Pelvic Pain Specialist

Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Manish Gopal, MD, MSCE

Urogynecologist located in Somerset, NJ & Freehold, NJ

Persistent pelvic pain is often hard to live with, and its many potential causes mean it’s sometimes even harder to diagnose and treat. Dr. Manish Gopal, at the Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery in Somerset and Freehold, New Jersey, can identify the reason for your pain and offer effective therapies that may resolve the underlying issue and relieve your symptoms. Call the center today to make an appointment or use their online service to schedule your appointment.

Pelvic Pain Q & A

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain occurs in the area below your umbilicus (belly button) and between your hips. It’s typically described as pain that lasts six months or longer. It may come and go and increase and decrease in severity. It may be a symptom of one issue but may also be due to several conditions at once, such as endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse.

What are the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain?

Rather than being localized in a certain spot, pelvic pain often occurs across your lower abdomen and may move into your back.

The pain may be:

Severe and steady
Intermittent (coming and going)
Dull and achy
Sharp and cramping
Felt as a pressure sensation or heaviness deep in your pelvis

The pelvic pain may occur:

During sexual intercourse
With urination or a bowel movement
When you sit for long periods of time

Chronic pelvic pain can eventually interfere with work and social activities, make it hard to sleep, and cause difficulties with your sexual partner.

What causes chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a complex condition that may signal a variety of underlying issues. Common causes include:

Endometriosis – This occurs when tissue from the lining of your uterus (endometrium) also grows outside of the uterus. This out of place tissue undergoes the same menstrual cycle your uterine lining does. It thickens then breaks down and sheds each month. Because this tissue is trapped within your abdomen, it can cause significant pain and inflammation.

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease – This often occurs when a long-term infection causes scarring and adhesions that involve your pelvic organs.

Fibroids – These noncancerous uterine growths can cause a pressure sensation or feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen. With fibroids, you may also experience longer or heavier than normal menstrual periods.

Interstitial cystitis – This condition is associated with pain in the region of your bladder and often causes a frequent need to urinate. The pelvic pain may occur as your bladder fills and then decrease temporarily after you urinate.

What is the treatment for chronic pelvic pain?

The first step in treatment is diagnosing the underlying reason for your pain. Dr. Gopal may suggest diagnostic studies such as ultrasound or laparoscope to help him identify abnormalities in your pelvic region. Treatment then depends on the condition or conditions causing your symptoms.

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