Pelvic Pain Specialist Melbourne

No one should have to live with pelvic pain – see a gynaecologist in Melbourne today.

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain refers to pain that is experienced in the abdomen, below the umbilicus (the area below the belly button).

It may be mild or quite severe. It may start slowly or come on suddenly, spread to a much wider area of the body, and last for days or even years.

Pelvic pain can be described as:

• Acute (lasting a few days to a few weeks) 
• Subacute (lasting between four and 12 weeks) 
• Chronic (lasting for three months or longer) 

Pelvic pain may affect up to 15% of women but it may also affect men. At Create Health, our team of highly skilled gynaecologists and obstetricians are specialists in addressing pelvic pain in women.

What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?

The symptoms of pelvic pain may be varied, often depending on whether it is acute or chronic and the overall cause (such as an injury or medical condition).

Some of the symptoms women may experience include: 

• Pain related to the menstrual cycle (which may be sharp or dull) 
• Pain localised to one area, on only one side, or in a larger area 
• Pain that radiates into other areas of the body (such as the abdomen, back, or hips) 
• Tingling, numbness, pins and needles, and/or weakness 
• Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge 
• Painful urination 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Painful intercourse

It is important to alert your doctor if you are or may be pregnant and are experiencing pelvic pain.

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

There are many possible causes for pelvic pain. The exact location of the pain and any associated symptoms may provide your gynaecologist with valuable clues about the underlying cause. 

Some of the common gynaecological causes of pelvic pain include: 

• Ovulation 
• Menstrual cramps or period pain 
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Miscarriage 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 
• Uterine fibroids 
• Endometriosis 
• Adenomyosis 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancers 
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction 
• Nerve sensitisation 
• Adhesions 
• Pelvic mesh-related pain 
• Post-surgical pain 
• Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis) 
• Irritable bowel syndrome 
• Mental health issues (lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety may worsen inflammatory conditions like endometriosis) 

In some cases, pelvic pain may be a sign of a more serious problem (such as a pregnancy-related issue, ruptured organs, infections, obstructions, fractures, cancers, or nerve compression). If you experience symptoms like sudden, unrelenting, and debilitating pelvic pain, unusual bleeding from the uterus, and blood in your urine or bowel movements, be sure to seek urgent medical attention.

Pelvic Pain Treatment Melbourne

Once your gynaecologist has made a pelvic pain diagnosis (often using physical examinations and/or imaging tests, like x-rays and ultrasounds), they will determine the most appropriate treatment options. 

These may include: 

1. Conservative Treatments 

In cases where pelvic pain is mild, your gynaecologist will likely recommend some more conservative treatment options. These may include: 

• Application of hot or cold packs 
• Physical activity 
• Medications (such as anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, and anti-neuropathics) 
• Antibiotics (in the case of an infection) 
• Physiotherapy and manual therapy 
• Psychological strategies 

2. Surgical Interventions 

In cases where pelvic pain is more severe or has not responded to conservative treatment, your gynaecologist may recommend surgery or other interventions. These may include: 

• Laparoscopy (may also be used for diagnosis) 
• Adhesiolysis (removal of adhesions) 
• Herniorrhaphy (removal of hernias and repairing any defects) 
• Myomectomy 
• Cystectomy 
• Oophorectomy (removal of an ovary) 
• Hysterectomy 
• Injection therapies (such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, epidurals, and Botox) 
• Bladder instillation therapy 
• Nerve stimulation 

It should be noted that surgery is not a common treatment for pelvic pain and is only generally required in more extreme cases.