Pelvic Pain
Diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain requires a good patient history and physical exam. At your appointment, please come prepared to discuss many aspects of your health, including your past medical history, pain history, sexual history and mental health.

The physical exam will thoroughly assess the many possible sources of pelvic pain discussed under "Symptoms," with particular attention to the musculoskeletal system including the back, abdomen and pelvis. A Q-tip test may be performed to test the nerves outside and near the vagina.

If needed, we may order other diagnostic tests such as blood work, urine tests, a pelvic ultrasound or laproscopy. You may be referred to a urogynecologist if you have bladder symptoms, or a gastroenterologist if you have gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have a musculoskeletal component to your chronic pelvic pain, we may refer you to a physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment.