Pelvic Pain Specialist
Pineland Associates
Theresa R Benecki, MD
Gynecologist located in Brick, NJ
Many women experience pelvic pain every month during their period. Though pelvic pain is common, if your pain is severe, chronic, or interferes with your daily routine, you should schedule an appointment with Theresa Benecki, MD, at Pineland Associates in Brick, New Jersey. The experienced gynecologist can find the underlying cause of your pelvic pain and recommend treatments to alleviate your discomfort. Don’t ignore your pelvic pain, call the office, or book an appointment online today.
Pelvic Pain Q & A
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain refers to any discomfort you feel in your lower abdominal area. Your discomfort may range from mild to severe, and the pain may develop suddenly and go away quickly or be an ongoing problem.
Pelvic pain is common in women and often develops from issues related to their reproductive organs. The type and frequency of your pain may help determine the underlying cause.
What causes pelvic pain?
There are many gynecological conditions that cause pelvic pain. Some are more serious than others. Conditions that may be causing your pelvic pain include:
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovulation
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Polyps
- Endometriosis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Miscarriage
- Ruptured Fallopian tube
- Gynecological cancer
Your lower abdominal area is also home to your urinary system and digestive system. Your pelvic pain may also develop from conditions related to these organ systems, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What happens during a pelvic pain evaluation?
Dr. Benecki conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about pelvic pain. The goal of her exam is to find the underlying cause of your discomfort so that she can provide the most effective treatment.
Dr. Benecki listens intently to your story and symptoms, including when the pain started and how it affects your day-to-day activities. She reviews your medical, gynecological, and family history and performs a physical and pelvic exam.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, she may test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), conduct a Pap smear, or run blood work to assess the function of your liver and kidneys. She may also request a urinalysis to check for a UTI.
Dr. Benecki may also request imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to evaluate your reproductive organs to look for abnormalities.
How is pelvic pain treated?
Dr. Benecki creates individualized treatment plans for pelvic pain based on the underlying cause, severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Treatment for pelvic pain may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Diet modification
- Relaxation exercises
- Contraception
- Disease-specific medication
- Antibiotics
- Physical therapy
In some cases, Dr. Benecki may recommend surgery to treat the underlying cause of your pelvic pain if medical interventions fail to provide adequate relief.
Call Pineland Associates, or book an appointment online to find out what’s causing your pelvic pain so you can get relief.