If you’re struggling with pelvic pain, finding the right specialist or professional in the appropriate discipline can make your recovery much smoother. It’s essential to have a basic understanding of the pelvis and pelvic floor to guide your journey. While you can search for the right specialist, you can also take proactive steps yourself by educating yourself and trying out the right pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic pain and instability affect both men and women, and even children can develop these conditions.
There are various specialists who can help you address pelvic issues, including your doctor, psychologist, gynecologist, urologist, sexologist, gastroenterologist, and pelvic floor trainers such as pelvic physical therapists or pelvic exercise therapists. In this article, I’ll highlight the roles of the doctor, psychologist, gynecologist, urologist, and briefly touch on pain clinics, so you can gain a clear understanding of the different disciplines involved in treating pelvic pain.
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Specialists and Professionals for Pelvic Pain
The Physician and Pelvic Pain
When dealing with pelvic pain, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or physician first. Pelvic pain can be either a physical or mental health issue, or a combination of both. Your physician will help you determine the next steps in your treatment.
If your pelvic pain is related to a physical issue, they may recommend seeing a pelvic floor trainer, such as a pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist. However, if the pain stems from emotional or psychological trauma, it’s important to speak with a professional who can help you address the mental and emotional aspects.
Pelvic Pain and Trauma
Pelvic pain can often be the result of trauma, including accidents, falls, or any traumatic event. Sexual abuse, an uncomfortable sexual experience, or sexual assault can also lead to pelvic pain, as the trauma may cause the pelvic floor muscles to tighten, making it difficult to relax them.
If this is the case, it’s crucial to seek both physical and emotional support. My website includes pelvic floor relaxation exercises that may be helpful, and I also encourage you to connect with a professional who can guide you through processing your trauma in a safe and supportive manner.
In summary, your physician is the first person you should visit to discuss any pelvic pain, regardless of whether it’s physical, mental, or a combination of both.
Costs of a Physician Visit
A visit to the physician typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and the cost will depend on your insurance coverage. Be sure to confirm whether the visit is covered by your plan before scheduling.
The Cause of Pelvic Pain After Trauma
Pelvic pain after trauma, particularly from events like sexual abuse or assault, is unfortunately common. The trauma can lead to dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles—either by causing them to become overly tight or, conversely, overly relaxed. Additionally, physical damage may occur. It is very normal to experience tension in the pelvic area after such a traumatic event.
This tension can manifest in various ways, including pain during sex, vaginismus, vulvitis, or problems with urination or bowel movements. If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek both physical treatment and emotional support. Professional therapy can help you heal both physically and emotionally, while relaxation exercises for your pelvic floor can relieve tension and pain.
The Psychologist and Pelvic Pain
A psychologist is a suitable professional for your pelvic pain, especially if you are dealing with the following issues:
- Pain during sex caused by a pelvic floor that’s too tight or tense.
- Vaginismus or vulvitis caused by an overly tense pelvic floor.
- Difficulty relaxing with your partner due to past traumatic events, such as sexual abuse, an uncomfortable sexual experience, or sexual assault.
If your pelvic pain stems from a specific traumatic event, or if you feel overwhelmed by sexual topics, a psychologist is an ideal choice.
Talking about trauma can be incredibly helpful in processing your emotions. Psychologists are trained to help people navigate and heal from difficult experiences, making them heroes in trauma processing. If your pelvic pain is linked to a tense pelvic floor or emotional trauma, visiting a psychologist can help you gain the necessary support and understanding.
Costs of Seeing a Psychologist
Without insurance, private psychologists typically charge between $60 to $280 per consultation. Many psychologists offer a sliding scale fee, which adjusts based on your income.
Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover psychologist visits, or explore government-funded services to reduce costs. Your physician can also help you find suitable services in your area.
The Sexologist and Pelvic Pain
A sexologist is a professional who can help with pelvic pain caused by:
- Pain during sex due to a pelvic floor that’s too tight or tense.
- Vaginismus or vulvitis caused by an overly tense pelvic floor.
- Inability to relax with your partner due to past trauma, such as sexual abuse or sexual assault.
Sexologists specialize in sexual health and are skilled at helping individuals with pelvic pain related to traumatic events. They provide advice, tips, and strategies for overcoming pelvic pain, especially when it interferes with sexual function. If you’re struggling to relax your pelvic floor or address emotional challenges related to your pain, speaking with a sexologist can be very beneficial.
Costs of Seeing a Sexologist
The costs of seeing a sexologist are typically out-of-pocket, as they are often not covered by insurance. However, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if any benefits apply.
Face-to-face consultations with a sexologist generally range from $60 to $150. Online therapy sessions tend to be less expensive.
Next Steps After Seeing a Sexologist or Psychologist for Pelvic Pain
If you’ve consulted with a sexologist or psychologist, the next step is often seeing a pelvic floor therapist (such as a pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist). These specialists can help you relax your pelvic floor and address any physical issues. They have extensive knowledge of the pelvic area and can offer targeted treatments based on your unique situation.
