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Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a common issue that plagues many women. Pain that persists for six months or longer in the area below the belly button and between the hips can be classified as chronic pelvic pain. Here at Women’s Health Group, our team of dedicated obstetricians and gynecologists in Chicago, Illinois, understand how debilitating and frustrating chronic pelvic pain can be. This discomfort not only impacts physical health but also drastically affects emotional wellbeing. Our approach is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition along with the most effective routes for pelvic pain relief.
The OBGYN Approach to Diagnosis
As expert Obstetrician-gynecologists, we take a systematic approach to diagnose chronic pelvic pain. This process typically begins with a detailed discussion about your medical history and the nature of your symptoms. This is follow by a physical examination, and potentially several diagnostic tests. Our goal is to identify the primary source of your discomfort to create an individualized treatment plan. The diagnostic process may include:
– In-depth patient interviews
– Pelvic examinations
– Ultrasounds
– Lab tests
Understanding the Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain can be a symptom of several conditions. This includes endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. At times, numerous factors can interact to cause pain. In a few instances, no identifiable cause is found. Each of these conditions require different methods for pelvic pain relief. Hence, understanding the exact cause is crucial to determine the most effective treatment strategy.
Tailoring a Personalized Treatment Plan
At Women’s Health Group, we believe in personalizing our treatment approaches. Each woman’s experience with chronic pelvic pain is unique and so should the treatment plan. We tailor the treatment to your individual needs, understanding that what works for one woman may not work for another. Our experts ensure that each plan takes into account the intensity, location, and type of pain, along with any associated symptoms.
The Importance of a Multimodal Treatment Approach
For painful conditions like chronic pelvic pain, we often use a multimodal treatment approach. This means we integrate several treatment modalities to address the pain adequately. Modalities may include medication, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, counseling, and possibly surgery. We also consider the emotional aspects associated with chronic pelvic pain, integrating psychological support into our approach.
Pelvic Pain Relief: Emphasizing a Non-Surgical Approach
Non-surgical methods often serve as the first line of treatment. The Mayo Clinic provides a host of valuable resources on non-surgical interventions for pelvic pain. These could include hormonal treatments, nerve stimulation treatments, physical therapy, or pain management techniques. However, in cases where non-surgical methods do not adequately address the pain, our expert OBGYNs may then consider minimally invasive surgical options.
Empowering Women Through Education
One of our primary goals at Women’s Health Group is to educate our patients. Typically, the more a woman understands her condition and potential treatment options, the better she can participate in the management of her health. We always encourage reading from reputed resources such as womenshealth.gov, which contains a wealth of information on pelvic pain relief.
At Women’s Health Group in Chicago, Illinois, your comfort and well-being are our highest priority. Our Obstetrician-gynecologists strive to create a comfortable space for discourse, diagnosis, and treatment. The path to pelvic pain relief can often seem overwhelming, but with a sound systematic approach, it doesn’t have to be. We are devoted to helping you regain control of your health and live a pain-free life.
