What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is a feeling of discomfort in or near your lower abdominal area. The pain might be mild or severe, and steady or intermittent.
Pelvic pain could simply indicate cramping during your menstrual period, but it might also be the sign of a gynecological or urinary problem requiring treatment to prevent complications. See Dr. Khamvongsa and his team at the first sign of pelvic pain.
What can cause pelvic pain?
If you experience pelvic pain, it could be because of one of the following conditions:
- Urinary tract problems
- Appendicitis
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Hernia
- Intestinal disorders
- Kidney problems
- Ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy, or miscarriage
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Ovulation or menstrual cramps
- Ovarian cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis
- Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer
Some conditions associated with mild pelvic pain can lead to severe pain or serious medical problems if left untreated.
How does my provider diagnose the cause of pelvic pain?
To find the root cause of pelvic pain and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Khamvongsa and his team review your symptoms and ask about your medical history. They check your vital signs and complete a comprehensive physical examination, including a pelvic exam.
Your OB/GYN team might recommend you undergo blood tests, urine or stool tests, a pregnancy test, a Pap smear, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, lower endoscopy, or hysteroscopy to diagnose the cause of lower abdominal discomfort.
What are my pelvic pain treatment options?
Depending on what’s causing pelvic pain and its severity, Dr. Khamvongsa and his team might recommend one of the following treatments:
- Watchful waiting
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Behavioral changes
- Further diagnostic testing
- Surgical procedures
If you have endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, or cancer, Dr. Khamvongsa may suggest surgery to remove abnormal tissue. He can also remove an ectopic pregnancy, complete a hysterectomy, or perform other surgical procedures as needed to relieve pain and give you better quality of life.
Don’t live with pelvic pain that negatively affects your lifestyle and might be the sign of a serious women’s health problem. Book an appointment with Peter Khamvongsa, MD, FACOG, FACS, IF, over the phone or online at the first sign of pelvic pain.
