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Pelvic Pain

A patient and her doctor are working together to determine the best treatment plan
There are many different reasons why women have pelvic pain and is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure. In some cases, no disease is evident. Pelvic pain can be categorized as either acute, meaning the pain is sudden and severe, or chronic, meaning the pain either comes and goes or is constant, lasting for a period of months or longer. There are many causes therefore it is important for patients to have a full evaluation to pinpoint the reason for the pelvic pain. Serving communities throughout the North Shore, our gynecologic surgeons can provide patients with a comprehensive evaluation and multiple treatment options.

Types of pelvic pain

The following are examples of the different types of pelvic pain most commonly described by women, and their possible cause or origin. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

  • Localized pain: May be due to an inflammation
  • Colicky pain: May be caused by spasm in a soft organ such as the intestine, ureter or appendix
  • Sudden onset of pain: May be due to inflammation of the appendix or an intestinal obstruction
  • Slowly-developing pain: May be due to inflammation of the appendix or an intestinal obstruction
  • Pain involving the entire abdomen: May suggest an accumulation of blood, pus or intestinal contents
  • Pain aggravated by movement or during examination: May be a result of irritation in the lining of the abdominal cavity