Where is pelvic pain located?
Pelvic pain corresponds to pain felt in the region of the pelvis, that is to say at the level of the lower abdomen and the top of the genitals. They can be mild to very intense. They are chronic in 11 to 20% of women. They are more common in young women of childbearing age.

Most of the time, the causes are benign and are linked to gynecological or urinary problems. Sometimes, however, the cause of pelvic pain is more serious, which is why it is necessary to seek the origin. The doctors on Livi take stock of the possible gynecological causes of pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain due to PCOS or endometriosis
Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two diseases that affect millions of women around the world. PCOS affects around 8-13% of the female population worldwide and endometriosis around 10%. These two pathologies can cause severe pelvic pain. They are still too often ignored when they can be treated. Some people may have both pathologies at the same time, but this situation is rare.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, what is it?
PCOS is a complex disorder that causes higher than average androgen hormone levels. It is the first cause of infertility in women. Polycystic ovaries contain many fluid-filled cysts, called “follicles,” in which eggs develop. The growth of the follicles is diminished compared to normal and this affects the development of the eggs. The menstrual cycle is affected by irregular periods as well as ovulation disorders.

In the long term, PCOS can cause a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cervical cancer.

Here are the most common PCOS symptoms to watch out for:

Periods irregular, very spaced out, even absent, and painful;
Excessive hair on the face, chest, and abdomen;
Weight gain ;
Acne ;
Infertility.
A blood test to check hormone levels and an ultrasound to see the presence of cysts on the ovaries will be necessary for the diagnosis of PCOS.

Endometriosis, what is it?
Endometriosis is a disease defined by the presence of tissue similar to that of the uterus outside of it. The disease is mainly manifested by intense pain during menstruation, thus altering the quality of life. Endometriosis can also lead to infertility.

Symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman. Among the most common symptoms of endometriosis:

Very painful, profuse or irregular periods;
Pelvic or lumbar pain is outside the rules;
Urinary disorders ( recurrent urinary tract infection );
Pain during sexual intercourse ( dyspareunia );
Tiredness and lack of energy.
Endometriosis is difficult to detect, it cannot be seen on a simple blood test. On the other hand, it is advisable to speak about its symptoms to its doctor, a gynecologist, or a midwife in order to be directed to additional medical examinations.

Very painful periods, called dysmenorrhea, are the most common symptom of endometriosis and PCOS. If you can ease the pain with paracetamol or Levitra on the first days of your period each month, there’s nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if your periods become disabling on a daily basis and the pain affects your life, we advise you to consult a health professional.

What is the link between endometriosis, PCOS, and infertility?
Endometriosis and PCOS are both linked to an increased risk of infertility. Since PCOS is a condition that disrupts egg release, it can cause difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis, disrupts ovulation, fertilization, and capture of the oocyte by the fallopian tubes.

Pelvic pain due to menopause
Menopause corresponds to the permanent cessation of menstruation in women following the cessation of activity of the ovaries. While some women have no difficulty with this change, for others it can be a difficult time because of the many symptoms that occur (hot flashes, night sweats, constipation , weight gain, mood, etc). It sometimes happens that at the time of the premenopause, the pre-menstrual syndrome is felt more.

Pelvic pain after sex
Sexual intercourse can sometimes be a source of pain called “dyspareunia”. These can appear before, during, or after the sexual act. There are many reasons for this, whether psychic or somatic. Other symptoms may accompany this pain such as itching, feelings of discomfort, abnormal bleeding, signs of skin conditions, etc.

To treat dyspareunia, the goal is to understand its cause. The treatment will depend on the origin of the pain. Since there are many possible causes, call a general practitioner, who can direct you to the best possible treatment.

When should you see a doctor for pelvic pain?
We recommend that you consult your doctor when your pelvic pain becomes debilitating and prevents you from going to work or school.

He will carry out the physical examination and the balance sheet necessary to establish the origin of these pains. Depending on their cause, treatment can be developed. If no somatic cause is discovered and the pain is more related to psychic ailments, psychotherapy can be set up with a psychologist. Indeed, in some cases, pelvic pain can be linked to anxiety disorders or another psychological trauma.

What if I feel my pain is not being taken seriously?
Unfortunately, many women face difficulties in obtaining medical answers regarding their pelvic pain, especially regarding the diagnosis of endometriosis and PCOS.

In this case, we advise you to insist on obtaining answers. Even if it’s not endometriosis or PCOS, a doctor will be able to perform the tests required to understand the cause of your pain, irregular periods, or other related symptoms.

We advise you to keep a diary of your symptoms during your menstrual cycle. Remember to note the frequency, duration, and intensity of your pelvic pain as well as your consumption of painkillers. The more information you give to a healthcare professional, the more it will help them in their approach.

Ressource: https://www.physicianassistantforum.com/profile/191384-tomjerry/?tab=field_core_pfield_1