Pelvic pain and abdominal pain are two of the most common forms of chronic pain that can limit your ability to work, go to school, or be active. Dr. Trisha Patel of Revive Pain Management in Anaheim, California, diagnoses and treats these and other sources of chronic pain with individualized treatment plans. After carefully evaluating your symptoms, Dr. Patel works with you to relieve pain through a combination of medication management and innovative surgical and non-surgical treatments. If you’re experiencing pelvic or abdominal pain, call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Patel today.
Pelvic and Abdominal Pain Q & A
What are common causes of pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain, which is commonly felt in the lower abdomen, can be steady, or it might be sporadic, coming and going. It can manifest as sharp, stabbing pain in one spot, or a dull pain that spreads. Both men and women experience pelvic pain.
If you’re a woman, problems with organs in the pelvic region, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina, can lead to pelvic pain. Complications of intercourse or your period can also cause pelvic pain. If you’re a man, a problem with your prostate is a common cause of pelvic pain.
Infections or problems with other body parts can also cause pelvic pain in both men and women, including issues involving:
- Muscles
- Bone
- Urinary tract
- Lower intestines
- Rectum
In some cases, you may experience pelvic pain as the result of multiple causes simultaneously. If you experience abdominal pain higher up in your belly, a common cause is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
When should I seek treatment for pelvic pain or abdominal pain?
If you experience sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, it could be a medical emergency and you should seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, if you notice ongoing pelvic or abdominal pain, see if it goes away on its own. If your pain symptoms disrupt your daily routine and inhibit you for an extended period of time, it’s important to visit Revive Pain Management and get a comprehensive diagnosis.
How do you diagnose pelvic and abdominal pain?
First, Dr. Patel evaluates your symptoms, looks over your medical history, and performs a thorough physical exam. It’s important to try and understand when symptoms come on or worsen, what you’ve already tried to help alleviate pain, or to find out if your pain is related to any underlying or past conditions.
Dr. Patel may opt for tests such as pelvic exams, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, or blood work to determine the root cause of your pelvic or abdominal pain. Once she finds the cause, she can recommend the best course of treatment.
How do you treat pelvic pain and abdominal pain?
Treatment for pelvic pain and abdominal pain depends on the symptoms and severity of your pain. Managing medications, such as pain relievers, hormone treatments, antibiotics, and antidepressants, may be a part of your treatment plan.
Dr. Patel also offers a variety of treatments that address the root cause of your pain, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or surgery. If you’re dealing with chronic pelvic or abdominal pain, call or schedule an appointment online today.