Pelvic Pain

What Causes Pelvic Pain in Women?

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. It can feel different from one woman to another. Some women experience aching, cramping, pressure, or heaviness, while others describe sharp, stabbing, or burning pain.

Pelvic pain may be temporary and related to your menstrual cycle or ovulation. When pain becomes persistent, severe, recurrent, or begins affecting your quality of life, however, there may be an underlying condition that needs to be evaluated.

Possible causes of pelvic pain include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue
• Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Menstrual cramps
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Gynecologic growths or tumors

Not all pelvic pain originates in the reproductive system. Conditions involving the bladder, bowel, muscles, or other structures in the abdomen and pelvis can cause similar symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), appendicitis, and musculoskeletal conditions are a few examples.

Determining where your pain is coming from is an important part of choosing the right treatment.

What Does Pelvic Pain Feel Like?

Pelvic pain does not always present as obvious or severe pain. Depending on the cause, you may experience:

• Dull or persistent aching in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Sharp or stabbing pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain with urination or bowel movements
• Pain that comes and goes throughout your menstrual cycle
• Lower back pain accompanied by pelvic discomfort
• Persistent pain lasting several weeks or months

Pay attention to when your pain occurs and whether it seems connected to your period, sexual activity, urination, bowel movements, exercise, or other activities. These details can help your gynecologist narrow down the possible causes.

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain that persists or repeatedly returns over an extended period of time may be considered chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is not a diagnosis itself. Instead, it is a symptom that can have one or several contributing causes. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, bladder pain syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, adhesions, and certain gastrointestinal conditions may contribute to ongoing pelvic discomfort.

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, identifying the source of chronic pelvic pain sometimes requires a more comprehensive evaluation.

When Should I See a Gynecologist for Pelvic Pain?

Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist if pelvic pain is persistent, keeps returning, becomes progressively worse, or begins interfering with work, exercise, sleep, sexual activity, or everyday life.

You should also seek medical evaluation if pelvic pain occurs along with symptoms such as:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusually heavy or painful periods
• Pain during sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning with urination
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting

Sudden or severe pelvic or abdominal pain can sometimes be a medical emergency. Seek prompt medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening pain, particularly if it occurs with heavy bleeding, fainting or dizziness, fever, persistent vomiting, or if you are or could be pregnant.

How Is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?

Because pelvic pain has many possible causes, your North Atlanta Ob/Gyn provider will begin by learning more about your symptoms and medical history.

Your provider may ask where the pain occurs, what it feels like, how long it lasts, whether it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, and whether certain activities make it better or worse.

Depending on your symptoms, your evaluation may include:

• A physical and pelvic examination
• Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound
• Urine testing
• Pregnancy testing when appropriate
• Blood testing
• Testing for infection or sexually transmitted infections
• Additional imaging or diagnostic procedures when indicated

Your evaluation will be tailored to your symptoms rather than following the same approach for every patient.

How Is Pelvic Pain Treated?

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on what is causing it. Once your provider has a better understanding of the source of your symptoms, you can discuss treatment options that address both the underlying condition and your discomfort.

Treatment may include:

Medication

Depending on the cause of your pelvic pain, your provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, antibiotics for certain infections, or other medications targeted to the underlying condition.

Hormonal Treatment

Hormonal birth control or other hormonal therapies may help manage pelvic pain associated with conditions such as endometriosis, painful periods, or other hormonally influenced gynecologic conditions.

Treatment for an Underlying Gynecologic Condition

If your pain is related to endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, infection, or another gynecologic condition, your provider will recommend treatment based on your diagnosis, symptoms, health history, and reproductive goals.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

For some conditions, minimally invasive surgery may be appropriate when more conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief or when surgical treatment is otherwise indicated.

Your North Atlanta Ob/Gyn physician will explain your options and help you determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Can I Relieve Pelvic Pain at Home?

For occasional mild pelvic discomfort related to menstruation or ovulation, simple measures may provide relief. Depending on your health and symptoms, these may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• A heating pad or warm compress
• A warm bath
• Gentle movement or exercise
• Rest and relaxation techniques

Home care should not replace medical evaluation for pelvic pain that is severe, persistent, worsening, or unexplained. If you regularly find yourself managing pelvic pain at home without knowing why it is happening, consider talking with your gynecologist.

Pelvic Pain Specialists in Atlanta, Alpharetta & Marietta

You do not have to wait until pelvic pain becomes severe to ask for help. Persistent discomfort, painful periods, pain during sex, pelvic pressure, or recurring lower abdominal pain are all reasonable reasons to talk with your gynecologist.

At North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, our board-certified gynecologists and fellowship-trained urogynecologists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for women experiencing pelvic pain and related gynecologic and pelvic health concerns.

With convenient locations serving Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Northside, Avalon, East Cobb, and surrounding North Atlanta communities, our team provides personalized care focused on identifying the cause of your symptoms and finding an appropriate path forward.

If pelvic pain is interfering with your comfort or quality of life, schedule an appointment with North Atlanta Ob/Gyn by calling our office or requesting an appointment online today.