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Pelvic Pain

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers care for acute and chronic pelvic pain. Through evaluation, GI testing, personalized treatment plans and minimally invasive therapies, he treats digestive, gynecologic and musculoskeletal causes to restore comfort and quality of life.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Digestive issues such as IBS or IBD
Gynecologic conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts
Bladder disorders, including UTIs or interstitial cystitis
Scar tissue from prior pelvic surgeries
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction or nerve irritation
Family history of gastrointestinal or pelvic disorders
Previous pelvic surgery
Chronic stress

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent dull ache or cramping in the lower abdomen
Sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the pelvis (often left side in women)
Pain aggravated by sitting, walking, or exercise
Discomfort during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination
Bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits

Expert Treatment for Pelvic Pain by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a comprehensive and personalized approach:

Medical History & Physical Exam

He begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. A gentle physical exam is performed to identify pain points.

Core Diagnostic Tests

Blood work to detect signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia.
Imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate pelvic organs and surrounding structures.
Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the gut lining and identify any gastrointestinal causes.
Pelvic floor assessment to evaluate muscle strength and function in the pelvic region.

GI-Specific Testing (as needed)

Hydrogen breath tests for detecting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Stool tests to check for infections, inflammation, or imbalance in gut flora.

Personalized Treatment

Based on the findings, Dr. Pothuri creates a targeted treatment plan to address the root cause of your pelvic pain.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for pelvic pain.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

High-fiber diet to ease bowel movements
Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals
Tracking food triggers with a meal journal
Using stress-relief tools like yoga or meditation
Starting pelvic floor therapy to strengthen or relax muscles

2. Medications

Antispasmodics to calm gut cramps
Low-dose antidepressants to manage nerve pain
Antibiotics or probiotics to balance gut bacteria
Pain relievers used carefully and only if needed

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

Laparoscopy to diagnose and treat endometriosis or scar tissue
Botox injections for pelvic muscle spasms
Pelvic nerve blocks to ease targeted pain

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Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 2K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel better?

Most patients notice improvement within 4-8 weeks of following Dr. Pothuri's personalized treatment plan.

Can diet changes help with pelvic pain?

Yes, dietary adjustments can reduce gut-related pain, especially when combined with pelvic floor therapy or medication.

Are GI tests painful?

No. Most tests are quick, safe, and well tolerated, and Dr. Pothuri ensures your comfort throughout.

Should I see a GI doctor or a gynecologist?

See a GI specialist if your pelvic pain comes with bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea otherwise a gynecologist may be best.

Will I need surgery?

Surgery is rarely required and is only considered when lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive treatments haven't worked.

How is chronic pelvic pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical exam, imaging studies, and specialized GI tests to pinpoint the cause.

What GI tests are used?

Dr. Pothuri may order endoscopy, colonoscopy, hydrogen breath tests for SIBO, stool studies, ultrasounds, or CT scans.

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