Most Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
If you're experiencing pelvic pain, or pain in the area below your abdomen or belly, there are several possible causes, ranging from the routine to the concerning. Your pelvis holds many of your internal organs and other biological structures, including your reproductive organs, bladder and urinary structures, your bowels and rectum, and a lot of blood vessels and nerves.
At OB/GYN Associates of Marietta, our talented team of physicians is ready to diagnose and treat the causes of your pelvic pain. Here’s more information about the common causes of pelvic pain and when you should make an appointment to come see us.
Differential diagnosis
Because so many of your bodily systems route through your pelvis, pelvic pain can be an indicator of a variety of problems. If you're dealing with pelvic pain, here are some of the most common causes:
- Reproductive concerns, including ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, endometriosis, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), miscarriage (before the 20th week), ovulation pain, ovarian cancer or cysts, uterine fibroids, or vulvodynia.
- Digestive or urinary problems, such as constipation, Crohn's disease, interstitial cystitis (also known as painful bladder syndrome), intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or ulcerative colitis.
- Conditions of your internal organs, including appendicitis, colon cancer, an inguinal hernia, or pelvic floor muscle spasms.
Because you also have so many muscles, nerves, and ligaments running through your pelvic area, pelvic pain can also arise from muscle or nerve irritation, or inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia.
When to see a doctor
If you've tried simple home remedies like over-the-counter medication, heating pads, light stretching, and resting with your legs elevated to concentrate your blood flow in the affected area, and not found relief from your pelvic pain, it might be time to see a doctor.
If your pelvic pain is chronic, ongoing, or recurring, it's a good idea to seek medical advice. If you have symptoms like severe pain, nausea or vomiting, fever, or loss of consciousness due to your pelvic pain, see a doctor right away.
Whether your pain is due to gynecological issues, digestive problems, or chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or fibromyalgia, OB/GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help. Our knowledgeable and experienced care team has the expertise you can trust to accurately diagnose and treat the causes of your pelvic pain.
When you come in for your initial appointment, we will perform a full exam and take your medical history. We can order tests to confirm your diagnosis, and recommend the right treatment options for your health care needs.
To schedule a consultation with a member of our team to discuss your pelvic pain concerns at one of our offices, conveniently located in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia, contact us today. Call our offices, or book your appointment online.