Female Pelvic Pain

Do you suffer from pelvic pain? Have you gone from doctor to doctor and continue to suffer? Then, perhaps, it is time for re-evaluation.

The most misdiagnosed, misunderstood, mismanaged, and often neglected symptom presented by the female patient is pelvic pain. There are many reasons. Firstly, different organs in the pelvis are in close proximity to one another. Secondly, there are different structures adjacent to one another which surround the pelvis. The combination of these two features confuse the picture to account for the physician telling the patient that the pain from which she suffers is in her head and not her pelvis.

It is not uncommon to see these patients consider that they are suffering from "imagination," which is not so! A very detailed history regarding the pelvic organs and surrounding structures, along with a careful physical examination and laboratory work, may help provide the diagnosis and corresponding treatment.

Muscle pains and hernias (or prolapse) of the female organs are two medical problems which account for a substantial portion of confusion and neglect. Endometriosis, ovarian tumors and pelvic infection (salpingitis) can be sources for pelvic pain. However, muscle pains (myofascitis, fibromyalgia) as well as herniated female organs each provide symptoms which are not typical. The physical examination may appear normal and the laboratory results are not always helpful. Therefore, if pelvic pain exists and continues to persist, is it important to understand the problems which create diagnostic difficulties when seeking medical help.