Our Services / Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is discomfort or pain felt in your lower abdomen. It can be a sign of a variety of conditions. While everyone will experience occasional pelvic pain during periods or at other times, severe pain that persists over time or occurs alongside other gynecologic conditions should be evaluated by a gynecologist. 

Pelvic pain can feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation or can be a dull, throbbing ache. You might experience pain for just a couple of hours, or it might persist around the clock. Many women notice pelvic pain during their periods, and unless the discomfort prevents you from normal routines, it will usually resolve itself once your period ends. 

What might be causing my pelvic pain?

Numerous things can cause or contribute to pelvic pain, which is why it is so important to seek a professional diagnosis if the condition persists. Some of the causal factors for pain in your lower abdomen include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Pregnancy (including ectopic pregnancy)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Miscarriage

If you begin to experience unusual pelvic pain or are concerned about other changes, call New Beginnings OB/GYN to book a diagnostic work-up. 

Are there diagnostic tools that can detect the cause of pelvic pain?

The diagnostic process begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and overall health. A pelvic exam follows, which gives your gynecologist a chance to check your vaginal and cervical tissue for signs of abnormalities. 

Blood and/or urine testing is sometimes helpful in diagnosing pelvic pain. If you’re overdue for Pap smear testing, this simple screening for cervical cancer can be done during your pelvic exam. 

Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scanning, and X-rays can provide insight into the structure of your internal organs. A hysteroscopy procedure uses a light and magnifying device to facilitate a closer examination of vaginal tissues without any need for incisions or anesthesia. 

Your gynecologist might suggest laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small tube equipped with a camera and light to project images of your internal tissues onto an external screen. In some cases, tissue alterations can be performed during the same diagnostic laparoscopic procedure. 

Once your specialist has a better understanding of the cause of your pelvic pain, a customized treatment plan is designed to help resolve the discomfort. Begin that process today by calling to book a visit or trying the easy online booking tool.