Pelvic Pain & Cramps

Diagnosing Pelvic Pain & Cramps: Causes and Solutions

Unfortunately, pelvic pain and cramps are common symptoms that almost every woman experiences at some point in her life. But while occasional discomfort may be normal, persistent, or severe pelvic pain and cramps could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Top Dearborn OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad understands that severe cramps not only cause you to suffer, but can significantly interfere with your daily life and activities. The good news is that you do not have to live with pelvic pain. An experienced and caring OBGYN like Dr. Haddad can diagnose the underlying cause of your cramps, and offer a treatment or solution that enables you to live your life without the suffering of pelvic pain.

In this article, experienced Dearborn OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad sheds light on the top causes of pelvic pain and cramps. But the only way to know for certain what is the best treatment for your cramps is to seek medical evaluation, testing, diagnosis, and treatment with a compassionate OBGYN.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Symptoms of PID may include pelvic pain, lower abdominal cramping, abnormal vaginal discharge, and fever.

Left untreated, PID can lead to serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent further complications.

Endometriosis Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain. Symptoms of endometriosis may include pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, and infertility.

The severity of symptoms can vary widely, with some women experiencing debilitating pain while others have mild discomfort. Treatment options for endometriosis may include pain medications, hormone therapy, or surgical intervention to remove abnormal tissue.

Ovarian Cysts Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries, often as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. While many ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, larger cysts or those that cause symptoms may require medical attention.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include pelvic pain, bloating, abdominal pressure, and changes in menstrual patterns. Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the size, type, and severity of symptoms and may range from medication to surgical removal in more severe cases.

Uterine Fibroids Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus, affecting many women during their reproductive years. While fibroids often cause no symptoms, they can sometimes lead to pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

Treatment for uterine fibroids may include medications to alleviate symptoms, minimally invasive procedures to shrink or remove fibroids, or surgery in severe cases. Experienced and caring Dearborn OBGYN Dr. Haddad will determine the best course of action based on your individual circumstances.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain caused by varicose veins in the pelvic region. Symptoms of PCS may include a dull, aching pain in the pelvis that worsens with prolonged standing or sitting, pelvic pressure, and discomfort during intercourse.

Treatment options for PCS may include pain management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and minimally invasive procedures to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Adenomyosis Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Symptoms of adenomyosis may include pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, prolonged or heavy periods, and pain during intercourse.

Treatment for adenomyosis may involve pain management, hormone therapy to regulate menstrual cycles, or surgical interventions such as hysterectomy in severe cases.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Cause Pelvic Pain

Pelvic floor dysfunction, which involves dysfunction or weakness of the muscles in the pelvic floor. This can result in pelvic pain, discomfort, and urinary or bowel issues. Pelvic floor dysfunction may be triggered by childbirth, trauma, surgery, or chronic straining.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can typically be managed through pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, and other conservative treatments – and generally does not require surgery.

Less Common Causes of Pelvic Pain & Cramps

In addition to the more common causes of pelvic pain and cramps discussed earlier, there are several less common medical conditions that can also contribute to these symptoms.

One less common cause of pelvic pain is interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome. IC is a chronic bladder condition characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain or discomfort. The exact cause of IC is unknown, but it may involve inflammation of the bladder lining or dysfunction of the bladder nerves. Treatment for IC may include dietary modifications, medications to relieve symptoms, bladder instillations, and nerve stimulation therapies.

Additionally, pelvic pain and cramps can sometimes be associated with gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These conditions can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which may be perceived as pelvic pain. Management of gastrointestinal-related pelvic pain may involve dietary modifications, stress management techniques, medications, and lifestyle changes.

While less common, these medical conditions can still significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and should be addressed with appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

OBGYN | Pelvic Pain & Cramps | Dearborn Area

Pelvic pain and cramps can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, but they don’t have to be a normal part of your everyday living. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pelvic pain or cramps, it’s important to seek evaluation and treatment from an experienced and compassionate OBGYN like Dr. Chadi Haddad in the Dearborn, MI area.

With a thorough examination and appropriate testing, Dr. Haddad can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and improve your quality of life. Don’t suffer in silence—reach out for help today!

OBGYN | Pelvic Pain | Dearborn Area: 313.561.2200