Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can interfere with your daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. Whether your discomfort is occasional or persistent, ongoing pelvic pain is not something you should ignore. At Lamorinda Women’s Health in Lafayette, California, board-certified gynecologist Karine Hajyan, DO, FACOG, provides compassionate, personalized care to diagnose the cause of pelvic pain and develop treatment plans tailored to your needs. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about pelvic pain evaluation and treatment.

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis, below the belly button. Pelvic pain may be acute, meaning it develops suddenly, or chronic, lasting for six months or longer.

The pain can vary from mild to severe and may feel sharp, dull, cramp-like, burning, or constant. Some people experience pelvic pain only during certain activities, such as exercise, sexual intercourse, urination, or menstruation.

When should I seek medical help for pelvic pain?

You should schedule an evaluation if pelvic pain is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life. Even mild symptoms can signal an underlying condition that may benefit from treatment.

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Pelvic pain that lasts for several days or longer
• Severe or sudden pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful menstrual periods
• Heavy or irregular bleeding
• Pain with urination or bowel movements
• Unexplained bloating or pressure
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting accompanied by pelvic pain

At Lamorinda Women’s Health, Dr. Hajyan takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your symptoms, and determine the cause of your discomfort.

What can cause pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can have many possible causes, including gynecologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal conditions. Common causes include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Adenomyosis
• Menstrual disorders
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

In some cases, multiple factors may contribute to pelvic pain.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing pelvic pain begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, menstrual cycles, and overall health. Dr. Hajyan may ask when your pain occurs, what it feels like, and whether anything makes it better or worse.

Your evaluation may include:

• A pelvic examination
• Laboratory testing
• Ultrasound imaging
• Additional diagnostic testing based on your symptoms

The goal is to identify the underlying cause so that treatment can be personalized to your specific needs.

What treatments are available for pelvic pain?

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and your personal health goals. Dr. Hajyan creates individualized treatment plans that may include:

• Medications to relieve pain or address underlying conditions
• Hormonal therapies
• Treatment for infections
• Lifestyle modifications
• Pelvic floor physical therapy referrals
• Minimally invasive procedures when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring and symptom management
• Sola pelvic therapy

You don't have to live with ongoing pelvic pain. Contact Lamorinda Women’s Health by phone or online to schedule an evaluation and receive compassionate care.