Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain usually occurs below the belly button and above the pubic bone. It’s usually describing discomfort in the region of a woman’s internal reproductive organs. Symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Unusually intense menstrual cramps
• Vaginal bleeding
• Painful urination
• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• Bloating and gas
• Pain with intercourse

Pain can be intermittent or steady, dull or sharp, and localized or general. Describe your symptoms to Dr. Anthony and Dr. Chua to help them evaluate the reason for your pain.

A variety of conditions can cause pelvic pain. A urinary tract infection or intestinal disorder may be to blame. Other causes include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Menstruation or ovulation
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Cervical or uterine cancer

The doctors at Suburban Women’s Specialists use your description of your pain as well as accompanying symptoms, such as a fever, to help narrow down the root cause of your pelvic pain.

Dr. Anthony and Dr. Chua take a thorough medical history and do a comprehensive physical exam to help determine the cause of your pelvic pain. They may also order urine and blood tests.

You may also undergo other tests including:

• Vaginal cultures to test for sexually transmitted diseases
• An ultrasound
• Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
• A CT scan and/or MRI

The results of these tests can help the doctors narrow down the cause of your pain so they can offer effective treatment.

The treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause. If you have an infection, Dr. Anthony and Dr. Chua may offer antibiotics. In the case of sexually transmitted diseases or hormonal issues associated with your menstrual cycle, they may prescribe specific medications or hormones to address the root cause of your pelvic pain.

If the pain results from fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, or another problem with one of your pelvic organs, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

For more information about diagnosis and treatment of your pelvic pain, call Suburban Women’s Specialists or book an appointment online.