Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is very common and can be debilitating for some women.
When it occurs every month, it seems like you have only just recovered from the last month and it's there again.
By the time women with pelvic pain come to a gyneacologist, they may have been putting up with it for a long time.
Medications like Ponstan and Panadol can help as can sleeping with a wheat bag hotpack during the period. If the pain is particularly bad or combined with painful sex then disorders like endometriosis need to be considered.
If your GP is worried about your pelvic pain they may send you along to discuss further investigation.
Ultrasound can be very useful in investigating female pelvic pain but sometimes an operation called a laparoscopy is needed as well. This is keyhole surgery to look in to the pelvis to investigate, and treat, pelvic pain.
At laparoscopy we can sometimes see many inflamed black spots on the ovaries, tubes or the pelvic lining. This is endometriosis. In most cases endometriosis can be removed in the same operation and the woman can go home the same day.
Pelvic pain and endometriosis are common in young women. Your GP will guide you through investigation and treatment. If a gynaecologist review is recommended please make an appointment.
Remember - all surgical procedures have risks. Your suitability for any operation should be discussed with your GP and specialist.