Your Guide to Breast Self-Exams and Early Detection
Breast self-exams should never replace regular mammograms and yearly physicals, but they help you become more aware of your body to recognize changes that might indicate an issue.
Pelvic Pain: Is It Ovarian Cysts, Fibroids, or Something Else?
Approximately 1 in 7 women of childbearing age in the United States reports chronic pelvic pain lasting at least six months.
At North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics in Naples, Florida, OB/GYN Dr. Dean Hildahl and his expert team diagnose pelvic pain to identify and treat its underlying cause(s).
What causes chronic pelvic pain?
While most women feel pelvic pain at some point during their monthly period or ovulation, chronic pelvic pain is another story. The latter may signify a deeper issue, such as:
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- Urinary tract infection
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Endometriosis
Dr. Hildahl uses a variety of methods to determine whether your pelvic pain stems from a problem with your reproductive system, including your uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina, or other organs via ultrasound, urinalysis, and/or blood work.
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, and risk factors include:
- Excessive hormones due to pregnancy or other issues
- Endometriosis causing tissue to attach to your ovary, leading to a cyst
- A pelvic infection that spreads to the ovaries, causing cysts
- Previous cysts
Ovarian cysts generally develop and disappear alongside your monthly menstrual cycle, but some may cause ongoing pelvic pain. Dr. Hildahl evaluates your situation and offers options.
Fibroids
Approximately 40%-80% of women experience fibroids. A major source of pelvic pain, these usually benign tumors grow to various sizes within your uterus. It’s believed fibroids appear when estrogen and other hormone levels increase and then decrease during menopause.
We diagnose them in various ways, including noninvasive ultrasonography, MRI, or CT scans to generate images of the problem area. Dr. Hildahl may recommend additional tests, as needed.
Other issues contributing to pelvic pain
Endometriosis
When uterine-type cells grow outside the uterus in the pelvic region, bowel, bladder, or ovaries, they don’t shed each month the way they would during menstruation. Instead, they increase, causing pain and inflammation within your pelvis, abdomen, and/or lower back.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
More than 50% of women experience UTIs, a major reason for pelvic pain. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal pain, and the urge to urinate frequently.
Dr. Hildahl uses a urine test to determine whether your pain is due to a UTI, painful bladder syndrome (PBS), or interstitial cystitis (IC). Types of cystitis, PBS, and IC can irritate your bladder without an infection present.
Digestive issues
Many digestive problems may incite pelvic pain, such as:
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
Other problems may be responsible, including kidney stones, fibromyalgia, appendicitis, and inguinal hernias that force tissue to bulge through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles.
Diagnosing pelvic pain
Dr. Hildahl diagnoses your pelvic pain using minimally invasive procedures, including:
- Transvaginal ultrasound to view the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and ovaries
- Sonohysterography for an in-depth look at your uterus
- Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HyCoSy) to assess your fallopian tubes
The doctor may also employ 3D ultrasound to detect endometrial polyps, fibroids, fallopian tube blockage, ovarian cysts and masses, and other uterine anomalies that may cause pain.
Treating chronic pelvic pain
Most pelvic pain is short-term or due to an underlying condition. If pain persists for more than three months, it’s considered chronic.
We may recommend various measures to help you heal, including:
- Pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Hormones to treat painful endometriosis and/or unusually heavy menstruation
- Gentle massage, stretching, strengthening, and other types of physical therapy
If bloating contributes to your pain, Dr. Hildahl may suggest peppermint herbal tea, medication, and/or a low FODMAP diet to boost carbohydrate digestion.
Dr. Hildahl may also recommend surgical intervention for issues such as painful, potentially ruptured, twisted, and/or infected cysts.
Get help for pelvic pain
Whether your pelvic pain is intermittent or constant, don’t wait to get to the root of the problem. Dr. Hildahl diagnoses and treats your pain to help you feel more like yourself.
To schedule an exam or consultation, contact North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics by phone or online today.
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