Preventative Lifestyle Guidance

Within the chronic pain field, there is mounting evidence that unhealthy lifestyle factors can contribute to the severity and sustainment of chronic pelvic pain.

Dr. Sonia Bahlani, pelvic pain specialist in NY

Some lifestyle guidance can prevent harmful elements such as physical inactivity, increased psychological distress, poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and smoking.

What is preventative lifestyle guidance, and How can it help me?

Living a preventative lifestyle can help reduce your risk of and manage chronic pelvic pain, but knowing where to start is not always easy. Thankfully, Dr. Bahlani can provide vital guidance on lifestyle factors.

Preventative lifestyle factors

These are some of the factors that can contribute to a preventative lifestyle:

Physical activity

Physical activity is one of the essential parts of a healthy lifestyle, and science supports its role in managing chronic pelvic pain. It has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety levels while providing many other physical benefits, such as increasing strength and overall fitness. Regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, positively affecting physical and mental health.
Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming are recommended for those suffering from chronic pelvic pain as they will not be too strenuous on the body or aggravate symptoms further.

Diet

An unbalanced diet filled with processed foods can exacerbate symptoms of chronic pelvic pain; as such, it's imperative to maintain a balanced diet filled with fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins. This diet helps contribute to overall health by providing many essential nutrients and aiding digestion so toxins are removed from the body more efficiently, leaving you feeling more energized throughout the day. Reducing your intake of sugars and saturated fats should be considered when making dietary changes to reduce chronic pelvic pain.

Sleep hygiene

Poor sleep hygiene has been linked to the following:

Increased levels of psychological distress
Increased tension felt within muscle groups around the pelvis
Heightened symptoms of chronic pelvic pain over time

Prioritizing sleep hygiene may include:

Avoiding screens several hours before bedtime
Utilizing relaxation techniques such as meditation that promote deeper sleep states
Ensuring comfort during sleep by using extra pillows or therapeutic cushioning materials to minimize tension felt within muscle groups around the pelvis during rest periods

Stress management

Mental stress is another factor associated with worsening pelvic pain symptoms. Regularly practicing proper stress management techniques can help you understand the triggers causing this condition and how to reduce them. The following methods have been proven to help manage mental stress without contributing to feeling overwhelmed:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Yoga
Mindfulness
Tai chi
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Journaling
Diaphragmatic breathing
Progressive relaxation training

Preventative lifestyle for managing pelvic pain

A preventative lifestyle focused on healthy habits is critical for chronic pelvic pain since many unhealthy habits are linked to worsening this condition over time. Dr. Bahlani can provide personalized guidance on lifestyle factors that could help prevent and manage pelvic pain allowing patients to enjoy life without worrying about their symptoms hindering them from achieving their goals.

Why choose Dr. Bahlani for preventative lifestyle guidance?

Patients choose Dr. Sonia Bahlani for preventative lifestyle guidance because of her specialized expertise. She is Fellowship trained in sexual and pelvic health, which sets her apart from many other doctors who do not have this type of training and experience. Additionally, she is board-eligible in urology and gynecology and uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care and treatments for pelvic pain patients. Call us today to learn more about how Dr. Bahlani can provide you with preventative lifestyle guidance.