Health & Wellness

Pelvic health: A new conversation for a common condition

Chronic pelvic pain is an all-too-common condition that is rarely spoken about. Many people will suffer in pain for years but avoid contacting their physician as they believe it is just a part of life.

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Others impacted by the pain turn to over-the-counter pain medications with little relief. This is especially common for women. One of the most common conditions associated with pelvic pain is endometriosis, where tissue that is intended to grow within the uterus grows in other parts of the body.

According to the American Medical Association, the average time it takes a woman to receive a diagnosis for endometriosis is seven years. Sam Sokol, a physician assistant at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Gig Harbor, says that’s far too long. It’s one of the reasons she’s hoping to raise awareness about the condition, so more women feel empowered to speak with their physicians instead of continuing to live in pain.

Endometriosis can affect women at every age. Despite the extreme discomfort it can cause, it is often dismissed. Symptoms typically include cramping, heavy bleeding, pain with intercourse, back pain and nausea.

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It’s been an assumption that only younger women are affected by endometriosis, but research suggests women post-menopause can also suffer from it. The cause of endometriosis remains unknown.

When to seek help

If symptoms are interfering with daily activities – everything from work to physical activity and day-to-day activities you used to enjoy – Sokol says it might be time to make an appointment with a primary care physician, or someone who specializes in pelvic health.

Treatment options include medical therapies and minimally invasive procedures. With proper treatment, relief can be almost immediate.

Be open with your care team (and your peers)

Sokol recommends being completely open and honest with your care team. Explain all aspects of your life being affected and share how much pain you are in. “I want women to talk about their pelvic health issues,” she said. “I also want women to know we care, and we are here to listen and to help.”

“It’s also important to talk with your peers if you’re comfortable,” shared Sokol. “You will be surprised to find how common pelvic pain can be, and you may just find you inspire someone else to seek needed care.”

Know you’re not alone

Sokol reinforced that anyone who may be suffering from these symptoms should know that they are not alone. “If you feel like you haven’t been heard before, we care and want to listen,” she shared.

Care teams that specialize in pelvic health are there to help you develop a personalized approach. The team includes experienced gynecologists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, and the clinic sees a high volume of patients with endometriosis.

What you can do now

Staying physically active is crucial. Sokol noted that moving daily helps with inflammation and it can be any type of movement – walking, strength training, yoga, or anything else that a person enjoys. It is most important to focus on an activity you can be consistent with.

“A lot of patients I see are in so much pain that they feel they can’t be active,” Sokol shared. “While we are getting a treatment plan underway, we encourage all patients to do what they can. No amount of activity is too small and every bit counts.”

Sokol hopes raising awareness about the condition will help open conversations. “My hope is that women won’t have to suffer in silence,” said Sokol. “It’s never too late to get help and get your life back.”

St. Anthony Hospital offers comprehensive women’s health services and a pelvic health program for patients. The team regularly treats people with conditions like endometriosis, and helps them get back to the activities they enjoy. More information is available at VMFH.org/womenshealth.