Chronic Pelvic Pain

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Pain in the pelvic area, lasting for 6 months or longer, is chronic pelvic pain. The pain may or may not be constant, and sometimes follows a regular menstrual cycle. Chronic pelvic pain may also only occur at specific times, e.g. before or after eating, or while urinating.

What causes chronic pelvic pain?

There are a variety of conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain, some of which are related to the urinary tract and bowels as opposed to the reproductive organs. While some women have more than one condition causing pelvic pain, others may have pelvic pain with no associated cause.

How methods relieve chronic pelvic pain?

There are several ways to address pain relief for chronic pelvic pain, including:

  • Lifestyle changes, including good posture and a regular exercise routine
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Nutritional and physical therapy

Surgery may also be recommended for chronic pelvic pain that does not respond to other treatments.

How is chronic pelvic pain diagnosed?

Your health care provider will go over your medical history, and perform a physical exam in order to determine if further exams or tests need to be performed.

If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain, contact Women's Institute for Specialized Health to schedule your appointment with one of our experienced gynecologists in Chattanooga.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to take the place of the doctor-patient relationship and any email is not appropriate for emergency care. To schedule an appointment, please call your doctor's primary office, listed on our Locations page. In case of emergency, we are available 24 hours a day.