Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a common women’s health problem that may be a symptom of an underlying health condition. The providers at Capital Women's Care Howard County located in Fulton, Maryland offer diagnosis and treatment for all types of pelvic pain.

What is pelvic pain?

You’ve probably experienced pain or discomfort in the area between your hips and below your belly button at some point. Women’s pelvic pain is a familiar complaint that may occur only at certain times, such as before or during your menstrual period, or it can persist constantly.

Pelvic pain that lasts for six months or longer is called chronic pelvic pain. Sometimes, chronic pelvic pain is a medical condition on its own. More often, it’s a symptom of another gynecological problem.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

Symptoms of pelvic pain may vary in type, intensity, frequency, and duration. It can come on suddenly in sharp waves or linger as a dull ache. You may have pelvic pain if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Pain during sex

  • Pain while urinating

  • Severe menstrual cramps

  • Discomfort while sitting for long periods

  • Mild to severe pain in your pelvis

What causes pelvic pain?

Many different conditions can cause women’s pelvic pain. Some of these conditions may not involve your reproductive organs, which can make pelvic pain a complicated problem to diagnose.

Though some women have one clear condition that causes pelvic pain, others may have multiple conditions. It’s also possible to suffer from prolonged pelvic pain without finding any underlying problem.

Women’s health conditions that may cause pelvic pain as a symptom include:

  • Endometriosis

  • Uterine fibroids

  • Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

How do you diagnose and treat pelvic pain?

First, your OB/GYN at Capital Women’s Care performs a thorough pelvic exam to check for signs of disease in your vagina and cervix. They may ask questions about your menstrual cycles, medical history, and type of pelvic pain you’re experiencing.

If needed, they may examine your uterus with an ultrasound test. Depending on what they detect with the ultrasound, your OB/GYN may recommend additional tests to determine the cause of your pelvic pain, such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

Pelvic pain treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of your condition. Your provider at Capital Women’s Care may recommend lifestyle changes or medication management to relieve your pelvic pain.

If your condition is severe or pain doesn’t improve with treatment, your doctor may recommend another procedure, such as minimally invasive surgery.

If you suffer from pelvic pain and need expert treatment, call Capital Women’s Care, or request an appointment online today.