If you feel pain below the belly button, this may be pelvic pain. Various factors could cause this pain, and sometimes it may be hard to pinpoint the cause. If you feel pelvic pain that does not go away even after trying some remedies, you should seek medical help. If you do not get treated, there may be side effects that could lead to further complications. Pelvic pain can become chronic and affect your daily activities. There is hope if you are struggling with pelvic pain in Freehold, however. University Pain Medicine Center is one such clinic that offers treatment options to alleviate your pain.
Table of Contents
When should I seek medical help?
Pelvic pain can be debilitating and prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. If you feel gradual pain that persists, seek immediate medical help as it may be caused by life-threatening conditions such as ovarian torsion, extrauterine pregnancy, or the appendix’s inflammation (i.e., appendicitis). Where each of these conditions is considered a medical emergency, do not merely brush off any pain that has stayed for quite a long time. Visiting your doctor allows for proper evaluation and diagnosis of your condition before you can be given the proper treatment. While important to note that cramping during menstruation is normal, when the pain is high, be sure to seek medical help. Specialists have said that women who experience extreme pelvic pain will often experience an overall low quality of health. Such women also tend to be at a greater risk for experiencing sadness and abnormal sleep patterns. Therefore, to live a quality life, you should visit your doctor whenever you feel any pain.
How is the diagnosis of pelvic pain made?
When you visit your doctor, they need to diagnose your condition to offer the right treatment accurately. Your doctor will require some information like when the pain started, how you feel, and what relieves the pain. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of your pain for easy diagnosis. Your doctor will also require information about your medical history, family history and current medications. He or she may also need to know about your sexual history, including how many partners you have, and if you have ever been infected with a sexually transmitted disease. The specialist may then carry out a physical examination by checking for abnormalities in the pelvic region, especially around the genitals. Considering pelvic pain may be related to other organs in the body, your doctor may be required to conduct a physical examination of the kidneys, abdominal area, lower back, and/or intestinal tract. You may need further tests, such as a colonoscopy, to check for abnormalities in the stomach, while a sigmoidoscopy, pap smear and urinalysis could also be prescribed. Also, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as a pelvic laparoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan.
The pelvic pain you experience when standing might only be alleviated when you sit or lie down. The pain may also range from being slight to severe, but could hinder daily activities such as sleeping or working. Though it can sometimes be hard to determine exactly when to see your doctor, be sure to schedule a medical appointment if your pelvic pain hinders your everyday living or the symptoms seem to worsen.