Diagnosis
The gynecologist firstly performs the following tests and check-ups to identify the cause and severity of the condition:
- Pelvic Exam to diagnose any infection, fibroids, abnormal growths, etc.
- Ultrasound to check for any masses or cysts
- Lab tests including urinalysis, blood cell counts
- Other tests like MRI, CT-Scan, X-Ray, etc for further diagnosis.
Procedure
The treatments are suggested to the patients after proper diagnosis, as per the causes and the severity of the condition and pain. Based on physical examination the following treatment options including medications, hormone treatments, therapies, surgery or certain lifestyle changes are suggested to the patient:
Medications
The medication will help to get rid of any infection causing troubles to cure it and give relief from chronic pelvic pain. Pain-relief medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. may be prescribed to treat the condition of pelvic pain.
Hormone Treatment
Hormone treatments may also be recommended to some patients who have pelvic pain during ovulation. So, the gynecologist will prescribe birth control pills or hormone medicine to help ease the pain. Some antibiotics and antidepressants may also be suggested, depending upon diagnosis.
Therapies
Physical therapy including exercises such as stretching, massage, and relaxation therapies can help cure the pelvic pain problems. Other options including Neurostimulation or spinal cord stimulation, trigger point injections and sometimes psychotherapy can also be used for the treatment of pelvic pain.
Surgery
If the problem does not get cured even after therapies and medications, surgery is the final method to treat chronic pelvic pain. The surgeries may include:
- Laparoscopic surgery: This is usually performed in the case of endometriosis. The doctor will remove the tissue using laparoscopic surgery in which the surgeon will insert slender viewing instruments through a small incision. The process is an outpatient surgery which can be performed within half an hour.
- Hysterectomy: In rare cases where the chronic pain in out of control the doctor may advise the patient to remove from your uterus (hysterectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy).