Pelvic Pain Overview

Pelvic pain is a blanket term describing any pain occurring below the belly button, in the lowest part of the abdomen and pelvis.

Pain can affect the reproductive, digestive, musculoskeletal, urinary, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Pelvic pain may indicate the presence of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. The majority of causes of pelvic pain are benign but can become serious if left untreated. The most common causes of pelvic pain in women are related to their menstrual cycle. Menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy are three of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women.

Pelvic Pain Treatment Options

The treatment of pelvic pain depends on the cause, but common treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes:

Some conditions that cause pelvic pain require special diets, such as gluten-free or low FOD map diets. Reducing your intake of sugary, greasy, and processed foods can help alleviate some pelvic pain.
Drink more water.
Eat slowly and smaller portions.
Avoid foods you are allergic to or have an intolerance for.

Heat therapy
Over-the-counter medication for pain, bloating, or gas relief
Prescription medication for pain or to treat a specific disease

Birth control for those with a uterus

Physical therapy
Surgery: In some cases, you will need surgery to treat your symptoms. Cancer and appendicitis are two common causes of pelvic pain that may require surgery.

Symptoms

Pain occurring in the lowest part of the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, or thighs
Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
Pain during intercourse or while urinating or defecating
Bloating or gas
Blood present in your urine or stool
Difficulties with or inability to control urinating or defecating

Seek immediate medical attention if your sudden, intense abdominal pain is solely on the right side of your abdomen and is accompanied by:

Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Constipation or diarrhea
Bloating and flatulence

These can be symptoms of appendicitis, which may be caused by a ruptured appendix or a pus pocket in your abdomen.

Pelvic Pain Diagnostic Tests

If your pelvic pain lasts more than several weeks or progressively worsens, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare professional will inquire about your symptoms’ frequency, location, severity, and duration. They will inquire about your sexual activities, complete medical history, and familial history related to pelvic pain before conducting a physical exam.

Blood, stool, or urine analysis
X-rays
MRI
Laparoscopy
Ultrasound
Vaginal or penile cultures to check for STI
Pap smear
Pregnancy test
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Pelvic Pain Causes

Causes of pelvic pain include, but are not limited to:

Appendicitis
Cancer
Constipation
Crohn’s disease
Cystitis or interstitial cystitis
Diseases affecting reproductive organs
Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose intolerance
Pancreatitis
Pelvic adhesions
Sexually transmitted illness
Sore or tight pelvic muscles
Testicular or ovarian torsion
Trauma or injury
Tumor
Urinary or kidney stones
Urinary tract infections

Causes specific to those with uteruses:

Adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Menstrual cramps
Mittelschmerz: painful ovulation
Ovarian cysts or cancer
Ovulations
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pregnancy
Uterine fibroids
Yeast infection
Ectopic pregnancy: occurs when the embryo implants itself anywhere outside of the uterus

More Pelvic Pain Facts

Women are more likely to experience pelvic pain than men.

Schedule your consultation for pelvic pain treatment at The Pain Experts of Arizona today

If you're experiencing pelvic pain, don't delay. Get the answers you need with help from The Pain Experts of Arizona. We treat patients with pelvic pain in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

The Pain Experts of Arizona was founded to bring the highest level of care in a state-of-the-art setting that emphasizes the belief of treating our patients with the same respect, compassion, and dedication we would treat our own friends and family.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment and let us help you get back on your way to an active life without the limitations of chronic pain. From our Phoenix office, The Pain Experts of Arizona, serves pain management patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area.

Pelvic Pain Treatment in Gilbert, AZ