Diagnosis & Treatment of Pelvic Pain
The first step to diagnosing your pelvic pain is to undergo a pelvic exam. Your doctor may also recommend laboratory tests and imaging studies. Depending on the nature of your problem and its possible causes, your doctor may also consult with or refer you to others for care.
Your doctor will also ask you detailed questions about your health history and may ask you to keep a Pain Journal. In your Pain Journal, you record when you feel pain, how the pain feels, and how long the pain lasts. Although keeping a Pain Journal may seem complex and time consuming, it really is the best way to help your doctor determine what is causing your pelvic pain.
Your Pain Journal
- When do you feel pain?
- Time of day
- Certain times of your menstrual cycle
- Before, during, or after certain activities
- Describe the pain and note how long it lasts.
- Is it sharp or a dull ache?
- Does it come in waves or is it steady?
- How intense is it?
- Does it always occur in the same place?
- What makes it better or worse?
Treating Pelvic Pain
Once the cause of your pelvic pain is determined, your doctor will design a treatment plan to either manage the pain or alleviate the cause of the pain. Possible treatments include:
- Prescribed or over-the-counter medications
- Surgery
- Heat therapy and muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy
- Nutrition therapy
- Biofeedback Acupuncture.
