End Fatigue

Pelvic Pain in Women

BACKGROUND

Pelvic pain is fairly common in females, and takes several common forms. They are more common in women with a history of sexual abuse, and in these cases tend to have more of a burning, nerve pain nature with increased pain (called “Central Sensitization”). If you have a history of abuse and have not yet received counseling, it can be an important part of the healing process.

TREATMENT

The treatment needs to be adapted to the specific type of pelvic pain, so use the links below to the type that you have. For each of them, though, the family of medications used for nerve (neuropathic) pain are especially helpful.

Medications

If the following medications cause next day sedation, begin at a lower dose and increase as tolerated. Give it 6-12 weeks to work.

Neurontin

100-1,200 mg at bedtime and up to 3,000 mg a day.

Lyrica

100-300 mg at bedtime.

Low dose Elavil

10-25 mg at bedtime.

Other Therapies & Advice

Endometriosis

If your pelvic pain is mostly around your period, ask your gynecologist to consider endometriosis as well as the usual menstrual cramps.

Check for fibromyalgia

If you have fatigue OR widespread achiness associated with insomnia, you likely also have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is now very treatable, and the pelvic pain often improves with the fibromyalgia treatment as well!

Specific treatments

See the sections below for specific treatments:

Related Information

Avoiding and Treating Infections without Antibiotics