Clarification of Diagnosis

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

A condition involving ongoing pain in the pelvic region. Pain can range in severity (mild-severe), type (dull or sharp), and longevity (constant or intermittent). CPPS related pain can spread to the buttocks, lower back, and thighs.

Cystocele/Anterior Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Occurs when the supportive tissue between the bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina. Anterior prolapse is also called a prolapsed bladder. Straining the muscles that support your pelvic organs during vaginal childbirth, with chronic constipation, violent coughing or heavy lifting can lead to an anterior prolapse. 

Dyspareunia

A term used to describe pain during sexual intercourse. The painful sex can be as a result of superficial pain or with deep penetration.

Endometriosis

An often serious disorder in which the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, the impact on patient's health can be severe. The pH balance of the tissues can be disrupted and the muscles and nerves can be put into disarray. Neurotransmitters begin stimulating an inflammatory cascade that can cause chronic pain.  

Fecal Incontinence

Inability to hold feces in the rectum. This is due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincters permitting untimely passage of feces and gas. Also called rectal incontinence.

Interstitial Cystitis

Disease that involves inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall. This inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, and even ulcerations and bleeding.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that you will need to be managed long term.

Levator Ani Syndrome/Chronic Pelvic Pain

A condition where more than one of the muscles of the pelvic floor can be painful–not just the levator muscle. Levator ani syndrome typically refers to pain that is experienced in the posterior or back part of the pelvis as opposed more anterior symptoms like supra pubic and genital pain, although those diagnosed with levator ani syndrome sometimes complain of these anterior symptoms as well.

Lichen Sclerosus

A chronic inflammatory skin condition which causes skin changes and a distinct pattern on the vulva and perineum like a figure 8. The skin can be shiny or tissue feel like paper. It can cause itching, burning, and pain.

Pelvic Floor Hypertonia

Pelvic Floor Muscles that are contracted, tense , and weak. Blood flow is restricted, which can cause an acidic environment in the area and this can create an inflammatory cascade. The surrounding muscles can become tender and the nerves begin to fire inappropriately, causing chronic pain. 

Pudendal Neuralgia 

A condition that involves pain of the pudendal nerve, which runs between the anus to the genitals of both men and women. This condition is commonly associated with Pudendal Nerve Entrapment (PNE), or the pinching and compression of the nerve, while PN can be caused by other factors. PN is more common in women than men.

Rectocele/ Posterior Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Occurs when the thin wall of tissue that separates the rectum from the vagina weakens, allowing the vaginal wall to bulge. Childbirth and other processes that put pressure on pelvic tissues can lead to posterior vaginal prolapse.

Urinary Retention

The inability to empty the bladder. With chronic urinary retention, you may be able to urinate, but you have trouble starting a stream or emptying your bladder completely. You may urinate frequently; you may feel an urgent need to urinate but have little success when you get to the toilet; or you may feel you still have to go after you've finished urinating. With acute urinary retention, you can't urinate at all, even though you have a full bladder. Acute urinary retention is considered a medical emergency. Anyone can experience urinary retention, but it is most common in men in their fifties and sixties because of prostate enlargement. A woman may experience urinary retention if her bladder sags or moves out of the normal position.

Urinary Urgency or Frequency

Urinary urgency is a sudden need to urinate. It is sometimes associated with urinary incontinence, frequent nighttime urination, and needing to urinate multiple times in a day. It can be associated with urinary infections, interstitial cystitis, or pelvic floor hypertonia.

Uterine Prolapse

Occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken and no longer provide enough support for the uterus. As a result, the uterus slips down into or protrudes out of the vagina. Uterine prolapse can occur in women of any age. But it often affects postmenopausal women who've had one or more vaginal deliveries.

Vaginismus

Involuntary muscle spasm of the vaginal muscles causing pain with insertion into the vaginal canal.

Vulvodynia

Pain around the opening of the vagina which is often described as burning or rawness. Vulvodynia can cause difficulty with daily activities or sitting for long periods of time or pain with intercourse.