Here's What May Be Causing Your Pelvic Pain

Have you noticed a dull ache in your pelvis that’s not going away? Are you sidelined by intense cramps before and during your period? Do sharp pangs of pain make focusing on your daily life impossible?

You’re not alone. About 15% of women of childbearing age suffer chronic pelvic pain at some point, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Daniel McDonald, MD, Marc Wilson, MD, and our team at OB/GYN Specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, so you can find the relief you deserve.

Take a moment to learn more about some of the most common conditions that could be contributing to your pelvic pain.

Common causes of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is a generic term for pain anywhere from your bellybutton to your groin. The pain may radiate to your lower back, and it can make sex, urination, and bowel movements painful too.

Most of the time, pelvic pain is a symptom of another gynecologic condition. But sometimes, the pain itself is the condition. No matter your symptoms, our team at OB/GYN Specialists works with you to pinpoint the cause.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis develops when the tissue lining your uterus (endometrium) starts growing somewhere else in your body — usually on other reproductive organs. These patches of tissue create inflammation, which often leads to pain, cysts, and scarring in your pelvic area.

Heavy menstrual periods

Over 80% of women get menstrual cramps before or during their periods. The pain may last for a few days, but it should be tolerable with self-care and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some women suffer from abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, which can make cramps much more severe.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are little sacs of fluid that grow in or on your ovaries. Most ovarian cysts aren’t painful, but larger cysts can cause pain and bloating. Sometimes, cysts rupture and cause sudden and intense abdominal pain.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in your uterus. They’re very common, and small fibroids usually don’t cause symptoms. However, large or numerous fibroids can cause problems that range from heavy menstrual bleeding to chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection, and pelvic pain is one of its most common symptoms. It can cause inflammation in any reproductive organs, including your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Other symptoms include pain with sex and irregular periods.

Pregnancy complications

If you experience pelvic pain while pregnant, contact the doctor right away. Pelvic pain early in pregnancy could be a sign of either ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and both require professional medical care.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections are common, and they happen when bacteria enter your urethra, bladder, or ureters, and start to multiply. The most common symptom of a UTI is pain with urination, but it can also cause ongoing pelvic pain even when you aren’t using the toilet.

When to go to the doctor for pelvic pain

Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and you should never ignore your symptoms. If you experience any type of pelvic pain beyond mild menstrual cramps, our team at OB/GYN Specialists can help.

We review your symptoms, then do a comprehensive pelvic exam to identify the cause of your pain. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment can include hormone medication, minimally invasive surgery, or trigger point injections to relieve your pain.

Stop living with pelvic pain and start finding answers. Call our Denton, Texas, office at 940-202-0566 or send us a message online.