Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic Pelvic Pain represents non-cyclic pain perceived to be in the pelvic area that has persisted for three to six months or longer and is unrelated to pregnancy. There can be multiple causes for this type of pain. If the pain seems to emanate from another medical condition, targeting that issue as a priority may help ease or eliminate the pain.
Although women more commonly experience chronic pelvic pain in their lifetime, men can also experience chronic pelvic pain from conditions such as advanced prostatitis.
If your pain is severe enough to disrupt your daily life or if you notice the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain are getting worse, make an appointment with us. The effects of the pain can range from annoyance to severe enough to make you miss work, disrupt your sleep, and inhibit your daily activities.
Pelvic Pain Symptoms & Signs
It can be helpful for the provider to treat you if you can describe your pain in one of the following ways:
- Continuous and severe pain
- Cramping pain or sharp stabbing pain
- Dull aching sensation
- Intermittent pain that comes and goes
- Pressure felt within the pelvis or heaviness
- Pain going to the bathroom (urinating or during bowel movement)
- Pain after you sit for prolonged periods of time
- Pain during intercourse
Pelvic Pain Treatments
- Medications, biofeedback
- Pudendal nerve block
- Superior hypogastric plexus block
- Ilioinguinal nerve block
Patients could also be considered to receive a Spinal Cord Stimulator implant if their pain does not lessen with more conservative measures.
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
FAQs
Chronic pelvic pain can affect both men and women, although women experience it more due to conditions like infections or endometriosis. Men can also suffer from this pain because of prostate issues or irritated nerves. People of any age group may develop it depending on their lifestyle or medical history. The discomfort may change with time and can vary from person to person. Sometimes previous surgeries or injuries also contribute. Living with this pain can be frustrating and stressful.
Symptoms may include sharp, cramping, or dull pain in the lower abdomen. Some people feel pressure or heaviness in the pelvis that worsens with movement. Pain may appear during urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity. Long periods of sitting often make it more uncomfortable. The pain can also spread to the lower back or thighs. Sometimes the symptoms stay all day, while in others they come and go.
A doctor should be consulted if pelvic pain lasts for several months and does not improve. If the pain becomes stronger over time, medical attention is necessary. When sleep, work, or daily activities become difficult, it is important to see a specialist. Pain that affects walking, sitting, or exercise needs proper evaluation. Emotional stress caused by the pain is also a sign to seek help. Early treatment helps prevent long-term problems.
Men can also develop chronic pelvic pain even though it is less commonly discussed. Prostatitis is one of the main causes, along with nerve irritation in the lower back or pelvis. Pelvic floor muscle tightness is another frequent problem. Injuries or past infections may also lead to persistent discomfort. Men may feel burning, pressure, or deep aching in the pelvic area. This pain can interfere with daily life and sleep.
Nerve blocks work well when the pain is caused by irritated or compressed nerves. These procedures help calm the nerve signals that cause pain. Common nerve blocks include pudendal, ilioinguinal, and hypogastric plexus blocks. The treatment is quick and done with imaging for safety. Many patients feel immediate or long-lasting relief afterward. Pain often reduces for weeks or months depending on the condition.