“Dr. Sullivan is a very loving, caring doctor. He did everything possible to help me with my problems. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great doctor. ”

— D.C.

PELVIC PAIN

Many women suffer from recurrent lower abdominal pain, or chronic pelvic pain.

The pelvic pain could be sharp in a single spot, or dull in a general area; it may be steady or come and go. You might feel pelvic pain during your period or while having sex. In any case, chronic pelvic pain is NOT a normal part of being a woman.

Pelvic pain can be the symptom of various health issues including: infection, strenuous childbirth, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts to name a few. Many conditions causing pelvic pain can be effectively treated after a proper diagnosis. You should not just be looking for remedies for pelvic pain, Dr. Sullivan has experience and success in diagnosing and treating Pelvic Pain. We offer a variety of Treatment options for Pelvic Pain including: Medicines, Hormonal treatments, Minimally invasive surgeries, and information on Holistic Approaches.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID strikes millions of American women each year. The sexually transmitted infection spreads during sexual intercourse with a partner—either infected with PID, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. PID cases can be treated effectively if it’s caught early on. That’s why it’s important to be on guard for symptoms:

Significant pelvic pain for several weeks or less
Rapid heart rate
Foul smelling discharge or associated vaginal irritation
Fever or chills
Pain with menses and/or sex
Back pain
Pain in lower abdomen and vagina

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Ever feel weighed down—in your pelvic floor? If you do, you may be the unlucky recipient of pelvic congestion syndrome, a condition that encourages the formation of varicose veins in the pelvis, which results in painful blood pooling and severe pelvic pressure.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis affects roughly 3 million women with symptoms of bladder pain, which are often described as burning or stabbing pain that rears its ugly head as the worst urinary tract infection—on earth! This condition is caused when mucin, the protective cells protecting the bladder from acid, wear down, causing the painful need to urinate up to 50 times per day.

Bacterial Vaginosis

The most common chronic vaginal infection among women of childbearing age, BV pelvic Pain: bacterial vaginosis (or BV) strikes about 16-percent of all women with symptoms of itchy or burning sensations around the outside of the vagina as well as a foul, fishing-smelling, grayish discharge that can be mistaken for a yeast infection. We are bacterial vaginosis specialists.

Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia

A strenuous vaginal childbirth can cause a condition called pelvic floor tension myalgia, or chronic tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor. If that doesn’t have you practicing your Kegal exercises (a series of contractions and relaxation techniques to align the muscles of the pelvic floor), the weighted feeling, burning, itching, and pain in the vagina might prompt a visit to a medical professional.

Vuvodynia

If you’re vagina’s depressed, you’re not alone. More than 6 million women suffer from a sad vag-jay-jay—aka vulvodynia—or chronic vulvar pain. A condition thought to be spurred by a series of yeast infections, sexual encounter, or a difficult child-birthing experience, vulvodynia results in a persistent burning pain at the vaginal entry, upper thighs, and buttocks.

Ovarian Cysts

Mainly a torment to women of childbearing age, ovarian cysts are blister-like, fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. Most often harmless in nature, these cysts will rupture each time an egg is released during ovulation. Ovarian cysts are often painless, however, during or following intercourse a woman may feel a dull ache, sharp pains, or feel pressure in the abdominal area. Even though, ovarian cysts pose no danger, they can develop into polycystic ovarian disease if abnormal in nature if estrogen and progesterone hormones remain unbalanced.

Endometriosis

Up to 20% of adult women (1 in 5) suffer with endometriosis, a chronic condition in which cells from the inner lining of the uterus grow and spread outside the uterus and painfully break down when the uterine lining is shed during your monthly menstrual period. Symptoms Suggesting Endometriosis:

Significant pelvic pain for six months or more despite hormonal contraception
Painful menses and/or painful sex
Pain in the lower back and legs
Associated Infertility

"I came to Dr. Sullivan in 2005 with severe pelvic pain, in which I had suffered with for more than 15 years. I had seen several doctors and no one could tell me what was wrong with me until I met Dr. Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan’s main objective seemed to be getting me out of pain. He and his staff are wonderful. Everything was explained in detail and they made sure I understood. Dr. Sullivan scheduled me for my first surgery within days and the pain was gone after the healing process. He has performed 2 surgeries for me at his surgery center and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have so much trust and confidence in Dr. Sullivan and his staff. I made sure he became my daughter’s physician as well."

- Tina C

DIAGNOSIS

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Our facility is designed to provide convenient and accurate diagnoses for our patients as well as provide a place for implementing an effective overall treatment plan.

Consultation to asses your pain and health history
Physical exam of the abdomen and pelvis to check the pelvic region for tenderness or abnormalities
On-site lab tests, such as blood work or a urine test
Other diagnostic tests using the latest in equipment and technology, including:
- 3-D and 4-D ultrasound machines
- In-office Hysteroscopy
- Colposcopy
- Urodynamics
- Cryoablation
- Sonohystogram

TREATMENTS

Dr. Sullivan offers a variety of treatment options for Pelvic Pain including: Medicines, Hormonal treatments, Minimally invasive surgeries, and information on Holistic Approaches.

Medicines

Many types of medicine are used to treat pelvic pain. These include pain relievers that are swallowed or injected, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants.

Hormonal treatment

Hormones can help pain related to endometriosis and menstruation. These include hormones that are swallowed, injected, or placed in the uterus, such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone injections, or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices.

Surgery

Some women may need surgery to remove adhesions, fibroids, or endometriosis. In some cases, the surgery might reduce or relieve pelvic pain.

In some cases, surgery might be the best option to reduce or relieve pelvic pain. Surgery may be required to remove adhesions, fibroids, or endometriosis. Many procedures can be performed onsite in our accredited, state-of-the-art Surgical Center, decreasing the stress and expense of checking into the hospital. Dr Sullivan is a highly experienced and well-trained surgeon, supported by licensed RNs and certified medical assistants. Our Staff will work with you and your insurance company to pre-authorize your procedure and promptly schedule you for treatment.

Our Minimally-Invasive Surgeries include: