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Pelvic Pain

Understanding Pelvic Pain: Could It Be Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Have you ever been tested for a UTI, only to get a negative result? Or treated for a UTI, but the symptoms persist after antibiotics, leaving you puzzled? You’re not alone. In…

Jenna Perkins, WHNP-BCFounder · Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Feb 27, 20243 min readMedically reviewed
Understanding Pelvic Pain: Could It Be Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Understanding Pelvic Pain: Could It Be Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Jenna Perkins

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Have you ever been tested for a UTI, only to get a negative result? Or treated for a UTI, but the symptoms persist after antibiotics, leaving you puzzled? You’re not alone. In Northern Virginia, many women experience similar frustrations. But what if I told you that the culprit might not always be an infection?

Pelvic Pain Culprit: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic pain and UTI-like symptoms can often be attributed to pelvic floor dysfunction—a lesser-known but significant issue affecting many women in Alexandria, VA, and beyond.

Anatomy of the Issue: The Role of the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor, a complex network of muscles supporting pelvic organs, plays a crucial role in urinary and bowel control. However, like any muscle, it can malfunction. Tight, spasmodic, or weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to various symptoms, including urinary urgency, difficulty urinating, and persistent pelvic pain.

Misinterpretation and Misdiagnosis: The Brain-Pelvic Floor Connection

Imagine this: Your brain misinterprets pelvic floor tightness or spasms as a full bladder, triggering urinary urgency akin to a UTI. Even after the infection clears, these muscles can remain guarded, causing ongoing discomfort.

A Ray of Hope: Treatment and Management of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

But here’s the good news: Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable. Our pelvic floor specialists can employ techniques like exercises and photobiomodulation to address muscle tightness and improve function.

Taking Action: Seeking Help for Pelvic Pain

So, if you’re experiencing UTI-like symptoms with negative test results, consider exploring pelvic floor dysfunction as a possible cause. Talk to your provider about a referral to a pelvic floor specialist in Northern Virginia—it could be the key to finding relief and reclaiming your comfort.

Understanding Pelvic Pain with DiscovHER Health

At DiscovHER Health, we understand the complexities of women’s health, including pelvic pain and UTI concerns. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward wellness today.

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About the author

Jenna Perkins, WHNP-BC

Jenna is a board-certified Women's Health and Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in urogynecology, pelvic pain, sexual health and complex gynecology. She founded DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Educational content only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
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