PELVIC PAIN – AT WHAT POINT DO YOU SEEK HELP?
What is pelvic pain? Many women experience this condition, yet few seek help. Some women may experience sharp, dull, throbbing or nagging pain in their pelvic region. Some may experience pain and heavy cramping only during their menstrual cycle while others may experience the pain consistently or sporadically. There are women who experience pain during intercourse, but at no other time during their cycle.
At what point should women seek help? Right Now. Read On.
Dr. Brass-Jones, DO, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, agrees that pelvic pain is a puzzle that has baffled doctors for years. Why? There is not just one specific cause that doctors can link the pelvic pain to. In fact, doctors must study all the pieces of the puzzle in order to correctly treat the cause of the pain. This requires an in-depth look at not only physical origins, but emotional causes as well.
Pelvic pain can be linked to many disorders that may include: endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, back pain and urinary tract infections. Because all of these possibilities and more exist, Dr. Brass says that it is not only a doctor’s job, but also a woman’s job to get into touch with what is going on inside her body.
“Women are walking into our office today at their wits end because they are giving away everything to everyone else and have nothing left for themselves. They are not nurturing the feminine. They ignore their first and second chakras, which represent grounding and creativity, and internalize physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stresses into their reproductive organs. This leads not only to physical pain, but if not treated, disease and fertility problems as well,” Dr. Brass says.
Dr. Brass explains that one reason many women are not connecting to the sacred feminine is because they may be expected to be the man of the house, especially in the case of single mothers. Women may also suffer from boundary issues- although they may be depleted of energy, they still say yes to everyone and allow others to pull them in all directions. This additional stress can lead to adrenal burnout as well as hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, there may be unresolved sexual abuse and rape issues that may eventually manifest as physical symptoms in a woman’s reproductive organs.
Dr. Brass asks the women who enter her office one crucial question, “What are you doing for yourself?” She reminds women that in addition to their physical treatment, they must be willing to love and nurture themselves. If a woman enjoys hiking, painting or photography, she needs to find time in her weekly schedule to do so. By taking care of herself, a woman is more effectively able to care for her family. If a woman is depleted of energy, it may be impossible for her to give without feeling resentful.
Dr. Brass also asks women to look closely at their relationships. Are there emotional issues such as anger blocking communication? If a woman is not connecting to her partner and has intercourse when she does not want to (out of fear or insecurity), she may experience symptoms such as pain during intercourse and/ or frequent urinary tract infections. By resolving relationship issues, a woman is taking the first step in her own health.
Dr. Brass diagnoses from the standpoint of the whole person, beginning with the physical symptoms. Dr. Brass says that the key to solving pelvic pain is to receive a thorough evaluation and treat the pain in a multifaceted way. Beyond surgery and pharmaceuticals, Dr. Brass may ask patients to journal about the pain or receive treatments which may include: Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy/ Self Guided Healing, Massage, Energy Work, Cranial Sacral Work, Chakra Balancing, Gemstone Healing OR Yoga. The bottom line, Dr. Brass says, is that a woman must be willing to explore many different treatment options to see what works best for her.
“We must remember to nurture ourselves and know that it is okay to ask for help. When a woman is healthy, the family is healthy,” Dr. Brass says.
Although pelvic pain may appear to play out like an unsolved mystery, innovative doctors, like Dr. Brass, will ensure that women will feel empowered not only with their own healthcare, but with themselves.
