PELVIC PAIN

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain may sudden and severe, or it may be chronic.

Sudden, severe pelvic pain may signal a medical emergency and should not be ignored.

Acute pelvic pain may be the result of an ectopic pregnancy or a ruptured or twisted ovarian cyst, both life-threatening conditions. Other acute causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, a threatened or actual miscarriage, or a bladder infection.

Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by menstrual cramping, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adhesions, endometrial polyps, or reproductive cancers.

How does the doctor determine the cause of pelvic pain?

Any information you can give your doctor with regard to the timing and location of the pain will be helpful in diagnosing its cause. The doctor generally will ask questions, perform an examination, and order laboratory tests to determine if pelvic pain is caused by a gynecological condition. When testing fails to reveal the cause, exploratory surgery (such as a laparoscopy) may be indicated.