Pelvic pain is defined as pain below the belly button within the pelvic region. While more prevalent in women, pelvic pain can also affect men. Pelvic pain can present as acute (a sudden, sharp pain due to an injury) or chronic (persistent or ongoing pain) and is difficult to properly diagnose given the wide range of bodily systems present within the pelvic region.
Pelvic pain can be attributed to the digestive tract, reproductive organs or the urinary system. It requires thorough examination and testing by a specialist to diagnose the underlying issue causing the pain.
There is a wide range of potential causes for pelvic pain in both men and women. It may be related to an issue in the pelvic bone, an infection of the colon, bladder or other non-reproductive organ, or it may be due to inflamed ligaments, tissues or nerves within the pelvic area.
Chronic pelvic pain, in which pain lasts more than six months, can be mild or severe, intermittent or longer lasting and may eventually interfere with one’s daily activities. It’s estimated that approximately 15% of women are affected by chronic pelvic pain with 4% experiencing severe pain affecting their ability to work.
Pelvic pain can be successfully treated with non-surgical options such as medication; however, it’s important to note that if the underlying cause of the pain resides in the organs of the pelvis, surgery may be the only viable option. The good news is that most surgical techniques for pelvic pain are minimally invasive, causing less pain and can result in faster recovery times.
For more information on treatment options for pelvic pain or to schedule an appointment, call (713) 242-4733.
A Clinical Navigator will get to know you and your condition and can help with next steps regarding treatment options.