All articles tagged with #pelvic pain
A Fort Wayne restaurant server who suffered decades of stabbing pelvic pain learns she has pelvic congestion syndrome after overhearing a medical presentation; a venogram confirms narrowed pelvic veins, and two venous stents relieve her pain, prompting her to postpone a planned hysterectomy and experience a dramatic improvement in daily life.
Slate’s How to Do It column tackles a reader who had Bartholin's gland removal and now faces reduced vulvar sensitivity and pain during arousal and sex; the advisor urges processing anger, seeking affordable pelvic-pain support groups or therapy, and exploring a new intimacy routine with careful experimentation and possible devices, acknowledging that what felt good before may not be possible while encouraging progress toward pleasure within the body's current limits.
Rising numbers of women suffer vulvodynia and other vulvovaginal pains, but diagnosing and treating them is costly and fragmented. Many patients see multiple providers over years, with insurance often treating pain as a mental health issue and reimbursements too low for specialized care. Upfront consultations can run hundreds to thousands of dollars, and out-of-pocket costs can reach tens of thousands, as illustrated by examples (Vargas, Ellis, Berman) who spent $15k, $12k, and nearly $40k, respectively. A lack of trained specialists and limited NIH funding contribute to long delays and trial-and-error treatments. Advocates like the Aziza Project exist to close the gap by funding medical visits and travel for those who can’t afford care, underscoring a need for systemic reform.
Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women and is often misdiagnosed for a decade. Experts urge patients not to normalize chronic pain and to advocate for care. Management centers on an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (Mediterranean diet, omega-3s, regular exercise, acupuncture) and may include supplements; medical options to suppress ovulation exist but aren’t curative, and surgery is not a guaranteed cure. Diagnosis lacks a gold-standard tool, and infertility is common in affected couples, underscoring the need for holistic, proactive care.
A urologist explains that cycling does not cause prostate damage or long-term sexual health issues, but improper bike fit and riding habits can lead to temporary discomfort and sensations that may be mistaken for problems. Adjustments in bike setup, posture, and riding habits can alleviate these symptoms, and persistent issues should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Cycling can be safely incorporated into a routine with proper precautions.
Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths that can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic fullness, bladder pressure, pain during sex, and bowel issues. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Endometrial cancer often presents with subtle signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, constant pelvic pain, changes in bathroom habits, and unexplained weight loss. Recognizing these symptoms early and consulting a doctor is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, especially since there is no screening test for this cancer.
Sara Reardon, a pelvic floor physical therapist and author, emphasizes the importance of understanding and caring for the pelvic floor muscles, which support organs and influence sexual and urinary health. She highlights common issues like tension, weakness, and dysfunction, and offers tips for prevention and treatment, including exercises, posture, and seeking qualified therapy. Recognizing symptoms early and consulting trained professionals can improve quality of life and address problems like painful sex, urinary leakage, and constipation.
Pain in the coccyx, or coccydynia, can be caused by sitting for long periods, injury, pregnancy, or hypermobility. Remedies include using a doughnut-shaped cushion, sleeping on your side, and avoiding constipation. Pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, and watery blood-stained discharge may indicate an infection, polyp, or cancer, and should be assessed by a doctor. High blood pressure and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be managed with regular monitoring and proper use of blood pressure monitors. Endometriosis diagnosis can be delayed, and new ultrasound techniques can help determine the need for diagnostic surgery. Shorter hospital stays are generally preferred for better recovery.
Dr. Kenneth Peters, the chief of urology at Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, discusses persistent genital arousal disorder, a condition that many women are too embarrassed to bring up. He emphasizes that this condition is more common than people think and can cause significant pain and distress for patients. By initiating conversations about pelvic pain and asking specific questions about clitoral stimulation or unwanted orgasms, doctors can help patients feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
Dr. Lauren Juyia, a 38-year-old gynecologist, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer after experiencing pelvic pain and fatigue. Despite not having any other major symptoms, she discovered a mass on her ovary and sought medical attention. Colon cancer is being diagnosed more in younger people, and Juyia urges them to get screened, even if symptoms are mild. As a doctor herself, she understands the importance of cancer screenings and encourages others to take advantage of them.
Marion Jones, a 68-year-old woman from Herefordshire, suffers from pudendal neuralgia, a rare pelvic condition that causes searing agony due to nerve damage. The condition, which affects just one in 100,000 people, was caused by an operation to remove her womb. Jones goes commando every day as wearing underwear, leggings, and jeans makes the pain unbearable. The debilitating condition has forced her to retire early and give up most of her social life. She has created an awareness group on Facebook called Pudendal Neuralgia and Pelvic Pain UK and published a book called Bits and Butts A-Z of Pudendal Neuralgia to help others and find support for herself.