Up to 32% of women experience pelvic pain during their reproductive years. It’s an incredibly common problem, yet many women often misunderstand it or ignore it, so they endure the discomfort rather than seek medical attention.
Whether the pain is intermittent or persistent, it might be a sign of a more serious condition, and it’s important to get the care you need. Our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, and we’re here to help you get the answers you need.
Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore recurrent pelvic pain — and how treatment can help.
Although it might seem obvious, it’s not always easy to determine if what you’re feeling is pelvic pain. Different women often experience different symptoms, because pelvic pain can vary widely depending on the underlying cause.
You might feel a dull ache or sharp pain anywhere in your lower abdomen. Sometimes, pelvic pain can manifest in your lower back or thighs. Other symptoms can include bloating, changes in bowel habits, pain during intercourse, menstrual irregularities, and discomfort during urination or bowel movements.
Pelvic pain can be acute, which means it happens suddenly and then goes away, or chronic, where it lasts for several months or longer. Regardless of your specific symptoms, it’s essential to pay attention to how you feel and not dismiss the pain as normal.
Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and it’s never normal. One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t ignore recurrent pelvic pain is that it can indicate a more serious underlying condition — and getting a diagnosis is the first step toward finding relief from your discomfort.
Some common causes of pelvic pain are:
The good news is that many of the most common causes of recurrent pelvic pain are treatable.
Our experienced team offers comprehensive gynecologic care. With thorough examinations, diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans, we aim to address the root cause of your pain and improve your overall quality of life.
The best treatment for your symptoms depends on the cause. For example, we can manage endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside it, with medication or surgery.
PID is an infection of your reproductive organs, and it can be treated with antibiotics. Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, which are non-cancerous growths, may require medication or surgical intervention, depending on their size and symptoms.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and stress management techniques can help alleviate pelvic pain related to conditions like IBS.
In rare cases, pelvic pain may be a sign of gynecological cancers, making it all the more crucial to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and prevent complications from arising.
Recurrent pelvic pain isn’t something to be ignored or endured silently. Pelvic pain is treatable, and recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward finding treatment and achieving a better quality of life. Call our offices in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia, to get started.
