Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including the pressure of pelvic organ prolapse. It may also be caused by a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC). Patients may report feelings of persistent urinary tract infection, and yet testing shows there is no infection present. IC is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder and urethra, and as is the case with many chronic inflammatory conditions, like asthma or lupus, the cause is unknown.
Treatment for IC includes:
- Medication
- Physical therapy, including vaginal tissue massage to relax pelvic muscles which may be constricted or too tight
- Alternative therapies, such as diet, stress management and acupuncture