Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can arise from a variety of diseases or conditions. The most common gynecologic reasons for pelvic pain include:

• ovulation pain
• menstrual cramps
• endometriosis
• ovarian cysts
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• urinary tract infections
• uterine fibroids
• advanced uterine or ovarian cancer 

Pain in the lower part of your abdomen and pelvis can indicate problems in the urinary, gastroenterology, or reproductive systems.  Pain that comes and then resolves is less concerning than pain that persists or worsens.  It may be dull or sharp and it may be constant or ebb and flow. Pelvic pain may radiate to your buttocks, back, or thighs, too. Even if pelvic pain only happens while urinating or during sexual intercourse, you should have it evaluated. Especially concerning is pelvic pain accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• irregular or postmenopausal bleeding 
• constipation or diarrhea
• fever
• weight loss
• loss of appetite

Pelvic pain that is disruptive or just doesn’t feel right should always be evaluated. 

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, our providers will perform an exam to help determine what’s causing your pelvic pain.  They may also order blood and urine tests and possibly check for a sexually transmitted infection.  Depending on the nature of your pain, you may also benefit from imaging studies including:

• ultrasound     
• pelvic x-rays
• CT scan
• MRI

These tests can reveal fibroids, cysts, or other problems that may be causing your pain.

Treatment depends on the determined cause of your pain. If you have an STD or urinary tract infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Hormone treatment, such as birth control pills, can alleviate pelvic pain associated with ovulation or menstrual pain.  For women with pelvic pain due to endometriosis or fibroids, the physicians at Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology will most likely recommend hormonal therapies or minimally invasive surgery to remove the abnormalities.

To have your pelvic pain evaluated and treated, schedule a consultation with us at Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology and The Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology.