What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is an uncomfortable feeling in your lower abdominal area, commonly caused by gynecological problems in women. The discomfort might be mild, moderate, or severe. It may be long-lasting or come and go periodically.

While pelvic pain is sometimes nothing more than a nuisance, it can also indicate a serious OB/GYN condition requiring treatment. See your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider at the first sign of a problem. 

What are the common causes of pelvic pain?

Many conditions can cause pelvic pain, including digestive, musculoskeletal, urinary, or reproductive issues. The common causes of pelvic pain in women include:

• Menstrual cramps
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Nerve irritation
• Endometriosis
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Ovarian cysts
• Miscarriage 
• Ovulation
• Ovarian or colon cancer
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Appendicitis
• Constipation 
• Other gastrointestinal problems
• Hernia 
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

More than one factor can contribute to pelvic pain. Finding the cause of your condition allows your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider to develop an effective treatment plan that minimizes symptoms and your risk of serious complications. 

How does my provider find the cause of the discomfort?

To find the root cause of pelvic pain, your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider asks about your medical history and symptoms. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. 

You might also need blood tests, an ultrasound, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or other diagnostic procedures to determine the most appropriate treatment. 

How is pelvic pain treated?

Your personalized treatment for pelvic pain depends on what’s causing it. Your Bay Area Physicians for Women specialist could recommend:

Watchful waiting

If pelvic pain is mild, doesn’t bother you, and isn’t caused by a serious medical problem, your specialist may recommend watchful waiting.

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes can reduce pelvic pain or its underlying cause. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, and achieve or maintain an ideal body weight.

Medications

Taking medications is another treatment for common causes of pelvic pain. Your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider tailors a personalized medication regimen that’s right for you. 

Surgery

If you have a gynecological problem, such as endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus), your Bay Area Physicians for Women specialist offers minimally invasive surgery to correct the problem.

Don’t live with pelvic pain and risk letting it progress to something more serious. Call the Bay Area Physicians for Women office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.