Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Gastrointestinal diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing inflammation. These may be functional, such as when the GI tract looks normal when examined but doesn't move properly.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction may also be structural, such as when your bowel looks abnormal and doesn't work correctly. Seeing a pelvic pain specialist for GI disorders is essential due to the complexity and challenge of differentiating between pelvic pain due to gastrointestinal disease and other sources of chronic pelvic pain.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction and pelvic pain

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Abdominal and pelvic pain
Slowed digestion
Incomplete elimination
Painful elimination
Joint pain due to inflammation in the body
Hemorrhoids
Poor absorption of nutrients
Bloating
Gas
General fatigue

In addition to these physical symptoms, GI disorders can have serious emotional effects, such as depression and social anxiety.

It is essential to understand the underlying cause to address these conditions and speak with a specialist about the appropriate treatment options, such as physical therapy.

Causes of GI dysfunction

Some of the common causes of GI dysfunction that lead to pelvic pain include:

Inflammation in the digestive tract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food allergies and intolerances
Infection
Intestinal dysbiosis or an imbalance in beneficial bacteria in the gut
Functional constipation
Neurological disorders such as nerve damage or fibromyalgia
Lifestyle factors like stress or lack of exercise
Medications such as antibiotics and hormones
Surgery
Endometriosis

All of these can cause inflammation in the GI system, leading to pelvic pain.

How is GI dysfunction diagnosed?

Dr. Bahlani can diagnose GI dysfunction through a variety of tests, including blood and imaging tests, such as:

X-rays
CT scans
Endoscopic procedures like colonoscopies
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to diagnose the cause of GI dysfunction

It is essential to consult with Dr. Bahlani, who is board-eligible in urology and gynecology. She has the expertise to understand the complex relationship between pelvic pain and GI dysfunction. Dr. Bahlani will evaluate your medical history and current medical status to determine the most effective treatment.

What is the treatment for gastrointestinal dysfunction?

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction can be treated in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common treatments for GI dysfunction include:

Lifestyle modifications
Dietary changes
Medications
In some cases, injections or surgery

For those suffering from pelvic pain due to GI dysfunction, treatment may involve:

Antacids
Anti-inflammatories
Proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid reflux
Antidiarrheals for chronic diarrhea
Stool softeners for chronic constipation
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage symptoms

Additionally, it is vital to get quality sleep every night and exercise at least three to five times per week, as these activities can help to reduce symptoms.

Why see a Pelvic Pain Specialist for GI dysfunction?

A pelvic pain specialist has the knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose a GI disorder and provide effective treatment plans tailored to the individual. Additionally, because a pelvic pain specialist is well-versed in the sources of chronic pelvic pain, they can provide a more accurate prognosis for the patient.

Why choose Pelvic Pain Doc for your gastrointestinal dysfunction?

At Pelvic Pain Doc, Dr. Sonia Bahlani takes a compassionate, patient-centric approach by listening closely to her patients’ challenges to understand their situation and provide them with the best treatment possible. Her specialized fellowship training in sexual and pelvic health and being board-eligible in urology and gynecology make her uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from gastrointestinal dysfunction. Contact us today to learn about treating pelvic pain and gastrointestinal dysfunction.