While almost every woman experiences some pelvic discomfort around her period, chronic or severe pelvic pain is often a sign of a more serious health issue. John H. Kirk, MD, and his team diagnose the causes of pelvic pain and offer customized treatment plans at offices in Napa, St.
Helena, and Hidden Valley Lake, California. If you have pelvic pain that is interfering with your life, call Dr. Kirk or make an appointment online today. However, in many cases, severe pelvic pain is often due to endometriosis. Endometriosis is a reproductive health issue that occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. The condition usually affects the other reproductive organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the outside walls of the uterus.
Pain is the signature symptom of endometriosis. It causes severe menstrual cramping, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, and painful urination and bowel movements.
You might also have heavy bleeding, abdominal bloating, nausea, or abnormal bowel movements. Call Dr. Kirk if you develop new, severe pain or if you have pain that interferes with your ability to go to work, school, or social functions. Kirk diagnoses the cause of pelvic pain with a variety of tests.
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, he performs a pelvic exam. He might also order lab tests or use imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy to identify the source of your pain. In some cases, he might suggest a laparoscopic procedure to examine the pelvic organs and look for signs of endometriosis.
