What women can do about pelvic pain
Dr. Myron Luthringer, director of gynecologic robotic surgery at Upstate University Hospital at Community-General, spoke recently on Health Link on Air radio about pelvic pain, a problem many women face.
Pelvic pain that occurs suddenly could signal an emergency, such as appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic pain that is ongoing or recurrent could be an indication of something else: urinary tract infection, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, uterine infection, pelvic organ prolapse, even lower back pain that radiates into the pelvis.
In addition, Luthringer says "up to 50 percent of patients with chronic pelvic pain have been shown to have some form of either physical or sexual abuse in the past, so that's something we have to be aware of as physicians and healthcare providers."
Treatment for pelvic pain begins with determining a cause, which requires a thorough history and physical exam to rule out anatomical problems (including prolapse, cysts, infection and fibroids.) Often it includes an ultrasound of the pelvic area, and it may involve a variety of additional tests.
Luthringer explains some of the most common remedies in his radio interview.
Learn more about Dr. Luthringer.
Hear Dr. Luthringer's radio interview on Health Link on Air.