Pelvic Pain Care in Riverside, CA
Comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for pelvic pain, menstrual pain, pelvic pressure, painful intercourse, and other gynecologic causes of discomfort.
Pelvic pain can have many possible causes. A careful medical history, examination, and appropriate testing can help identify the source and guide treatment.
Pelvic pain deserves a thoughtful evaluation.
Pelvic pain is discomfort located in the lower abdomen, pelvis, hips, pelvic floor, or reproductive organs. It may be occasional or persistent, mild or severe, and can occur with menstruation, intercourse, urination, bowel movements, pregnancy, or everyday activities.
Because pelvic pain can have many different causes, identifying patterns and associated symptoms is an important part of evaluation. At Magnolia Women Medical Center, care is individualized according to your symptoms, medical history, reproductive goals, and examination.
What can cause pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain can originate from reproductive organs, the urinary system, digestive system, pelvic floor muscles, or other structures.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, particularly around menstruation, and may also be associated with painful intercourse or other symptoms.
Learn about endometriosis →Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are common noncancerous growths of the uterus that can sometimes contribute to pelvic pressure, discomfort, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Learn about uterine fibroids →Ovarian Cysts
Some ovarian cysts can cause pelvic discomfort, pressure, or sudden pain depending on their size and characteristics.
Learn about ovarian cysts →Pelvic Infections
Certain infections involving the reproductive organs can cause pelvic discomfort and may require prompt medical evaluation.
Menstrual Disorders
Severe menstrual cramps and other menstrual disorders can contribute to recurring pelvic pain.
Explore menstrual disorders →Pelvic Floor Conditions
Problems involving pelvic floor muscles can contribute to chronic pelvic discomfort, pressure, or pain with certain activities.
Painful Intercourse
Pain during intercourse can have gynecologic, hormonal, pelvic floor, inflammatory, or other causes that deserve evaluation.
Urinary or Digestive Conditions
Pelvic symptoms may sometimes be associated with conditions involving the bladder, urinary tract, bowel, or digestive system.
Pelvic pain can feel different for every woman.
Describing exactly where your pain occurs, when it begins, and what makes it better or worse can help your provider understand your symptoms.
Lower abdominal or pelvic aching
Sharp or stabbing pelvic pain
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Severe menstrual cramps
Pain during or after intercourse
Pain associated with urination
Pain associated with bowel movements
Recurring or chronic pelvic discomfort
How pelvic pain may be evaluated
The evaluation depends on your symptoms, age, medical history, reproductive goals, and clinical findings.
Medical History
Your provider may ask about your menstrual cycle, pregnancy history, medications, previous procedures, pain patterns, sexual health, urinary symptoms, and bowel symptoms.
Physical Examination
Depending on your symptoms, a physical or pelvic examination may help identify tenderness, masses, or other findings that require further evaluation.
Diagnostic Testing
When appropriate, testing may include laboratory studies, pregnancy testing, infection testing, or imaging such as ultrasound.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once the likely cause has been identified, your provider can discuss appropriate treatment options and determine whether additional evaluation or referral is needed.
Sudden or severe pelvic pain should not be ignored.
Seek prompt medical attention for severe or sudden pelvic pain, especially when it occurs with heavy bleeding, fainting, dizziness, fever, vomiting, pregnancy, or other concerning symptoms.
If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Treatment depends on the cause of your pelvic pain.
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every type of pelvic pain. Your care plan is based on the underlying condition and your individual needs.
Medication
Depending on the diagnosis, medications may be used to address pain, inflammation, infection, hormonal factors, or other causes.
Hormonal Treatment
Certain hormone-related conditions may be managed with hormonal therapies when medically appropriate.
Monitoring
Some conditions may be monitored over time when symptoms are mild and immediate intervention is not necessary.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When appropriate, minimally invasive gynecologic procedures may be considered to diagnose or treat certain conditions.
Surgery
Surgical treatment may be considered when an underlying condition requires removal, repair, or another operative approach.
Referral & Collaborative Care
When pelvic pain involves another medical specialty, coordinated care or referral may be appropriate.
Pelvic Pain FAQs
What is pelvic pain? +
Pelvic pain refers to discomfort located in the lower abdomen, pelvis, reproductive organs, pelvic floor, or surrounding areas. It can have many possible causes.
When should I see a gynecologist for pelvic pain? +
Consider scheduling an evaluation when pelvic pain is persistent, recurring, worsening, interfering with daily activities, occurring during intercourse, or associated with abnormal bleeding or other symptoms.
Can endometriosis cause pelvic pain? +
Yes. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, particularly around menstruation. Some women may also experience pain during intercourse or bowel movements.
Can fibroids cause pelvic pain? +
Fibroids can sometimes contribute to pelvic pressure, discomfort, or pain, depending on their size and location.
Can ovarian cysts cause pelvic pain? +
Some ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain or pressure. The symptoms can vary depending on the cyst and whether complications occur.
Can pelvic pain be related to my menstrual cycle? +
Yes. Menstrual cramps and certain gynecologic conditions can cause pelvic pain that follows a pattern related to the menstrual cycle.
Can pelvic pain occur during intercourse? +
Yes. Pain during intercourse can have several possible causes, including gynecologic conditions, hormonal changes, pelvic floor problems, infection, or other medical conditions.
What tests may be used to evaluate pelvic pain? +
Depending on your symptoms, evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, pregnancy testing, infection testing, or imaging such as pelvic ultrasound.
Is chronic pelvic pain treatable? +
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Identifying the source of persistent pelvic pain can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Should I see a doctor for recurring pelvic pain? +
Recurring pelvic pain deserves medical evaluation, particularly when it affects your quality of life or is accompanied by abnormal bleeding, fever, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, or pain during intercourse.
You don't have to ignore persistent pelvic pain.
If pelvic pain is affecting your daily life, menstrual cycle, relationships, or overall well-being, schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and possible causes.