Pelvic Pain

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can develop if you have an underlying disorder that affects your reproductive, urinary, or digestive system.

For some women, pelvic pain may be mild and occasional and result from issues like menstrual cramps or constipation. 

Chronic and severe pelvic pain may be an indication that you have a more serious condition, such as:

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic pain may also be the result of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.

Because some of these conditions can be serious and require medical treatment, it’s important you don’t ignore persistent pelvic pain. You should request a diagnostic evaluation with the team at The Women's Center as soon as possible.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

To determine the cause of your pelvic pain, your provider at The Women's Center takes time to discuss your pain and other symptoms. They also review your medical history.

A pelvic exam allows your physician to check for signs of infection or abnormal growths that may be causing your pain. If they can’t identify hidden fibroids, or they need to evaluate your reproductive organs or urinary tract, you may need an in-office ultrasound.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a scope with an attached camera to get a close-up view of your organs. You may need a laparoscopy if your provider suspects you have PID or needs to evaluate the severity of endometriosis.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Initially, The Women's Center medical team may recommend medications to relieve your pain. You may need to take pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or birth control to regulate your periods and prevent pain.

If medications aren’t enough to resolve your pelvic pain, you may need:

Pelvic therapy

Physical therapy exercises can help you better manage your pelvic pain. Stretching exercises and relaxation techniques you do at home or with a physical therapist can improve your health and relieve existing pain.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for relieving chronic pelvic pain. The Women's Center providers offer in-office laparoscopic surgery to remove fibroids, adhesions, and endometrial tissue that contribute to pelvic pain.

Hysterectomy

In some cases, surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy) is necessary to resolve your symptoms. This type of surgery is only for women who are finished having children and who can’t find pain relief with other therapies.

If your pelvic pain prevents you from staying physically active, request an appointment online or call The Women’s Center, PC, office nearest you today.