Now Offering FAST TRACK. Same day treatments available. Book Now

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can affect both men and women and can be caused by reproductive, digestive and urinary conditions.

What is pelvic pain?

Depending on the source of the pain, pelvic pain can even spread into the lower back, thighs or buttocks. In some cases, pelvic pain is worse when urinating or having intercourse.

Chronic pelvic pain is challenging for medical providers because the cause is often difficult to determine. Effective treatment frequently requires collaboration among practitioners from various specialties. These patients tend to have related conditions including:

  • Problems associated with the bladder or bowels
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Feelings of depression and anxiety
  • Drug addiction

Women who are of childbearing age are the most likely to experience chronic pelvic pain. It is most common among women between 26 and 30 years of age. In men, the condition is commonly associated with having a swollen or inflamed prostate and testicular pain.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain symptoms can include:

  • Pain in the pelvic region - this pain may be acute or chronic, mild or severe, persistent or intermittent
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Menstrual pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Painful urination
  • Bloating
  • Blood in the stool
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Pain in the groin and hips

What causes pelvic pain?

There are many reasons why an individual may experience pelvic pain. Miscarriage, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammation, vulvodynia and uterine fibroids are a few common causes in women.

Both men and women may experience pelvic pain due to colon cancer, appendicitis, constipation, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, diverticulitis, inguinal hernia, painful bladder syndrome, kidney stones, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, pelvic floor muscle spasms, ulcerative colitis, prostatitis and urinary tract infection.

The following are lesser known conditions that can also cause pelvic pain:

  • Adenomyosis
  • Ectopic Pregnancy
  • Endometriosis
  • Mittelschmerz

How is pelvic pain treated?

Prescription Medication

Some patients experience pain relief from gabapentin, amitriptyline, or Lyrica. Antidepressant medications are often used such as SSRIs. Medications may be applied topically such as baclofen or estrogen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat endometriosis.

Hormone therapy options continue to be developed. These may include contraceptives such as estrogen and progesterone that may be in the form of a pill or patch. Progestin medications are an option that can be administered through injection or as an intrauterine device (IUD).

Pelvic Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be used to boost strength, flexibility, and stability. The areas targeted may include muscles and bones near the pelvis to improve the function of the bladder and bowels. Positive results are common because the techniques strengthen the pelvic floor.

Other Effective Treatments

When the problems involve irritable bowel syndrome, many patients see results by making changes to their diet. Women who are experiencing pelvic pain associated with adhesions or pelvic congestion syndrome often benefit from treatment using medroxyprogesterone acetate. One alternative to a hysterectomy is radiological embolization therapy.   

AZ Pain and Spine Institute
Pelvic Pain Treatments

Here at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we improve our patients’ quality of life by alleviating and managing their pain. Some of our Pelvic Pain treatments include:

Why Choose AZ Pain - Image

Why choose AZ Pain and Spine Institute to treat your Pelvic Pain?

We have a team of medical practitioners, pain management doctors, and staff who are experts on pain management, including Pelvic Pain. We use state-of-the-art technology and effective approaches in achieving our mission. We care about your well-being and are committed to making your life pain-free.