Most women expect cramping pain in the pelvic region with menstruation that resolves after a couple of days. If your pain is severe or ongoing, discovering the cause is the first step in relieving your symptoms. Dr. Mohannad Alshalabi is an expertly trained OB/GYN specialist who has a reputation for providing outstanding gynecologic care combined with a kind personality that puts his patients at ease. Located at Shelby Women Health in Greenbelt, Maryland, he can correctly diagnose your underlying condition and design a comprehensive treatment plan for resolving your discomfort. Contact the office today for an appointment.
Pelvic pain is identified as discomfort of varying degrees that occurs below the belly button and can be caused by numerous issues, including:
The endometrium is the membrane that lines the uterus and thickens during the menstrual cycle to provide nourishment for a developing embryo. If you do not become pregnant, part of this lining sheds via your menstrual period and then thickens again as your cycle repeats itself.
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue lining the uterus also grows outside the uterus, sometimes on the outer uterine wall and other pelvic organs such as the fallopian tubes. This tissue also thickens and then sheds blood into your pelvic region as your cycle occurs. This cyclic bleeding causes varying degrees of inflammation and irritation and may be quite painful. Treatment may include hormonal manipulation with medication or surgery to remove the endometrial tissue causing the symptoms.
PID is a generalized infection of the reproductive organs that’s often caused by an untreated STD such as gonorrhea or chlamydia and typically treated with antibiotics. When left untreated this condition can result in scarring that may interfere with your ability to become pregnant.
Symptoms of PID include:
Advancing age, childbirth, and other conditions such as obesity can cause weakening of the muscles holding your pelvic organs in place. This can cause organs such as your uterus or bladder to drop out of place or descend toward the vaginal canal.
Symptoms of pelvic floor disorder include:
Treatment includes conservative measures such as Kegel’s exercises to improve muscle tone in the pelvic floor region or pessary placement to reinforce the vaginal wall and help support the pelvic organs. Surgery often can help with bladder issues causing stress incontinence.
