Simon Weiss, MD, Prestige OB/GYN Miramar
1951 SW 172nd Ave. Ste. 405
Miramar, FL 33029
954-538-1300
Prestige OB/GYN Hollywood
5740 Hollywood Blvd.
Suite 200
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-518-4100
Pelvic pain affects 10-15% of women. This medical problem is largely ignored by physicians, family members and husbands; and can be rooted in cultural biases. There is the common belief that women suffering menstrual pain and pelvic pain is “normal” and that women are supposed to have pain. Because of this, many women do not even think to seek treatment for pelvic pain. Although menstrual cramping and bloating are common and normal during menses, debilitating pain during menses or any other time is not. Pain can often signal the presence of a problem. Pain that requires home rest, leave from work, or narcotics for control is not acceptable. Not all physicians are trained in the management of pelvic pain and it can lead some doctors to dismiss patient’s complaints, attributing it to “normal pain”; thus, perpetuating the myth that pain in women is a normal event. Some of the medical reasons for pelvic pain include endometriosis, cervical stenosis, chronic infections, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic cysts and cancer. Chronic pelvic pain is often associated with depression, sexual dysfunction and poor quality of life. Many women with severe pain go years without being properly diagnosed. This can often even lead to worsening of the problem. A diagnosis for pelvic pain is made with physical exam and pelvic ultrasound. Sometimes a diagnostic laparoscopy is also necessary. Patients with severe pain should seek advice from a physician with knowledge in proper evaluation. A correct diagnosis will lead to prompt treatment, resolution of the problem and overall improvement of life.
