Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem for women that can be difficult to treat.  There are a wide variety of conditions that could lead to pelvic pain, many of which can be treated by your primary care physician or local gynecologist.  Pelvic pain is considered “chronic” if it lasts for six months or more, or if it fails to respond to treatment with pain medication and hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills.

The Chronic Pelvic Pain Consultative Clinic at University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital offers consultative services to women with chronic pelvic pain, including those with painful menstrual periods, undiagnosed chronic pelvic pain, and pain after hysterectomy.

Due to the complex nature of chronic pelvic pain, these conditions are best managed using a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of physicians and advanced-care nurses work with each patient’s referring physician to evaluate each patient individually and make treatment recommendations that best suit her unique needs.

 

Chronic Pelvic Pain Treatment Will Vary for Each Patient, But Can Include:

  • Medical therapy to control pain and/or treat specific conditions
  • Surgical therapy, often through minimally invasive options, when medical therapy fails and surgery is considered an appropriate option for specific causes of pain
  • Trigger point injections and other types of nerve blocks
  • Our team also works closely with other pain specialists, including experts in physical therapy, behavioral or cognitive therapy, and sexual health counselors.  Referrals to these specialists can be provided when appropriate.

Our goal is to work with patients and their primary care physician to create an appropriate long-term treatment plan. Although not all causes of pelvic pain can be cured, most patients can find ways to better control their pain and improve their quality of life.  Once we have established an appropriate treatment plan and/or surgical intervention, patients are able to continue their care under the supervision of their local physician. 

PLEASE NOTE:  this clinic is not a pain management clinic, and does not provide long-term management of prescription narcotic/pain medications. We also do not provide medical disability for non-surgical patients.

Learn more about becoming a patient at the U-M Chronic Pelvic Pain Clinic by calling (734)-763-6295 or (800)-649-3777.