Pelvic Pain Specialist

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is any ache or discomfort that takes place in the lower abdominal area. Symptoms may include bloating or gas, bloody stool, constipation or diarrhea, fever, pain in the hip or groin areas, pain during sex, pain during urination, menstrual pain or worsening cramps, and/or vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to see your Richland Hills, TX gynecologist as soon as possible before your condition worsens.

Pelvic pain may feel similar to a dull ache or a sharp pain. It may start and stop or last for long periods of time. In some cases, a woman may notice that pelvic pain radiates outward to the lower back, buttocks, or thighs. Some types of pelvic pain may only present while urinating or during sexual intercourse.

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain may point to an infection or indicate an abnormality in a woman’s reproductive organs, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, or vagina. Appendicitis, bladder infections, a broken pelvis, a hernia, a kidney infection or kidney stones, nerve conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases may all be associated with pelvic pain. Other possible sources of pelvic pain in females include cervical cancer, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual cramps, miscarriage, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine cancer.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Patrick Allen and his staff will interview you to get a better picture of the symptoms you are experiencing and your general health background. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and conduct an assortment of tests, including a pregnancy test, blood test, a diagnostic laparoscopy, a stool test, an ultrasound or a hysteroscopy among others.

Treatment for pelvic pain will depend on the cause of the pain. Your doctor will also consider the severity and duration of the pain in developing a treatment plan.