after the initial clinical assessment. Generally, there are three treatment strategies for chronic pelvic pain, including pain management, hormonal suppressive therapy, and surgery.

Treatment is usually individualised and tailored to every woman’s circumstances, taking into consideration the severity of pain, the possible underlying causes, and patient’s wishes. Surgery is usually offered as a last option and involves a camera inspection into the abdomen under general anaesthetic to identify and treat any possible pelvic disease such as endometriosis, adhesions, or ovarian cysts.

Can chronic pelvic pain be prevented, and what steps can be taken to manage it?

The best preventative strategy is to get an early diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain and deal with it promptly to prevent its progression. Sexual health education can prevent pelvic infections, which is a known cause of chronic pelvic pain. In most other cases, it will not be possible to prevent an onset of pelvic pain as many conditions that cause the pain (such as endometriosis) are not preventable.  

To schedule in an appointment with Professor Saad Amer today, head on over and visit his Top Doctors profile.