Are you bothered by pelvic pain? Maybe it’s a sharp pain with sexual intercourse. Maybe it’s bad menstrual cramps during your period. Or maybe, it’s a dull ache that never really goes away.
Pelvic pain is a common concern for women of all ages. It can take many forms, and for about 15% of women, that pain lingers for six months or longer.
Although pelvic pain is common, you should never ignore it. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and seeking care for your pelvic pain is the best way to find treatment that works.
Our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain. We’re here to help you identify what’s causing your discomfort and find a treatment plan to stop it.
Pelvic pain is discomfort anywhere between your hips and your bellybutton. It’s commonly associated with menstrual periods, and an estimated 80% of women get period cramps in their lifetimes.
Mild cramps that come with your period and don’t interfere with your daily life may not indicate a problem. But menstrual cramps that affect your daily activities, or pelvic pain that occurs at other times of the month, could indicate an underlying condition.
Pelvic pain can feel like a dull ache, cramping, or pressure in your pelvis. Some women experience sharp waves of pain or pain in their lower backs. For others, pelvic pain makes sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination uncomfortable.
Pelvic pain may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding and abdominal bloating, particularly if the pain comes along with your menstrual period. In severe cases, pelvic pain can cause fever or nausea.
One of the most common causes of pelvic pain is the menstrual cycle. You might suffer pain in the days leading up to and during your period. Ovulation in the middle of your cycle could also cause temporary pain.
Other common gynecologic conditions that cause pelvic pain include:
Although pelvic pain is commonly related to female reproductive organs, it could have other causes. Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and hernias are other possible causes of pelvic pain in women and men.
There are lots of possible causes of pelvic pain, and many of these conditions share similar symptoms. At OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, our team provides comprehensive diagnostics and care for women living with pelvic pain.
Our well-woman exams include physical and pelvic exams, and reviews of your medical history and symptoms. We strive to pinpoint the cause of your pain and recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.
If your pain is linked to heavy periods and severe cramps, contraception could be effective in regulating your menstrual cycle. If you’re diagnosed with endometriosis or other types of pelvic pain, minimally invasive laparoscopy could provide relief.
Most cases of pelvic pain are treatable with the right care, so you don’t have to live with the discomfort any longer. Contact OB-GYN Associates of Marietta in Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia, by phone for an appointment.
