Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

Any discomfort you experience in your lower abdominal area is generally classified as pelvic pain. The pain may be sharp and unexpected or dull and chronic. 

Pelvic pain is common in women. In fact, many women experience pelvic pain monthly in relation to their menstrual cycle. 

Though pelvic pain isn’t always a serious health issue, if your pain affects your quality of life or is severe and unexpected, you should contact Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness for an evaluation. 

What are common causes of pelvic pain?

Your lower abdominal area is home to many vital organs, including your large intestine, urinary system, and reproductive organs. Your pelvic pain may be caused by any of these organs or systems. 

Some of the common gynecological conditions that cause pelvic pain include:

• Menstruation
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Gynecological cancer

Non-gynecological causes of pelvic pain include urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and appendicitis.

What can I expect during a pelvic pain evaluation?

The women’s health team at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness specializes in finding and treating the cause of your pelvic pain. You can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation when you come in for care.

During your exam, the team asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, the type of pain you feel, and the frequency. They also review your health and gynecological history, as well as your family history, and then perform a physical and pelvic exam.

To confirm or rule out the cause of your pelvic pain, the team may run a number of diagnostic tests, such as:

• Urinalysis
• Bloodwork
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• STD testing

The information gathered during your evaluation is used to develop a treatment plan. 

How is pelvic pain treated?

Treatment for your pelvic pain is individualized based on the underlying cause. The team discusses in detail their findings and the most effective treatments to alleviate your pain.

Treatment may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Antibiotics
• Hormonal birth control

Depending on the cause, surgical intervention may also be discussed as a treatment option for your pelvic pain.

Though pelvic pain is common in women, there’s no need to suffer through it. To get the answers and treatment you need, contact Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness by phone or online today.