Dedicated Women’s Health Specialists are a leading Ob-Gyn group in Puyallup and surrounding South Sound region. Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms we encounter in women. It can be very minor and chronic or excruciating and sudden. There are many possible causes. By taking a detailed history and performing focused examination followed by appropriate laboratory and imaging studies, we can make a correct diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment plan.
Pelvic and Abdominal Pain Q & A
What Does Pelvic Pain Indicate?
Pelvic or abdominal pain is felt in the middle and lower parts of the abdomen and is very common in women. Frequently, pelvic or abdominal pain is treated based on when it takes place, which symptoms are present, and whether or not the woman is pregnant. Organs which can create abdominal or pelvic pain include:
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Fallopian Tubes
- Bladder
- Bowel
What are the Causes of Pelvic Pain?
Pain can be the result of a variety of internal and reproductive conditions and can be classified as either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute discomfort is being felt for the first time and chronic pains are continuing and last for a prolonged period of time. Possible conditions causing the pain include:
- Menstrual pains
- Bladder infection (UTI)
- Appendicitis
- Adhesions (scar tissue)
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation
- Fibroids
- Miscarriage
- Premature labor
- Rupture of cysts
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Placental Abruption
- Cancer
- Ovarian cysts
- Abscess
- Ovarian torsion (twisted ovary)
- Diverticulitis
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Interstitial cystitis
How Will Abdominal and Pelvic Pain Be Evaluated and Treated?
Before we can treat the symptom adequately, we need to arrive at a correct diagnosis. We will need to inquire about the person’s symptoms and detailed medical history. We will also perform a physical examination. Frequently we will need to order laboratory tests such as urine test, blood test, and possibly ultrasound. Once we have a working diagnosis, we can proceed with a treatment plan which may include trial of medication, dietary changes and exercises, physical therapy, and surgery. Sometimes surgery is needed for diagnosis as well as treatment. When surgery is needed, most often this can be done with a minimally invasive approach such as laparoscopy which allows us to view the inside of the abdomen and pelvis. This procedure employs a camera inserted through a small incision which allows the surgeon to identify the problem inside the woman’s body and also treat many conditions that may be found. This is done as an outpatient and most women can return to normal activities the next day.