About Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain can impact women in many different ways and the pain women experience is described in different ways. It can be constant, sharp pain, a dull ache, cramping, or deep pelvic pressure. Women may experience pain during intercourse, while having a bowel movement, when urinating or sitting for an extended time. The severity of the pain varies from woman to woman and may also vary during different times. In many cases, the pain prevents women from living a fulfilling life.
OUR APPROACH TO PELVIC PAIN
Expert Diagnostics, Comprehensive Treatment Plans
Before we recommend a treatment plan for any woman experiencing pelvic pain, we begin with a proper diagnosis. We take every possible contributing factor into consideration including medical issues, visceral organ components, and musculoskeletal impact. A huge range of issues can cause chronic pelvic pain or contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort. This includes:
- Endometriosis
- Interstitial cystitis
- Pelvic Adhesions
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
- Tension in your pelvic floor muscles
- PID - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Ovarian Cysts
- Uterine Fibroids
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- And more
Your Care and Treatment at Minnesota Women's Care
Your experience at our clinic will begin with a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of your pain. We will set up additional testing and imaging to further pinpoint the cause. We have a wide range of diagnostic tools available in our clinic specifically for this purpose. Your tests may include: a pelvic exam, lab tests, ultrasound, other imaging tests, and laparoscopy.
Once we have identified the source of your pain, the team determines the best course of treatment for you and your particular situation. This is where Minnesota Women's Care differs from all other OBGYN offices. We have a variety of specialists on our team and can offer a range of treatment options in-house. Not only is it convenient, but it allows us to provide a level of continuity in your care that isn't possible otherwise.
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MINNESOTA WOMEN'S CARE
Innovative Treatment Options, Collaborative Team Approach
Minnesota Women's Care takes a team approach to the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Our team includes two Urogynecologists (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons), experienced OBGYNs, Chiropractors, a Physical Therapist with a pelvic floor specialty, an Exercise Physiologist, and numerous nurse practitioners who have specialized in women's health.
Treatment Options
There are a huge range of treatment options available here at Minnesota Women's Care. Our recommendations may include:
- Pain Relievers
- Hormone Therapy
- Physical Therapy (in-house, with our pelvic floor specialist)
- Chiropractic care
- Specific exercises
- Trigger Point Injections
- Nerve Blocks
- Medication
- Neuromodulation Therapy
- Botox™ injections
- SoLá Therapy
- Surgery
SoLá Therapy has been very effective for some women suffering from chronic pelvic pain. It delivers an activating light energy that stimulates your mitochondria – the healing powerhouses within your cells – to help your own body conquer your pelvic pain.
Read more about SoLá Therapy.
In Her Own Words
Chronic pelvic pain: Treatment at Minnesota Women's Care
This Minnesota Women's Care patient offered to share her experience with chronic pelvic pain in case other women have questions about the condition. Here's how she answered our questions:
What was your initial reason for seeking help at Minnesota Women's Care?
I have suffered from chronic pelvic pain my entire life. I have been to many different doctors and heard many different reasons for the pain, but have never had any solution. Someone recommended Dr. Ashford to me and I thought I would try again to find some relief.
What was your initial experience?
Actually, it was entirely different from anything else I've ever experienced. Dr. Ashford asked questions and really listened to my answers. When I had questions, he provided complete answers. He continued to explain things until I really understood what he was saying.
How did your course of treatment come about?
Dr. Ashford made a recommendation to me based on my symptoms. He determined that the source of my pain would respond well to a non-surgical option and I wanted to give it a try. I was hopeful it would work.
What was the therapy like?
There was no pain from the actual treatment. I have always had some tender pelvic areas that are hyper-sensitive and fully expected it to be painful. In those particular areas I felt some tenderness, but it was not painful.
How long did it take before you could feel a difference?
I'm not sure if this is common for most women, but within 30 minutes I could feel the impact of the therapy. It was the first time I'd ever been free of pelvic pain in my adult life. It felt like the pain just melted away.
Did it wear off?
No! I was able to have sexual intercourse without pain for the first time in my entire adult life. It literally changed my life. I cannot believe the difference. I know that it's common to have several treatments for my kind of pelvic pain and that is the plan for my care, but the difference after just one treatment was amazing.
Anything else?
"Dr. Ashford is the most thorough, compassionate and knowledgeable doctor I've ever encountered. He actually takes care of the problem. I owe him my life and my health."
C.B. - Minnesota Women's Care Patient
