Pelvic Pain

Plano Women’s Healthcare — Pelvic Pain

Most women experience pelvic pain at some point during their lifetime, whether from menstrual cramps, ovulation, or even intestinal irregularity. For most women, pelvic pain may persist for a few days and then resolve. However, in women with chronic pelvic pain, pelvic discomfort can occur daily and can interfere with their quality of life, sexual function, exercise, and general mood. Our Plano Women's Healthcare providers understand pelvic pain can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. We are here to listen to your concerns, address the underlying problem, and create an individualized care plan to get you on the road to wellness sooner.

What is Causing my Pelvic Pain?

There are many conditions and diseases that can cause or contribute to chronic or acute pelvic pain. In general, it can stem from issues with your urinary, digestive, or reproductive systems or by an irritation or inflammation of nerves within the pelvic cavity. Some of the most common causes include:

Ovarian cyst(s)
Ovulation
Menstrual pain
Infection or STD
Endometriosis
Pelvic floor dysfunction and muscle spasms
Pelvic organ prolapse
UTI (urinary tract infection)
Uterine fibroids

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
Appendicitis
Kidney stone
Intestinal irregularity, such as IBS, constipation, or diarrhea
Ulcerative colitis
Colon cancer
Diverticulitis

Because there is such a wide range of possible causes, it is important to get any pelvic pain checked out by your doctor as soon as possible. If the pain lasts more than six months, it is considered chronic rather than acute, but any pain lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated.

What Could Cause Pain During Sex?

As many as 75% of women will experience pain during sex, also called dyspareunia, at some point during their lives. For some, this pain is rare, but for others, it may become a persistent — and frustrating — problem. While dryness is the most common cause of sexual discomfort, other conditions that can lead to painful intercourse include vaginal or pelvic infections, vaginismus, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The location of the pain — whether it is on the outside of the vagina, in the vagina, or deep within the pelvis — may help identify the cause of discomfort and necessary treatment.

Some women consider painful sex or sexual dysfunction to be a difficult topic to share and ask for help resolving. It may help you to know that our providers at Plano Women’s Healthcare have treated and helped many women with sexual pain and dysfunction issues. Not only are we very familiar with the problem and issues surrounding it, but we also strive to create an open, caring, and safe environment where you can freely discuss your concerns and seek treatment.

When Should I be Seen for my Pelvic Pain?

If you have sudden or severe pain, bleeding, fever, nausea/vomiting, or if you notice heavy vaginal discharge or odor, then we recommend coming in for an evaluation right away. We also recommend coming in for an appointment if your pelvic pain is not resolving and has become chronic, persisting for more than two weeks.

What Are my Treatment Options for Pelvic Pain?

The treatment for pelvic pain depends on the source of the pain. NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), pain management, birth control, pelvic floor therapy, and surgery may all be options depending on the underlying cause.

Have More Questions About Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain can be both frightening and frustrating. Because there are so many different reasons you may be experiencing pain, it is important to come in for an appointment so we can help ease your mind — and your symptoms.