Pelvic pain is a common symptom of many women’s health conditions, including endometriosis. The highly skilled team of providers at Greensboro OB-GYN Associates accurately diagnoses and treats the underlying cause of pelvic pain at their practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. To find relief from pelvic pain, call or book an appointment online today.

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain occurs in the region below your belly button and in between your hips. Many women experience pelvic pain at some point in their lives, especially during or right before their menstrual periods. When pelvic pain lasts longer than 4-6 months, it’s considered chronic.

What causes pelvic pain in women?

Pelvic pain affects both men and women, but problems with women’s reproductive systems introduce another level of health conditions that men don’t experience. Women’s health conditions that may cause pelvic pain as a symptom include:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cyst rupture
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Gynecologic cancers

Women also experience pelvic pain that isn’t related to their reproductive organs. Non-gynecologic conditions that cause pelvic pain include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney stones

Emotional health factors, including stress and depression, can also contribute to pelvic pain in women. In some cases of chronic pelvic pain, no diagnosable condition is ever found.

How do you diagnose pelvic pain?

If you suffer from pelvic pain, the compassionate team at Greensboro OB-GYN Associates works with you to find relief. They begin by performing a physical and pelvic exam, and carefully reviewing your medical history.

Living with chronic pelvic pain can be overwhelming, but it’s helpful to provide your physician with as much relevant information as possible. Specific types of pelvic pain may include:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain
  • Dull, aching pain
  • Cramping

They may also ask whether your pelvic pain is constant, intermittent, or related to an event, such as your period.

Depending on what they find during the physical exam, your physician may take additional tests to diagnose the cause of your pelvic pain. This could include urine tests or an ultrasound imaging test.

How do you treat pelvic pain?

Treatment for pelvic pain typically addresses the underlying condition. The type of treatment you receive varies depending on the cause and severity of your pelvic pain. Common treatments for pelvic pain include:

  • Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise
  • Pain-relieving medications, such as ibuprofen
  • Surgery to treat gynecologic conditions, such as fibroids

To get started on the path to pelvic pain relief, call Greensboro OB-GYN Associates or book an appointment online today.