What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

As an endocrine system disorder, patients with PCOS grow a number of small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries that can cause a wide variety of painful and lifestyle-altering symptoms.

There is no cure for PCOS, but our treatment directly targets inflammation in the pelvis and nerve pain that can be caused by PCOS. Because of the pain associated with PCOS and the unknown factor of cause, it can lead to other conditions affecting the pelvic region. Because of all the tension and stress held in that area, it can lead to chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

What happens if my pelvic floor conditions relating to PCOS are not treated?

If the pain is left unaddressed these pelvic floor conditions can ultimately affect multiple other muscular-skeletal, gastrointestinal, colorectal, urogynecology, and other bodily systems.

When should I seek treatment for PCOS?

We recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our pelvic pain specialists if you have been experiencing any pelvic floor conditions such as urinary frequency and urgency, pain with bowel movement, or pain with intercourse.

What do both PCOS and endometriosis have in common?

Both PCOS and Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and heavy bleeding. The symptoms of either PCOS and Endometriosis can be subtle, and subsequently, often misdiagnosed. It is possible to have either PCOS or Endometriosis and not have any symptoms at all. Both conditions are common – with Endometriosis prevalence of 10-15% and PCOS prevalence of 5-20%. Both PCOS and Endometriosis are associated with a family history of the condition.

Is it possible to have both endometriosis and PCOS?

Yes, it is possible to have both underlying conditions. Studies have shown that women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment Options

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Risk Factors

While chronic pelvic pain affects many people and is caused by different conditions, some people may have an increased risk of experiencing chronic pelvic pain due to lifestyle and other factors. If you suspect you have CPPS, and any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about both.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Hypertonia
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Diagnosis of Chronic Prostatitis
Hip Impingement
Hyper Mobility
STD/UTI/Yeast Infection History
Hernia
Post Partum
Diastasis Recti

Is Your Pelvic Pain Caused by PCOS?

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Diagnosing chronic pelvic pain and the issues that are causing it requires an in-depth examination of both the nerves and muscles within the pelvis, learning of your medical history, and getting a full picture of your symptoms and lifestyle.

Here’s what you can expect when you are a patient at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine:

Step One – First, our providers will ask questions about your medical history and listen to your symptoms to get a full picture of what is going on with you.
Step Two – Next, an external exam of your hips, abdomen, and posterior sacrum.
Step Three – Next, your pelvic nerves are evaluated externally with a soft cotton tip.
Step Four – Next, with your consent, gel is placed on a gloved finger and an internal exam is performed to allow us to evaluate the nerves and muscles within the pelvis. There is no speculum required as we are evaluating the pelvic floor muscles and nerves not the organs.
Step Five – Sometimes patients will need Imaging to help us understand if there is an associated cause of the pelvic nerve and muscle pain and dysfunction found on exam.
Step Six – Oftentimes, treatment can be started the same day as there is no down time. Our patients have been suffering with pelvic pain symptoms for 6+ months. We like to get them on the road to feeling better as soon as we can as the longer the symptoms are present the harder it is for us to resolve them.

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Understanding PCOS & Pelvic Pain

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Risk Factors

Is Your Pelvic Pain Caused by PCOS?

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Treatment for PCOS & Pelvic Pain

In the News & From Our Providers

Dr. Shrikhande Answers the Question, What is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)?: Featured in Rosy

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande And Dr. Melanie Carminati of Inspira Physical Therapy Discuss Pelvic Pain And Physical Therapy

Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine Founders Honored for Revolutionizing Pelvic Pain Treatment and Creating National Impact

Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine Releases State of Endometriosis Survey Data

A Comprehensive Approach To Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain with Dr. Allyson Shrikhande