Pelvic pain affects many women at one time or another throughout life. Often linked to your menstrual cycle, cramps or other pains can range from mild to severe. In some cases, it can even force you to miss work or school.
Pelvic pain may feel like a dull ache or sharp pain, and it may be located anywhere between your hips and your bellybutton. Pelvic pain is common, but the causes are diverse — and finding the best treatment options for your pelvic pain isn’t always simple.
At OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, our expert doctors and staff are familiar with diagnosing and treating pelvic pain. Any number of conditions can cause this type of pain, but a few of the most common are:
The best treatment option for your pelvic pain depends on the cause. When you come to OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, our team performs a complete exam to identify the reasons behind your discomfort. Tests may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, CT scan, or blood and urine testing.
Take a moment to learn more about some of the most common causes of pelvic pain and different options to treat it.
A few different types of pelvic pain can be treated with minimally invasive surgery at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta. Endometriosis is a common condition that occurs when the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside your uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and fertility problems.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form inside your uterus. They often cause pelvic pain or heavy menstrual bleeding. Ovarian cysts are another type of noncancerous growth that can cause pain if they’re large or if they rupture.
Endometriosis can be treated with endometrial ablation, a procedure that removes the lining of your uterus. For uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, our team offers surgery to remove abnormal tissue and eliminate pain.
If you experience intense menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, or other symptoms of an irregular period, hormone therapy can help regulate your period and manage pelvic pain. Some women experience pelvic pain when ovulating. This type of pain is called mittelschmerz.
Hormonal birth control may reduce symptoms of painful periods, while also making your period more predictable. Our doctors can help you find the right type of hormonal therapy or birth control that’s right for you.
Urinary tract infections, also called UTIs or bladder infections, are a leading cause of pelvic pain. UTIs often come along with an increased urge to urinate and make urination painful. The only way to treat pain associated with a UTI is to eliminate the infection with antibiotics.
If you have a UTI, our team can prescribe an antibiotic to help you recover. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions and take the medication for as long as prescribed, even if you start feeling better earlier.
Pelvic pain can be remedied with an in-office procedure or prescription to relieve symptoms most of the time. However, if you’re pregnant and you have pelvic pain, seek prompt medical care. Pelvic pain during pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage or other serious medical problems.
Don’t let pelvic pain stop you from enjoying life. Book an appointment at one of our offices in Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia, by calling or requesting an appointment using the online booking tool today, and get started finding relief from your pelvic pain.
