What are some common causes of pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is divided into two general types:
- Chronic, which lasts six months or longer
- Acute, which develops suddenly and may come or go depending on the underlying condition
For some women, pelvic pain is related to the reproductive organs and may occur during or after sexual intercourse or menstruation. For others, pelvic pain does not have anything to do with reproduction and instead is a condition of the bowels or urinary tract. Pelvic pain is also a symptom of several conditions including:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Other related organs giving pelvic pain such as an appendicitis, or colitis
How is pelvic pain treated?
The cause of your pelvic pain determines the type of treatment you need. For women with chronic pelvic pain due to inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
For those with pelvic pain secondary to menstruation or sexual intercourse, further testing is required to determine an exact cause of the discomfort. For women with pelvic pain secondary to PCOS, hormonal birth control or changes in diet may lead to a more regular, comfortable menstrual cycle.
Pelvic pain is a wide ranging complaint which requires specific diagnostic testing and then management. It can not and should not be ignored.
How do you know if pelvic pain is caused by something more serious?
While many women experience pelvic pain at some point in their lives, the only way to know if your pelvic pain is a symptom of a more serious medical condition is to see a physician. After talking about your medical history, your doctor conducts a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pelvic pain and the best course of treatment. These tests may include:
- An ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Pelvic exam
- Depending on the findings, further testing and or procedures may be required, including MRI, CAT scan or even laparoscopy.
For more information on pelvic pain or to discuss your symptoms, contact Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center for a consultation.
