Pelvic Pain

While occasional pelvic pain can be a normal part of life, women who experience severe or chronic pelvic pain should seek treatment. Help is available through the care of Eve Jacobs, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, of Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Don’t accept ongoing pelvic pain as inevitable when there are treatments that can help. Call or click to request a diagnostic exam today.

What does pelvic pain feel like?

Every woman has a unique experience of pelvic pain. For some, a few hours of dull cramping occurs during each period. Pelvic pain can also feel like sharp, stabbing pain, pelvic pressure, discomfort with urination or moving bowels, or pain with sex.

Some women only experience occasional pelvic pain, while others live with discomfort for months or even years. Pain can be steady or intermittent and may flare up based on activity level, where you are in your menstrual cycle, or your overall health condition.

Pelvic pain can occur anywhere in your lower abdomen. It can be very localized, or it can spread throughout your pelvis and extend into your lower back, buttocks, or legs. 

What might be causing my pelvic pain?

Numerous things can cause pelvic pain, so it is important to come in for a professional diagnostic exam. Some of the potential causes of pelvic pain include:

• Menstrual Cramps
• Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Uterine fibroids
• Vaginal infections and STIs
• Scar tissue from infections, endometriosis, or prior surgery 
• Urinary tract infections and Interstitial Cystitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastrointestinal disorders

A full diagnostic work-up is the best way to determine the exact cause of your discomfort. 

When should I see a professional about pelvic pain?

Occasional pelvic pain is usually nothing to worry about, if the discomfort is linked to your menstrual cycle. However, when pain is severe, persists over time or affects your quality of life, scheduling a diagnostic exam is a good idea. Even if the condition turns out to be relatively minor, you’ll have peace of mind with a clean bill of health.

If you also notice issues like fever, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness alongside pelvic pain, you might be experiencing a medical emergency and should seek medical attention right away. Certain infections can present serious threats to your overall health and well being and issues like ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening

You know your body better than anyone. Tapping into yourself and listening to your body is important.

At Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness, you’ll be seen by a practitioner who is ready to listen to your concerns and help determine the cause of your symptoms. Same-day visits are sometimes available. 

If you're concerned about pelvic pain or any other gynecologic symptom, call Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness to schedule a visit. Online appointment requests are also an option and can be a great fit for less urgent scheduling needs.