Remember, pelvic pain can be complex, and it may take time to find the right approach for your recovery. It’s essential to ask questions and seek clarity from your pelvic floor therapist. The pelvic area is a fascinating and intricate mechanism, and understanding how it functions can lead to a faster and more effective recovery.
The Gynecologist or Urologist and Pelvic Pain
Both gynecologists and urologists are specialists who can help you with pelvic pain and related issues:
- Pain during sex due to a tight pelvic floor.
- Numbness during sex caused by a weakened pelvic floor.
- Vaginismus or vulvitis caused by pelvic floor tension.
- Urinary or fecal leakage due to a weakened pelvic floor.
- Difficulty with urination or bowel movements due to pelvic floor tension.
If you experience pelvic pain around your vagina, a gynecologist can assist you in identifying potential causes. They may diagnose conditions such as prolapse. A urologist specializes in urinary issues, including incontinence, and can help with bladder and urethra problems. If you’re dealing with fecal incontinence, a gastroenterologist can help.
In many cases, seeing a combination of these specialists can help you rule out multiple causes of pelvic pain. It’s essential to clearly communicate your symptoms to each professional. Consider writing down your issues to ensure you don’t forget any important details when you visit a new specialist.
Costs of Seeing a Gynecologist or Urologist
Check with your insurance provider before visiting a gynecologist or urologist, as costs can vary. A typical consultation can range from $90 to $200, and some offices may not accept insurance. Be sure to inquire whether a referral from your physician is required.
The Pain Clinic and Pelvic Pain
A pain clinic is specialized in treating severe pelvic pain, often caused by nerve-related issues. Pain clinics consist of a team of professionals, including neurologists, psychologists, nurses, and physical therapists, who work together to address your pain.
However, pelvic physical therapists or pelvic exercise therapists are not typically found in pain clinics. If your pelvic pain is related to muscles and ligaments rather than nerve damage, a pain clinic may not be the most suitable place for you.
Costs of Visiting a Pain Clinic
The costs associated with a pain clinic depend on your insurance coverage, location, and whether you have a referral from your doctor. Always verify the costs and insurance coverage before your visit.
Pelvic Physical Therapists, Pelvic Exercise Therapists, and Pelvic Pain
A pelvic physical therapist is a specialized professional who can address pelvic pain caused by:
- An overly tense pelvic floor (e.g., pain during sex, vaginismus, difficulty with bowel movements).
- A weakened pelvic floor (e.g., incontinence).
Pelvic physical therapists undergo additional training beyond the basic four-year physical therapy program. They complete an additional two years of specialized education, making them recognized pelvic specialists.
If you’re dealing with pelvic pain or instability, a pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist is often the right professional to help. The initial consultation typically involves an in-depth assessment, where your therapist will gather detailed information about your symptoms. Based on this assessment, a treatment plan will be created to address your specific needs, whether that’s returning to an active lifestyle or relieving pain during sex.
Tips for Visiting a Specialist for Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain may require the involvement of multiple specialists. For example, a psychologist may help with trauma, a urologist can address incontinence, and a gynecologist may treat vaginal issues. To ensure effective communication between all parties, keep a record of your symptoms and any treatments you’ve tried. This will help avoid repeating your story to each new specialist.
Keeping a Urinal Diary for Pelvic Pain
A urinal diary can help your specialist understand the frequency of your bathroom visits. This can reveal patterns, such as needing to urinate more frequently than usual. It’s recommended to start keeping a urinal diary as soon as you notice symptoms of pelvic pain, so you can share it with your specialist during your first consultation.
Keeping a Pain Diary for Pelvic Pain
A pain diary helps track the frequency and intensity of your pain. Record when the pain occurs and how it affects your daily activities. This information is valuable for specialists as it can help pinpoint the root cause of your pain.
Physical Examinations for Pelvic Pain
During your visit to a pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist, they may perform a physical exam to assess your pelvis, lower back, legs, and abdominal area. They will also observe your breathing and movements to identify any issues.
If an internal examination is necessary, your therapist will discuss it with you beforehand. This type of exam can help identify problems like prolapse and determine the source of your pain.
Important Questions for Pelvic Pain
When visiting a doctor or pelvic therapist, you’ll likely be asked several questions about your pelvic pain. Preparing answers to these questions can help you feel more confident during your visit. Here are 15 questions to consider:
- What type of pain are you experiencing (e.g., stabbing, burning, nagging)?
- When do you feel the pain?
- How does the pain affect your sleep?
- Are you still active despite the pain?
- Are you taking any medication for the pain?
- What have you done to alleviate the pain?
- How does the pain change or lessen?
- How long have you had this pain?
- Did anything specific trigger the pain?
- Have you had surgery for this pain?
- How has the pain affected your daily activities?
- What would you like to achieve despite the pain?
- How does your pelvic pain change during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause?
- Are you seeking additional information?
Conclusion
Pelvic pain can be complex, but with the right approach and the help of various specialists, you can find relief. If you’re still seeking more information, feel free to browse the website for additional resources, tips, and exercises that can assist in your recovery.
