Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a common concern and can range from occasional discomfort to persistent pain that affects daily life. Because pelvic pain may involve the reproductive system, urinary tract, digestive organs, or pelvic floor muscles, a clear diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

MyObgyne provides pelvic pain evaluation in San Tan Valley, AZ. Whether your pain is sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, we take your symptoms seriously and work with you to identify the cause and develop a plan for relief.

What Is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It may begin suddenly (acute) or last for months (chronic). Some patients notice pain linked to periods, sex, urination, or bowel movements, while others have symptoms without a clear trigger.

Pelvic pain may feel like:

• Cramping or aching
• Pressure or heaviness
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Burning pain or pain that radiates into the back, legs, or groin

The timing, severity, and triggers of pain help guide diagnosis.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain has many possible causes. Evaluation focuses on identifying the source so treatment can target what is driving symptoms.

Gynecologic causes may include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Adenomyosis
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Ectopic pregnancy, which is an emergency

Urinary causes may include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome

Digestive causes may include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Constipation or bowel obstruction
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Pelvic floor and musculoskeletal causes may include:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle tightness
• Scar tissue or adhesions from prior surgery, including cesarean delivery
• Hernia or nerve compression

In some cases, stress or past trauma can intensify physical symptoms. A complete evaluation considers the whole picture so care can be effective and realistic.

When to See a Provider

Schedule a visit with an OB-GYN in San Tan Valley if you:

• Have pelvic pain that is persistent, worsening, or not improving with over-the-counter medication
• Experience pain with intercourse, periods, or bowel movements
• Notice changes in your cycle, bleeding pattern, or vaginal discharge
• Develop pelvic pain with fever, nausea, or abnormal bleeding
• Find that discomfort limits daily activities, sleep, or work

If pelvic pain is sudden and severe, especially with dizziness, heavy bleeding, or fever, seek urgent medical care.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pelvic pain begins with a detailed review of symptoms and medical history. Testing may include:

• Pelvic exam to check for tenderness, masses, or signs of infection
• Urinalysis or blood work to evaluate infection or inflammation
• Pelvic ultrasound to assess the uterus, ovaries, and nearby structures
• STI testing when infection is a concern
• MRI or CT imaging when additional detail is needed
• Laparoscopy when endometriosis or adhesions are suspected and not seen on imaging

We take a step-by-step approach to identify the root cause and avoid guessing.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of pain and how symptoms are affecting your life. Care may include medical treatment, supportive therapies, and procedures when needed.

Medical treatment may include:

• NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and help menstrual cramps
• Antibiotics for infections
• Hormonal birth control to manage endometriosis, fibroids, or menstrual pain
• Bladder-focused treatment plans or dietary adjustments for interstitial cystitis or IBS patterns

Supportive care may include:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Stress management and mental health support when symptoms are amplified by stress
• Nutritional counseling when weight or inflammation may affect symptoms
• Heat therapy and gentle movement such as stretching or yoga

Procedures or surgery may include:

• Laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis, cysts, or fibroids
• Hysteroscopy for concerns inside the uterus
• Adhesiolysis to remove scar tissue when adhesions are found

We work with you to create a plan that addresses both symptom relief and the underlying cause.

Do Not Ignore Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is not something you have to accept as normal. If symptoms affect your daily life, sleep, mood, or relationships, support is available.

For pelvic pain evaluation in San Tan Valley, AZ, schedule a consultation with MyObgyne to begin a thorough assessment and discuss treatment options.