Does it feel like you are constantly experiencing intense pain in your lower abdomen? Are your symptoms intensified during your menstrual cycle? Chronic pelvic pain is more common than you may think, and it can sometimes be from endometriosis. Learn more during a consultation at Allure Laser & Med Spa in Tinley Park, IL.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is any pain felt in the area below the belly button and between the hips, and it is considered chronic if it persists for six months or longer. It can be related to a separate medical condition or a condition on its own, and symptoms are commonly heightened during a menstrual cycle.
While pelvic pain can disrupt your daily life because of discomfort, it may also affect your emotional wellbeing and your ability to sleep or perform daily tasks. It is important to not write off your experiences as just being period pain and a part of life.
What Are My Treatment Options?
A consultation with our team in Illinois can help diagnose and offer treatment options for pelvic pain. Common diagnosis tools include:
- Imaging tests, such as abdominal CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays
- Lab tests
- Laparoscopy
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
A pelvic exam is commonly performed during an annual gynecological visit, and it is one of the simplest ways to identify areas of tenderness related to pelvic pain.
If the pelvic pain is unrelated to another condition and stands on its own, there are some treatment options available to you. The most common options are medications, such as pain relievers, antibiotics, or hormone treatments like birth control. If symptoms are affecting your mental health, consider discussing antidepressants. To physically relieve pain, a member of our team can assist you in learning stretches or relaxation techniques, massages, or other coping strategies.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder that involves uterine tissue growing on the outside of the uterus rather than the inside of the uterus. This tissue, called endometrium, functions like normal uterine tissue even though it is incorrectly misplaced on the uterus. The endometrium will thicken, break down, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, but it does not have anywhere to exit and it is essentially trapped in the body. This can result in the formation of cysts or irritation of surrounding tissue, creating scar tissue.
Endometriosis is extremely painful, and it can result in extremely severe period pain and complications with fertility. Some signs you may be experiencing endometriosis include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Extremely painful periods
- Infertility
- Intensified period symptoms, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, or nausea
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
Chronic pelvic pain may be an indicator of endometriosis, and consulting with medical professionals is essential.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Diagnosis of endometriosis is commonly completed utilizing a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laparoscopy. It is important to have an open dialogue with our team to help understand your symptoms and experiences so we can help you feel your best again.
There are a variety of treatment options to help relieve the pain associated with endometriosis. At-home solutions include regularly exercising, using heating pads, and using over-the-counter medications. However, these choices may not solve your problems.
Visiting with our Tinley Park team offers you the option of pain medications or hormone therapy options, like oral contraceptives. These are more specialized for your personal experiences. There are surgical procedures available if necessary. While there are conservative options, a hysterectomy to remove the uterus.
As endometriosis is not just a physical experience, a support group may be recommended to help you make sense of your pain and the effects of the condition.
Should I Seek Professional Help?
While chronic pelvic pain is common, it is important not to ignore your symptoms. This pain may be attributed to a separate medical condition, or it can result in more issues down the road as an issue in and of itself.
A medical professional is not only able to provide you with the answers or pain relief you desire, but they may be able to offer peace of mind and be a support system. An open dialogue is important for all aspects of health, but it may feel difficult to talk about the most intimate parts of your life. Our team in Tinley Park is committing to providing you with the comfort and support you need.
Schedule Your Consultation!
If you are frustrated with pelvic pain or are concerned about endometriosis, contact us today at Allure Laser & Med Spa. Our team in Tinley Park, Illinois, is committed to promoting your well-being.
