Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Summer 2019

lakeregional.com 7 Ken Holt, D.O. Why am I hurting? Get answers for female pelvic pain I f you are a woman experiencing chronic pelvic pain, there’s a good chance you’re feeling frustrated. “Many women visit multiple doctors before receiving the correct diagnosis for their pelvic pain,” says Lake Regional OB-GYN Ken Holt, D.O., who cares for patients primarily at Lake Regional Clinic – Eldon. “Sadly, these women often feel somewhat ignored. So I begin my care with reassur- ance that I understand their pain is real and that I am committed to finding an answer.” Possible causes “Pelvic pain” is a general term for de- scribing pain that occurs mostly below a woman’s belly button. Common causes of pelvic pain include: • Endometriosis. This occurs when tissues that normally grow inside the uterus grow somewhere else, such as on the outside of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. The two most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. • Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Women with this syn- drome experience pain in the region of the bladder and feel the need to uri- nate frequently and urgently. The pain may be a burning or sharp pain in the bladder or at the opening where urine leaves the body (urethra), and it is often relieved by emptying the bladder. • Pelvic floor disorders. These dis- orders occur when the muscles and connective tissues that hold the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder and rectum, in place weaken or are injured. Pelvic floor disorders can cause discomfort as well as functional problems, such as urinary or fecal in- continence. Pain may also be caused by spasms or an increase in pelvic floor muscle tone. • Uterine fibroids. These noncancer- ous tumors result from overgrowth of muscle cells within the wall of the uterus. Uterine fibroids may cause heavy, irregular or painful periods, as well as local pressure symptoms, including frequent uri- nation, trouble defecating and lower back pain. • Vulvodynia. This condition involves pain or discomfort of the vulva, es- pecially during intercourse. The pain may range from sharp pain to burn- ing to itching. “Whatever the cause, pelvic pain must be taken seriously,” Dr. Holt says. “There are treatments for many of the causes, and women should persist in seeking care to improve their health and quality of life.” Source: National Institutes of Health DON’T LIVE WITH PAIN Want an appointment with Dr. Holt? Call Lake Regional Obstetrics and Gynecology in Eldon at 573-557-2553 .