Pelvic Pain in Adolescents
Our specialist pediatric gynecologists diagnose and treat pelvic pain problems in adolescents.
Pelvic pain can be a common complaint for adolescent girls. Pain can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (constant or continually comes and goes). Pelvic pain can be due to a number of factors including gynecological disorders, urologic disease, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal abnormalities and psychosocial problems (such as stress, abuse, or eating disorders).
Causes of Pelvic Pain
Common sources of acute pelvic pain can include ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infection, appendicitis, miscarriage, threatened miscarriage or twisted, hemorrhagic and ruptured ovarian cysts.
Conditions that can cause chronic pain can include endometriosis, adhesions between internal organs and pelvic cavity, ovarian cysts and cancers of the reproductive tract.
Pelvic pain can also be associated with vaginitis, which includes:
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Candida (yeast) infection
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Bacterial
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonococcal vaginitis and viral vaginitis
Diagnosis
The adolescent gynecologist at Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center will review your teen’s medical history and perform a physical exam to help diagnose her condition. In addition, she will be asked questions relating to her pain, such as:
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What is the frequency and duration of the pain?
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What does the pain feel like?
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When did the pain occur and under what circumstances?
Other diagnostic procedures to determine diagnosis may include:
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Pregnancy test
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Urinalysis
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Ultrasound
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Cervix cell culture
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Blood tests
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CT Scan
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Laparoscopy
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X-ray
Treatment
Treatment for pelvic pain problems varies due to the many reasons for pain. However, it may include antibiotic medications, pain medication, exercise or oral contraceptives. In some cases, surgery may be suggested.