"Annoying" Pelvic Pain
Some "normal" events can case severe pain. Pain with ovulation is
called "mittleschmirz" and can at times be severe.
"Functional" ovarian cysts are fluid filled structures that
if left alone will go away without any treatment. These can be caused by an egg
follicle that retains fluid. It is common to have some bleeding into the area from
which ovulation occurs. This can retain fluid and become a painful ovarian cyst.
This type of cyst usually goes away without treatment. It is often difficult
to tell which cysts in a pre-menopausal woman will go away without treatment, so most of
the time a cyst is observed for 6 to 8 weeks before surgery is recommended to remove it.
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Dysmenorrhea. This means pain with menstrual period. Some
cramping with the menstrual period is normal, but it is not normal to have pain that
interferes with a woman's normal activities. Prostaglandins are compounds
in menstrual blood that cause the uterus to contract, and cause cramping. Common
medicines used to treat dysmenorrhea, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium help
by interfering with the production of prostaglandin. It is important to take these
medicines at the first sign of the period or of cramping, to block the production of
prostaglandins. If cramping is not easily relieved by these medicines the a visit to
the gynecologist is recommended.
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Chronic pelvic pain can be one of the most frustrating problems for
women, because the pain can be debilitating. Sometimes a definite cause can be
determined, such as endometriosis. At other times no cause can be found. This
does not mean that the pain is psychosomatic, but rather means that science has not
progressed to the point of being able to diagnose all pain.
Stress can aggravate pain, but can also be caused by pain. Management of chronic
pain requires evaluation of all possible organ systems that could be causing the pain, and
should also include an assessment of lifestyle and stress. If you have chronic pain
you should seek out a physician who is both an expert in gynecology and who is willing to
see you regularly to help you with your problem. |
Pelvic Pain Emergencies
Pain Needing Treatment
Annoying Pain
Pelvic Pain Diagnosis
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