Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain describes ongoing or recurring discomfort in the pelvic area, which can be either constant or intermittent. It can significantly affect physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Common Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain:

  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Uterine Adenomyosis
  • Uterine Fibroids: Benign uterine growths that may cause pressure or pain
  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Tension or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Trigger points in the pelvic or abdominal muscles
  • Hernias or Nerve Entrapment: Such as pudendal neuralgia
  • Nerve Damage or Neuropathy: Following surgery or trauma
  • Male-Specific causes include Prostatitis, Orchitis, or Epididymitis
  • Assessment and Diagnosis:

    To understand and treat chronic pelvic pain effectively, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.

  • Comprehensive history and assessment
  • Investigations: Blood tests, ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, CT scan
  • Follow-up for a personalised multimodal management plan
  • Referrals to specialists (e.g. Gastroenterologist, Gynaecologist, Urologist)
  • Multimodal Treatment:

    Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Oral analgesics, including anti-neuropathic medications
  • Pain interventions: nerve blocks to the pudendal nerve, pulsed radiofrequency of the nerves, sympathetic ganglion of impar block, and trigger point injections
  • Physical therapy: pelvic floor exercises
  • Lifestyle and dietary modifications
  • Psychological support: stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis or adhesions
  • Surgery for conditions such as severe endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic organ prolapse