Chronic Pelvic Pain Treatment Near Richmond, VA

Discover comfort and compassionate care for ongoing pelvic pain in a supportive setting.

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is defined as discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic region that lasts for three to six months or more. Essentially, it is pain that does not resolve on its own. This type of pain can arise from gynecological, urinary, digestive, neurological, or musculoskeletal sources. The intensity may vary from mild and occasional to severe and continuous. In some cases, the underlying cause remains unidentified, while in others, the original issue has healed but the pain persists.

Common signs of chronic pelvic pain include:

Ongoing or recurring discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
Pain during sexual activity
Discomfort with urination or bowel movements
A sense of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
Sharp, stabbing, or dull aching sensations
Pain that intensifies during menstruation

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Why Does Chronic Pelvic Pain Occur?

Chronic pelvic pain may result from a variety of factors and often involves multiple sources of discomfort. Common contributors include gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Urinary problems, frequently identified as interstitial cystitis, and digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome are also frequent causes. Muscular and nerve-related factors, including pelvic floor dysfunction, organ sensitivity, or central sensitization, can further contribute to the pain.

Emotional or physical stress can sometimes worsen symptoms, making this condition more complex.

How Is Chronic Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

Identifying the cause of chronic pelvic pain requires a careful diagnostic process. Your healthcare provider will start by taking a detailed medical history, including questions about your symptoms, previous surgeries, or past infections.

This is usually followed by a physical examination, which focuses on areas of tenderness in the pelvic organs or pelvic floor muscles. Additional diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound or MRI imaging, may be employed to assess the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. Laboratory tests may also be performed to exclude infections or other medical conditions.

How Is Chronic Pelvic Pain Treated?

Managing chronic pelvic pain focuses on treating the underlying causes. Physical therapy, particularly pelvic floor therapy, is often used to ease muscle discomfort and enhance bladder and bowel function. Medications may be recommended to manage pain flares or reduce overall pain while addressing the root causes.

When pain is linked to a gynecological condition or worsens during menstruation, hormonal therapy may be suggested. Specific treatments for bladder-related pain, urgency, or frequent urination could also be advised. In certain situations, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be performed to correct structural problems or treat endometriosis.

Your healthcare provider will collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs, prioritizing symptom relief and improving your overall quality of life.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

During your visit, your gynecologist will attentively hear your concerns and go over your medical history. If you are comfortable, they will conduct a detailed physical examination to check for tenderness or any irregularities in the pelvic area.

Based on your symptoms, further tests or imaging may be recommended to gather additional information. Once the source of your pain is identified, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may involve lifestyle guidance, medications, physical therapy, or other appropriate therapies. Your care team will provide support throughout the entire process.

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Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to enhancing your health by providing expertise across multiple areas, with a strong emphasis on gynecological care and advanced surgical solutions when necessary.

Our team specializes in non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort affecting the vagina, vulva, and bladder for patients in Richmond, VA and beyond.

Since our establishment, we have recognized the community’s need for more than specialized care and have expanded our services to include routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap tests, menopausal management, treatment of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health, contraceptive options, urinary incontinence management, and pelvic organ prolapse care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many cases of chronic pelvic pain are tied to gynecological concerns such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic vascular disorders, pelvic floor dysfunction, or pudendal neuralgia. By accurately diagnosing and addressing these conditions, significant pain relief can often be achieved.

The term “interstitial cystitis” is one we use sparingly, as it suggests inflammation of the bladder lining, which is not always the true cause. We prefer the term Bladder Pain Syndrome, since most cases involve pelvic pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and pressure that are better explained by conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or organ sensitization rather than inflammation alone. A combination of medical management, nutrition adjustments, and pelvic floor therapy is often used to improve symptoms.

In some cases, yes. When chronic pelvic pain is linked to structural causes such as endometriosis or fibroids and does not improve with conservative treatments, surgery may be considered. Modern minimally invasive techniques are typically used, aiming to resolve the source of pain while supporting a quicker recovery.