Pelvic pain of any kind can be disruptive, and it can negatively impact your quality of life if it goes on for too long. Instead of suffering, visit your pelvic pain doctor in College Park, Maryland. This is the only way you’ll find much-needed relief for women’s health conditions like chronic pelvic pain.
What Exactly Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Pain that occurs between your belly button and hips is considered pelvic pain. It’s characterized as chronic when it lasts for six months or longer.
What Causes Pelvic Pain?
This condition may be caused by a medical condition or disease. Chronic pelvic pain can also be a condition on its own. In some cases, it isn’t possible to pinpoint an exact cause of pelvic pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain?
This condition can present in many different ways. If you experience any of the following pelvic pain symptoms, it’s important you see your doctor as soon as possible:
- Cramping
- Dull achiness
- Pain during a bowel movement and/or during urination
- Pain when sitting for long periods of time
- Painful intercourse
- Pressure or heavy feeling in your pelvic area
- Sharp pain
- Steady, constant pain
How Will My Doctor Diagnose Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Your appointment will begin with a very detailed conversation about your medical history and symptoms. You’ll be asked about your family medical history as well. It’s a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms so your doctor has a clear understanding of what you’re going through.
You can expect to have a pelvic exam, and your women’s health specialist may order tests such as bloodwork, sonogram, X-rays, MRI, or a laparoscopy.
Finding an exact cause for chronic pelvic pain can be a long process, so don’t get discouraged. Your pelvic pain doctor in College Park, Maryland will do everything possible to make sure you feel better as quickly as possible.
How Is This Condition Treated?
The goal of chronic pelvic pain treatment is to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. If your doctor discovers a medical condition that is causing your pain, you’ll likely find relief after treatment for that particular condition.
If your doctor is unable to determine a specific cause for your chronic pelvic pain, you might find you benefit from one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Medication: In some cases, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to control your pain. Or, you may need prescription pain medicine. You might be prescribed an antibiotic if an infection is suspected as the culprit. Because many women experience pelvic pain related to their menstrual cycles, hormone treatments might work.
- Therapy: Many women find relief when they combine medicines with therapies like physical therapy, spinal cord stimulation, trigger point injections, or psychotherapy.
- Surgery: Most commonly used to correct an underlying medical problem such as endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery can successfully treat your chronic pelvic pain. In more severe cases, a partial or full hysterectomy might be necessary.
How Do I Find the Best Pelvic Pain Doctor Near Me?
You should treat your search for a pelvic pain doctor just as you would when choosing your primary care provider (PCP). It’s an important decision.
Start with the people closest to you. Friends, family, and even co-workers you trust can all be valuable resources. Ask them about their experiences with pelvic pain and which doctor they recommend.
Check with your insurance provider. This is a necessary step if you have medical insurance and wish to save on out-of-pocket costs. Ask your insurance provider for a list of in-network pelvic pain doctors or gynecologists.
Get a referral from your PCP. This is someone who should have an inside track on experienced pelvic pain doctors in your area. You might also need an actual referral for your insurance provider anyway, so this is a great resource.
Once you’ve gathered a list of potential women’s healthcare specialists, start your serious research. The best pelvic pain doctor is one who is board certified and has knowledge plus years of experience successfully treating chronic pelvic pain. Always verify a doctor’s credentials.
How Do I Prepare for a Visit to a Pelvic Pain Doctor?
Physically, there isn’t much to do to prepare for your visit to a pelvic pain doctor. It’s more of a mental preparation.
If you’re nervous, as many women can be, practice breathing techniques to help you relax. Be honest with your pelvic pain doctor about how you feel too. They will want you to feel comfortable and will do what they can to help you feel at ease.
If at any time during the exam you feel pain or are uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to request a break to collect your thoughts and increase your comfort.
Plan to treat yourself after your appointment. Go for your favorite coffee, buy a new book, or meet a friend for lunch. Do something special that will make you happy!
Choose Women’s HealthCare Specialists to Find the Best Pelvic Pain Doctor in College Park, Maryland!
You can depend on Dr. Navita Modi and team to provide you with the highest quality, comprehensive, and personalized care. We believe in a holistic approach to wellness care and treating chronic disorders for women of all ages.
If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain or any other concerns, we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible. To book your appointment, contact us at 301-812-3400 today.
