Pelvic Pain Specialist
Hany H Ahmed, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology located in Houston, TX
Up to 15% of women of childbearing age experience chronic pelvic pain, which is pain that lasts longer than six months. Though symptoms and causes vary, there’s no reason to suffer through the discomfort. At Hany H Ahmed, MD in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ahmed is an experienced OB/GYN who takes an evidence-based approach to women’s health and conducts comprehensive evaluations to identify and treat the cause of your pelvic pain. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Pelvic Pain Q & A
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain refers to any discomfort you experience in your lower abdominal area. The type of pain you have may be dull and achy or sharp and stabbing. Your pain may come and go quickly or be a chronic problem.
Though pelvic pain can develop from many causes, if your pain is severe, chronic, or interrupts your daily life, contact Dr. Ahmed to schedule an evaluation.
What causes pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain in women can develop from a number of causes and may be related to your reproductive organs, digestive system, or urinary system. Some of the most common causes of pelvic pain that Dr. Ahmed sees include:
Fibroids
Fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are noncancerous tumors that grow in the lining of your uterus. Fibroids are very common and range in size from small to large to very large.
Though symptoms vary, fibroids can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and an increase in abdominal girth.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis is common and causes severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.
You may also develop pelvic pain from a urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.
How is pelvic pain diagnosed?
Dr. Ahmed performs a comprehensive evaluation when you come to his office looking for answers to explain your pelvic pain. To identify the underlying cause, Dr. Ahmed asks detailed questions about your symptoms, gynecological history, medical history, and family history.
He then conducts a physical and pelvic exam and may request diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis. Your testing may include:
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound
- Cystoscopy
Dr. Ahmed may also suggest a diagnostic laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure in which he inserts a laparoscope (surgical camera) through a small incision in your abdomen to more closely examine your reproductive organs.
If he identifies the source of your pelvic pain during your diagnostic laparoscopy, he may perform any necessary procedure to alleviate your discomfort.
How is pelvic pain treated?
Dr. Ahmed develops personalized treatment plans for pelvic pain based on the underlying cause. He reviews your diagnosis, along with your treatment options, in detail with you so you can make the most informed decision about how to best proceed.
Treatment for pelvic pain may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Hormonal birth control
- Physical therapy
- Nutrition modification
- Lifestyle modification
Depending on the cause, Dr. Ahmed may also suggest surgery, such as removal of a fibroid or endometrial tissue overgrowth.
For relief from your pelvic pain, contact Hany H Ahmed, MD by phone or book an appointment online today.