Pelvic Pain

Pain in your pelvic region often stems from complications or natural processes involving your reproductive system. Severe pelvic pain is hard to ignore and may indicate a serious condition requiring treatment. At North Atlanta Ob/Gyn in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia, the fellowship-trained, board certified urogynecologists and gynecologists specialize in diagnosing and treating common causes of pelvic pain. If pelvic pain affects you, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, or book your visit online today.

Why do I have pelvic pain?

Pain in your pelvic region can range from a dull yet cumbersome ache to stabbing and severe. In some cases, it’s not much of a cause for concern; some women get menstrual cramps or pelvic pain during ovulation. However, pelvic pain isn’t always something you should ignore. 

Some conditions that cause pelvic pain are:

• Interstitial cystitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 
• Endometriosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Pelvic adhesions
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Urinary tract infections
• Tumors

There are other conditions that might cause pain in your pelvis even if they don’t affect your reproductive or urinary organs. Appendicitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, can cause pain in your pelvis that also requires treatment. 

When should I book an appointment for pelvic pain?

It isn’t always easy to discern harmless pelvic pain from pelvic pain that needs treatment. If you have severe pelvic pain, especially if it appears suddenly, you should visit North Atlanta Ob/Gyn right away. 

Infections often cause severe and sudden pain, and it isn’t safe to wait too long for treatment. Similarly, pain that gets much sharper or feels different suddenly could indicate a change in your condition that needs attention.

If you have other symptoms, like nausea and vomiting or a fever, you should also book an appointment regarding your pelvic pain.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Your provider at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn performs a physical exam, pelvic exam, and diagnostic tests to find out what’s causing your pain. Once they diagnose you, they create a treatment plan to address the condition. Your treatment might involve:

Medication

Your provider might prescribe or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription antibiotics, or other medications to minimize your pain or treat the condition causing it. 

Hormones

Hormonal birth control and other hormonal treatments can treat pelvic pain from menstruation, endometriosis, and other causes. 

Minimally invasive procedures

If fibroids, adhesions, or other growths contribute to your pelvic pain, North Atlanta Ob/Gyn might recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove them. Minimally invasive surgery can also treat endometriosis or nerve pain.

How can I relieve pelvic pain at home?

If you don’t have a condition needing treatment but still have pelvic pain from menstrual cramps or ovulation, you can try a few home remedies. Your provider at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn might recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Heat pads
• Warm baths
• Exercise
• Relaxation

If your pain persists or gets worse, you can book an appointment at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn for further testing. 

Severe or long-lasting pelvic pain isn’t always safe to ignore. To find out what’s causing your pelvic pain and explore treatments for it, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, or book an appointment online today.