Most women are no strangers to pelvis pain. For that reason, it’s beneficial to know about pelvic pain treatment for women. The pelvis is the lower half of the torso that houses the reproductive organs, bladder, and some of the intestine. As a woman, pelvic pain could be due to several factors; bladder infections, menstrual pain or even inflammation of the coccyx.
There are specific structural differences between the female and male pelvis. Most differences accommodate enough space for a baby to develop and pass through the birth canal. Hence, the female pelvis is broader than the male pelvis.
Symptoms of Pelvic Conditions
Pain in the pelvis can be due to many reasons, but most of these conditions have similar indicators that something in the pelvic region is wrong. If you suffer from the following symptoms, especially if you are not on your period, you should get a medical investigation into it.
- Lower back pain,
- Pressure or constant fullness in the pelvis,
- Strange smelling vaginal discharge,
- Pain during intercourse,
- Bleeding in between periods,
- Painful cramping in between periods,
- Painful bowel movements, and
- Burning or pain when urinating.
Some of these symptoms are expected if you are on your period. But if it persists past your period or is unbearable, the best thing to do is go to a medical expert for evaluation.
Medical Society has medical centres all over SA which can assist you with your primary healthcare needs. Call us today to set up cover for your whole family and secure your future health and well-being.
Female Pelvic Conditions And Treatment
As mentioned before, the pelvis contains many organs, bones, muscles, and ligaments, so many conditions can affect the entire pelvis or parts of it. This means that there isn’t a one size fits all approach to treating pelvic pain.
You can take steps to ease pain and uncomfortableness, like heating pads and over-the-counter medication, but the best thing to do is get to the root of the pain and get specialised treatment.
Below are some severe pelvic conditions that require more than run-of-the-mill home treatments:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
An infection in the female reproductive system can lead to complications, such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy. The disease is usually sexually transmitted, but other infections can cause it. PID treatment includes antibiotics.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse means that pelvic muscles can no longer support their organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum. This can cause one or more of these organs to press down on the vagina. In some cases, this can cause a bulge outside the vagina.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the tissue that lines the inner walls of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterus. The condition typically affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other tissues. Endometriosis can also cause ovarian cancer.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Treatment For Women
Treatment of chronic pelvic pain, which is pain that persists for years, needs to be tailored for the individual patient.
The treatment goals must be realistic and focused on restoring normal function, a better quality of life, and prevention of relapse of chronic symptoms. The effects of chronic pain can be devastating and have life-altering effects.
General treatment options for chronic pelvic pain are hormone therapy, antibiotics, antidepressants, and more, depending on the cause.
One significant cause of chronic pelvic pain is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, caused by increased pressure in the veins of the pelvic region. The veins drain blood from the pelvis, dilate and no longer drain properly. The blood pools within the veins, increasing the pressure.
This is treated in the following ways:
- Compression garments and compression bandages;
- Placing a venous stent; and
- Placing a permanent intravascular device inside the vein to open areas of congestion.
Home Remedies: Pelvic Pain Treatment For Women
For general pain, there are home remedies that can help reduce pelvic pain. These are not supposed to replace treatment but instead relieve symptoms while you wait for the proper treatments and medication to offer long-term release.
- Over-the-counter pain medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen. There are also muscle relaxants you can try.
- Exercise can increase blood flow and endorphins, which help reduce pain. If your pelvic pain is muscular, do not overexert yourself – see a doctor before taking on any new exercises or physical activity.
- An Epsom salts soak in a warm tub can really relax the body.
- If the pain is in a small spot, applying a hot water bottle to the area can relieve tension and soothe the pain. This is especially helpful for menstrual cramps.
- Relax! If anxiety contributes to your pelvic pain and tension, try yoga or meditation. Additionally, drinking loads of water and getting your diet in order can lead to all-round well-being.
