Pelvic pain is often due to underlying conditions that affect your reproductive system. When you visit your health care provider with complaints of pelvic pain, they’re likely to recommend an imaging scan to look at the organs in your abdomen and pelvis. 

At Life Imaging Fla, we offer advanced imaging, including low-dose scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Our advanced imaging provides high detail for detecting and diagnosing a wide range of conditions. 

Keep reading to learn about five common and treatable causes of recurrent or persistent pelvic pain. 

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus grows outside of it. Because this tissue behaves the same as the tissue inside the uterus, it causes pain during menstrual periods as it tries to shed.  

Fortunately, hormonal therapies can help endometriosis. In some cases, surgery might be necessary. 

2. Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is another common and treatable cause of pelvic pain. 

PID is an infection usually due to sexually transmitted bacteria. It can lead to persistent pelvic pain and even fertility issues if left untreated. Antibiotics are effective in managing PID, and early treatment can prevent complications.

3. Interstitial cystitis

Bladder problems commonly cause pelvic pain. If you have a condition such as interstitial cystitis, you may experience:

• Bladder pressure
• Pelvic pain
• Urinary urgency
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

While the exact cause of interstitial cystitis remains unknown, underlying conditions that cause inflammation are linked to it. 

Getting relief from interstitial cystitis typically involves a combination of treatments, medications, and physical therapy to relax the pelvic floor nerves and reduce pain. 

Dietary changes can also play a crucial role in managing symptoms. Acidic foods tend to trigger or worsen symptoms. The most bothersome foods that you should avoid include:

• Spicy foods
• Citrus juices
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Artificial sweeteners

4. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in an ovary. While many cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, some can cause significant pain and require treatment. 

Effective treatment options are hormonal contraceptives to prevent new cysts from developing, pain relievers, and in some cases, surgical removal.

5. Uterine fibroids

These noncancerous growths in the uterus often develop during your reproductive years. They can cause chronic pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Treatment options include medications to regulate hormones and reduce symptoms, and surgical procedures to remove the fibroids.

Imaging for pelvic pain

To accurately diagnose the cause of chronic pelvic pain, imaging screening is often necessary. Imaging scans like the ones we provide here at Life Imaging Fla can provide detailed images of your pelvic region, helping your health care provider to identify abnormalities. 

These imaging tests are noninvasive and play a crucial role in helping your provider determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.

Combating chronic pelvic pain

Identifying causes of chronic pelvic pain sets the path for treatment, and ultimately, symptom relief and improved well-being. 

If you or your health care provider are considering imaging to help make an accurate diagnosis, give our team at Life Imaging Fla a call to set up an appointment today at our Deerfield Beach or Orlando, Florida, imaging center. Another option is to send us a message here on our website.