Pelvic pain

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for pelvic pain

Loyola Medicine takes an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic pelvic pain. Far too many women suffer in silence believing that consistent pelvic pain is normal, possibly suffering for months or years without receiving the proper treatment for this common, yet often complex, medical problem. Our team of highly experienced specialists understand these concerns, evaluating your symptoms and developing an individualized treatment plan to eliminate or reduce your pain.

Common reasons women experience pelvic pain

Pelvic pain, including uterus pain and ovary pain, can be caused by many conditions. The pelvis is the home for many organs from multiple systems, including reproductive, urinary and gastrointestinal, as well as muscles, nerves, bones, joints and blood vessels. Any of these, sometimes more than one, can be a reason for pelvic and lower abdominal pain, both gynecological and non-gynecological.

Gynecologic reasons for pelvic pain

• Adenomyosis
• Adnexal masses
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Gynecologic cancers
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic adhesions
• Pelvic congestion syndrome
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pregnancy related pelvic pain
• Primary dysmenorrhea
• Vulvodynia

Non-gynecologic causes of pelvic pain

• Bowel adhesions
• Depression, anxiety or PTSD
• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pelvic floor muscle (myofascial) pain and dysfunction/spasms
• Musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction
• Neurologic issues such as pudendal neuralgia
• Non-gynecologic malignancy (rare)
• Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). 

Meet the pelvic pain specialists at Loyola Medicine

Pelvic pain is often a complex condition that can involve multiple organ systems and causes. Because no two patients experience pelvic pain the same way, Loyola Medicine brings together specialists from multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.

Our multidisciplinary team works together to identify the source of your pain, develop an individualized treatment plan and help you find lasting relief. By addressing the gynecologic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, urinary, gastrointestinal and emotional factors that may contribute to pelvic pain, we can provide more comprehensive care than a single-specialty approach alone.

Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your care team may include:

• Behavioral health professionals
• Gastroenterology specialists
• Gynecologists with expertise in chronic pelvic pain
• Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons
• Pain management specialists
• Pelvic floor physical therapists
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians
• Radiologists and imaging specialists
• Urogynecologists

Our specialists work collaboratively to ensure every aspect of your condition is evaluated and treated. Through this coordinated approach, we help patients who have recently developed pelvic pain as well as those who have struggled with symptoms for months or years without answers. 

Pelvic pain symptoms

Because pelvic pain can have many causes, symptoms can also vary from patient to patient. Some women experience severe pain that interferes with daily responsibilities while others feel milder symptoms. The pain can be:

• A dull ache
• A sharp, cramping sensation
• Intense and constant
• On-and-off (intermittent)

The pain itself can feel different depending on the cause. Some women feel discomfort as heaviness or fullness while others experience a deep pressure in the lower abdomen. When the pain happens can point to a more specific cause. Patients should try and remember if the pain worsens during:

• Bowel movements or urination
• Intercourse
• Long periods of standing or sitting

Diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain

With many different causes of pelvic pain, diagnosing the specific reason can require multiple tests and collaboration between doctors. Tests that may be recommended include:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Blood tests
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• Lab cultures
• Laparoscopy
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Pregnancy test
• Stool tests
• Ultrasound
• Urine test 

Personalized treatment for pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can result from many different conditions, which is why treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms. At Loyola Medicine, our specialists create personalized treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medication, minimally invasive procedures, surgery or a combination of therapies.

Loyola's program works in conjunction with our chronic pelvic pain program, one of the first programs of its kind in the United States. Our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches to help women find relief from even the most complex and treatment-resistant pelvic pain conditions.

Pelvic floor physical therapy and lifestyle therapies

Many women benefit from conservative, non-surgical therapies designed to improve muscle function and reduce pain. Loyola's pelvic floor physical therapy program is specially designed to evaluate and treat dysfunction involving the muscles, joints, nerves and scar tissue of the pelvis.

Treatment may include hands-on techniques to release trigger points, improve mobility and re-educate muscles affected by pelvic and nerve pain. Physical therapy can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce symptoms such as:

• Bladder pain
• Bladder spasms
• Pelvic pain
• Sudden urinary urgency
• Urinary leakage

Your care team may also recommend:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Massage therapy
• Medication management
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Relaxation and stress-management techniques
• Stretching programs

Depending on the cause of your pelvic pain, medications may be recommended to reduce discomfort, treat underlying conditions or manage symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle.

Medications may include:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories, Muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications
• Antidepressants
• Hormone treatments
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

Because chronic pelvic pain can affect emotional well-being, Loyola also provides support for the psychological, social, spiritual and emotional challenges that may accompany long-term pain.

Advanced pain management procedures

When conservative treatments do not provide enough relief, your doctor may recommend advanced pain-management techniques.

Pelvic trigger point injections

If a specific area of pain can be identified, your physician may inject a long-acting local anesthetic or botulinum toxin into the trigger point to help block pain signals and ease discomfort.

Surgical treatment

When pelvic pain is caused by conditions that require surgical intervention, Loyola's experienced gynecologic surgeons offer advanced minimally invasive treatment options.

Surgical procedures may include:

• Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic adhesions
• Ovarian cystectomy or oophorectomy when medically appropriate

Your surgeon will discuss all treatment options and recommend the least invasive approach that effectively addresses the cause of your pain. 

Frequently asked questions about pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is a common condition that can affect women of all ages and may result from a variety of gynecologic, urinary, digestive or musculoskeletal issues. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe symptoms that interfere with daily life, making proper evaluation and treatment important.