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Finding Lasting Relief for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis
Pelvic pain can show up in many ways. For some women, it's a dull ache that never seems to go away. For others, it's a sharp pain that comes and goes without warning. No matter what your symptoms feel like, you don't have to live with the discomfort.
At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists are here for you, with advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the cause of your pelvic pain, diagnose complex conditions like endometriosis, and create a treatment plan that works for you.
Pelvic pain basics
Pelvic pain is any discomfort felt below your belly button and above your groin. Sometimes it's linked to everyday issues like ovulation, menstrual cramps, or digestive problems. In other cases, it may point to a more serious condition like endometriosis, that needs medical attention.
Pelvic pain doesn't look the same for everyone. It may be:
- Sharp or dull
- Mild or severe
- Constant or intermittent
- Sudden or gradual
- Before, during, after, or unassociated with your period
If you develop sudden, intense pelvic pain, seek emergency care right away, as it could signal a serious condition such as appendicitis.
Causes of pelvic pain
Many different conditions can lead to pelvic pain in women. Some of the most common include:
- Menstrual cramps or ovulation pain
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids
- Ectopic pregnancy, hernias, or certain cancers
You might notice pain during sex, discomfort after sitting for long periods, or intense pressure when using the restroom.
Diagnosing pelvic pain
Because pelvic pain can have so many causes, the first step is figuring out exactly what's behind your symptoms.
When you come to Women's Health Care Center of Houston, your provider will ask questions such as:
- What does the pain feel like?
- How long have you had it?
- Does anything make it better or worse?
- Is it related to your menstrual cycle or sexual activity?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- Have you recently had surgery or another medical treatment?
Your provider will also review your medical history and discuss any family history that could be relevant. If you have a family member with endometriosis, for example, you could be at higher risk yourself.
Endometriosis and pelvic pain
Endometriosis is a condition caused by endometrial tissue (the tissue that makes up your uterine lining) growing outside of the uterus. During your period, this lining bleeds and sheds. Tissue located outside of the uterus contracts and causes intense pain.
For some women, endometriosis also means very long, extremely heavy periods, fatigue, aching and cramping when it’s not their period, and anemia caused by blood loss. The answer for many is endometrial ablation to “burn” away the uterine lining, preventing it from extending growth into other areas of your pelvis.
If pelvic pain is affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with the board-certified gynecology team at Women's Health Care Center of Houston today. Call us at 713-365-2900 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation with our caring, compassionate professionals today.
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Expert Women’s Health Specialists Committed to Your Well-Being
Women’s bodies are deeply complex and require expert women’s health specialists who are not only highly knowledgeable and skilled, but compassionate and committed to your well-being.