Whether it’s sharp, stabbing, dull, or throbbing, pain in your pelvis could be a sign of a serious medical condition. The expert team of physicians at Capital Women’s Care in Leesburg and Sterling, Virginia and surrounding areas, help women get to the cause of pelvic pain and other female-specific health issues. Since some cases of pelvic pain can indicate a serious problem, schedule an appointment today with one of our board-certified OB/GYN doctors.
Pelvic Pain Q&A
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is experienced differently from one person to the next, but it usually shows up in the lower area of the abdomen. The pain can come on suddenly, come and go, or remain steady. You may experience it as a sharp and shooting pain, a stabbing sensation, or more of a dull ache that radiates around your pelvic region.
Women often experience pelvic pain during certain times of their menstrual cycles or during sex. Pelvic pain may happen in addition to menstrual-related cramps or worsen existing cramps.
What causes pelvic pain?
There are several different causes of pelvic pain, and it’s not always a quick process figuring out why it’s happening. For women, however, it’s usually an indication of some condition related to the reproductive organs, such as:
- Dysmenorrhea — Menstrual cramps or painful periods
- Dyspareunia — Pain during sexual intercourse
- Fibroid tumors — Masses that grow in the uterus
- Vaginitis — Infection often caused by a disruption of microbial balance in the vagina
- Adenomyosis — When endometrial tissue grows into the wall of the uterus
- Endometriosis — A condition where uterine tissue is displaced
- Pelvic inflammatory disease — usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection
- Ovarian cysts — Small sacs that form on or inside the ovaries
- Pelvic adhesive disease — Scar tissue causes reproductive organs to stick together
- Cancer — Advanced Ovarian, Uterine, Tubal, Uterine or bowel cancers can cause pain
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract — such as IBS, Inflammatory bowel disease, Urinary Tract Infections, or Kidney stones
In some cases, your pelvic pain might be caused by more than one problem. Your dedicated physician at Capital Women’s Care will run the necessary tests to diagnose your condition accurately.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience pelvic pain beyond mild to moderate cramping during your menstrual cycle, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out a more serious health issue. Sudden pain or pain that becomes worse over time could indicate there is a problem with your uterus, ovaries, cervix, or fallopian tubes.
If you’re concerned about pelvic pain, make an appointment to see one of the qualified physicians at Capital Women’s Care today.