Potential Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women

Pain that occurs in the pelvis, or lowest part of the torso, may be an indicator of many conditions. Pelvic pain is much more common in women than in men, and is often, though not always, associated with the reproductive system. If you experience frequent or unexplained pelvic pain, schedule a visit with your gynecologist to determine its cause and the best course of treatment.

Pregnancy Problems

If you are currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant, pelvic pain should always prompt you to visit your gynecologist. Pelvic pain can be a sign of pregnancy complications that include ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or placental abruption. Particularly if pelvic pain is sharp or extreme, or is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, it’s essential to seek medical care quickly—conditions such as ectopic pregnancy can threaten your health and well-being if they are not addressed immediately.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes called PID, is an infection of the uterus. The most common PIDs are chlamydia and gonorrhea; if your gynecologist suspects that you are suffering from a uterine infection, you may undergo STD testing to find the cause of your PID to ensure your treatment targets the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in the tissue of the uterus in some women. In most cases, fibroids cause no symptoms as they grow or shrink on their own; however, some women experience pelvic pain associated with these fibroids, especially as they undergo changes in size or experience fibroid degeneration. If your gynecologist suspects that you suffer from uterine fibroids, she may perform an ultrasound exam or a physical exam of your vagina and uterus to confirm this diagnosis before recommending treatment.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we provide comprehensive gynecology services near Washington, D.C. , including treatment for pelvic pain, vaginal infection, and STDs. You can find out more about us when you visit our website, or call (202) 659-9403 to discuss scheduling a pap smear, HIV testing, or IUD placement.