Alternatives to Laparoscopy for Chronic Pelvic Pain: An Overview
Several tests are available to diagnose or look for possible causes of chronic pelvic pain. There are also a couple of chronic pelvic pain treatment options. The choice of which and how many tests to perform and/or treatment options depends on your history of problems and your current symptoms.
Diagnosing the Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Possible procedures and tests, besides laparoscopy, that can be used to diagnose chronic pelvic pain include:
- Hysteroscopy
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Ultrasound
- Major abdominal surgery
- Other tests.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a small telescope-like instrument is placed into the uterus and then through the uterus, vagina, and cervix to look for abnormalities within the uterine cavity.
Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingogram is a procedure in which dye is injected through the vagina and cervix, into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. An X-ray is then taken, which can tell your doctor if the tubes are blocked or open, whether there are any fibroids inside the uterus, or if there are any irregularities of the uterine cavity.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a common examination in which high-frequency sound waves create pictures of your internal abdominal structures. This is done by placing an instrument on your abdomen (stomach) or in your vagina.
