Forecast | Pelvic pain

Forecast

The prognosis of pelvic pain depends strongly on the underlying cause. Since such pain is generally harmless, the prognosis is very good. In particular, pain caused by contusions, dislocations or joint blockages often disappears on its own within a few days.

Infectious diseases of the pelvic organs also have a good prognosis, since today’s medical measures allow for a quick and targeted treatment. In the case of malignant diseases, the stage in which the patient finds himself is very important. In the early stages of cancer there is often a good chance of recovery, in later stages the prognosis is correspondingly worse. This also depends on the patient’s age and general state of health.

Prophylaxis

There is no general prophylaxis to avoid pelvic pain. However, sufficient physical activity and specific strengthening exercises for the muscles can help to minimise the risk of joint blockages or other complaints of the musculoskeletal system. To avoid infections of the organs of the pelvis, good but not excessive hygiene should be observed.

In order to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, condoms should be used during sexual intercourse – especially outside a stable partnership. Malignant diseases are unlikely to be prevented by prophylactic measures. In most cases they are based on genetic changes that cannot be influenced by the patient himself.

Diagnosis

A thorough physical examination is necessary for the diagnosis of pelvic pain. The doctor will take a close look at the relevant part of the body and look for external signs. Various orthopaedic tests can provide information as to whether the pain is caused by a joint blockage or similar.

In addition, the doctor can palpate the abdominal and pelvic organs and check for pain. An ultrasound examination can also be done to look at the abdominal organs. A urine or stool sample can help if there is a suspicion of an infectious disease of the bladder or intestine.

If all these examinations are unremarkable, imaging can also be ordered. For example, computer tomography (CT) is particularly good for assessing bone and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly good for assessing soft tissue. Depending on the findings resulting from these examinations, the doctor will initiate the appropriate therapy.