PELVIC PAIN
Nonsurgical Treatments for Pelvic Pain
For many women, pelvic pain can be a clear sign of a gynecological condition like fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis. If a GYN condition is in fact responsible for pain in or around the pelvis, it’s important to be evaluated by a GYN specialist.
CIGC specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that often contribute to pelvic pain. While some cases may require surgery for effective treatment, others may be managed with nonsurgical treatment methods. The CIGC Wellness Center offers nonsurgical therapies like nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, physical training, pain management and acupuncture.
Award-winning laparoscopic GYN specialist Dr. Natalya Danilyants, CIGC co-founder, calls on her more than two decades of gynecological expertise to lead The CIGC Wellness Center. She thoroughly evaluates each patient’s case to recommend a customized treatment plan based on individual needs.
Nonsurgical treatment methods can be effective for managing pelvic pain, but long-term relief depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Some GYN conditions that can cause pelvic pain include:
Fibroids: These noncancerous growths in the uterus can put pressure on pelvic organs, causing pain that increases as fibroids grow. Pelvic pain on the right or left side of your pelvis could indicate the location of a fibroid. Nonsurgical treatments are sometimes effective for managing pain from small fibroids, but it’s likely the existence of fibroids will necessitate surgical removal.
Endometriosis: This condition causes tissue from the uterus to grow outside of it. Many women with endometriosis report chronic pelvic pain as one of their main symptoms. Nonsurgical treatments are likely to be more effective for endometriosis in its earlier stages.
Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled pockets can grow on one or both ovaries, causing dull or sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. Ovarian cysts typically need to be treated with surgery, but mild symptoms can be relieved through other holistic remedies.
Adenomyosis: This condition causes tissue from the uterus to grow into the uterine wall. Women with adenomyosis typically have severe pelvic pain associated with heavy bleeding during their cycle. Adenomyosis cannot be treated without surgery. However, mild symptoms may be temporarily managed with nonsurgical options.
The unique combination of GYN expertise and the Wellness Center’s commitment to whole-body wellness can help you find long-term relief from pelvic pain and the underlying condition causing it.
Physical Therapy
In many cases, pelvic pain is a direct result of high levels of inflammation in the body. Therapies like pelvic floor physical therapy, which incorporates soft tissue stretching, biofeedback and relaxation exercises, can help to relieve pain from increased inflammation. Pelvic pain may also be relieved through:
- Heat therapy – heat has been well documented to ease cramped muscles and alleviate pain
- Myofascial release – practitioners use this technique to identify and break up soft tissue that has fused together and may be causing pain
- Acupuncture – a safe method for relieving symptoms of painful periods and reducing pain-related anxiety
Pain Management
Pelvic pain can become chronic for some women, necessitating learning how to reduce and manage it long-term. At The CIGC Wellness Center, our pain management providers can help you find a medication regimen that works for you while avoiding opioids. Your provider may suggest techniques like trigger-point injections, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and other medical therapies to reduce chronic pelvic pain.
Medication
If you see a general physician who does not specialize in GYN conditions, they may prescribe medication to treat pelvic pain. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Oral contraceptives
- Progesterone
- Orilissa
- Elagolix
- Visanne
- NSAIDs and pain relievers
Remember: Medications may temporarily relieve pelvic pain, but they may only be masking the underlying condition. Medication will not treat a GYN condition that requires surgical treatment. Talk with a GYN specialist to rule out a gynecological condition before you start any medications.
Diet and Supplements
When researching nonsurgical treatments for pelvic pain, it’s important to be discerning when you come across diet and nutrition plans that claim to cure anything. Every case is different, and the nutrition plan that works for your symptoms is highly dependent on the condition that may be causing them. Our CIGC Wellness Center nutrition providers will work with you to develop a nutrition plan that is personalized for your individual needs. A sample plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods that help to combat inflammation include fatty fish, fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts and olive oil, among others.
- Anti-inflammatory supplements: Supplements that help to reduce inflammation include fish oil, turmeric and ginger, among others.
- Hormone-regulating supplements: For pelvic pain caused by hormonal irregularities, supplements like Diindolylmethane (DIM), biotin and some herbal supplements can help to regulate hormones that have become unbalanced.
The right combination of food choices and supplements can help alleviate symptoms like pelvic pain, but for the best chance of long-term relief, talk to a pelvic pain specialist who can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonsurgical Pelvic Pain Treatment
How can I relieve pelvic pain naturally?
Determining the cause of pelvic pain is the first step to finding relief. With a diagnosis, your doctor will be able to help you find natural ways to relieve your pain. But it’s important to remember that, in some cases, pelvic pain can only be relieved through treatment of the underlying condition that is likely causing the pain.
When should you worry about pelvic pain?
You should worry about pelvic pain when it negatively affects your quality of life. Contrary to popular belief, severe pelvic pain during your period is not normal. Any amount of pain that disrupts your everyday life and regular activities should be evaluated by a doctor.
Will pelvic pain go away?
If you have pelvic pain that does not go away on its own, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Pelvic pain can be caused by a number of conditions. Because gynecological conditions account for at least half of all cases of severe pelvic pain in women, it’s important to be evaluated by a GYN specialist before exploring alternative avenues of treatment.
Is ice or heat better for pelvic pain?
Heat has been shown to reduce cramping and pelvic pain, but it’s only a temporary fix. For long-term relief from pelvic pain, it’s best to be evaluated by a GYN specialist. CIGC’s specialists are experts in diagnosing causes of pelvic pain. With a diagnosis, your treatment options become much more straightforward.
Will exercise help pelvic pain?
Regular exercise increases blood flow and circulation, which can help to relieve pelvic pain. Using a combination of stretching and physical exercises, CIGC’s physical training providers in the Wellness Center can help you find an exercise regimen that works for you.
