
Do you suffer from fibromyalgia as well as chronic pelvic pain? Many women turn out to have symptoms that correlate with both conditions, but unless your gynecological doctor knows about your fibromyalgia, they may miss the fact that the two could well be related.
At the OB/GYN practice of Gae Rodke, MD, FACOG, on the Upper West Side of New York City, Dr. Rodke sees many patients with chronic pelvic pain. If you also have fibromyalgia, your increased pelvic symptoms could be connected.
The pelvic region (the area from your belly button to your pubic bone, which cradles your reproductive organs, bladder, lower urinary tract, and bowels) is a common source of chronic pain in women. Pelvic pain can be caused by a range of issues, including:
Pelvic pain that’s accompanied by nausea, dizziness, fever, discharge, or swelling of the abdomen may indicate a health issue that requires urgent care.
Chronic pelvic pain is typically identified as more or less constant pain lasting more than six months. If you have this type of lasting pelvic pain, you may be diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS. In some women, a later diagnosis of fibromyalgia is identified as the cause of CPPS.
Research shows that women with diagnosed fibromyalgia, a condition well known for causing widespread musculoskeletal pain, memory issues, mood swings, and chronic fatigue, are more likely to suffer severe symptoms of pelvic disorders than patients at an average urogynecology clinic.
Fibromyalgia is known to make the following pelvic pain issues worse in some women:
Dr. Rodke investigates all potential causes of and contributors to your pelvic pain, including fibromyalgia. If fibromyalgia is making your pelvic pain worse, she may prescribe antidepressants to help you manage the cycle of physical pain and psychological distress caused by being a chronic pain patient.
Are you ready to find a solution for your pelvic pain? Learn more by booking an appointment online or over the phone with the practice of Gae Rodke, MD, FACOG, today.