Most Common Causes of Pelvic Pain (and What to Do About It)

Pelvic pain can feel dull or sharp, sudden or constant, and may come and go with your cycle. It often sticks around longer than you’d expect — chronic pelvic pain affects around 26% of women.

At Sovereign Women's Healthcare, we see many patients who feel unsure about what their pelvic pain means. Fortunately, we can identify the cause and help you feel better. Let’s walk through the most common causes of pelvic pain and what you can do about them.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis develops when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. That tissue still reacts to your monthly hormones, which can trigger inflammation and pain during your period. Many women with endometriosis feel:

• Intense cramps
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Pain with bowel movements

We listen carefully to your symptoms and may recommend imaging or minimally invasive procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include hormonal birth control, other hormone therapies, pain management strategies, or surgery in certain cases. Early care can reduce pain and protect your fertility.

Ovarian cysts

Your ovaries naturally form small cysts during your cycle. Most of them don’t cause problems and go away on their own, but sometimes a cyst grows larger, ruptures, or twists the ovary. This can cause sudden, sharp pain on one side of your lower abdomen.

If you experience severe pelvic pain that sets in quickly — especially with nausea or fever — you should seek care right away. We use ultrasound to check your ovaries and decide on the right next steps. Many cysts only require monitoring, but some need medication or surgery.

Uterine fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. Some women don’t notice them at all, but others experience heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and/or pain.

We tailor fibroid treatment to your symptoms, age, and future pregnancy plans. Options may include hormone therapy to shrink fibroids, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. 

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Many women deal with cramps during their periods. Your uterus tightens to shed its lining, and those contractions can hurt. 

Mild cramping often responds to over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, light exercise, and rest. However, if your cramps feel severe, keep you home from work or school, or worsen over time, you shouldn’t ignore them. Severe period pain can point to an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. 

If cramps are interfering with your life, we evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID develops when bacteria travel from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause PID, but other infections can play a role.

Symptoms may include pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever, and pain during sex. PID requires prompt treatment with antibiotics; if you wait too long, it can cause scarring and fertility problems. We encourage regular STD testing and early evaluation if something doesn’t feel right.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection can cause pelvic pressure, burning with urination, and frequent trips to the bathroom. Some women also feel lower abdominal pain.

UTIs usually respond quickly to antibiotics. Drinking water and urinating regularly can help reduce your risk. If infections keep recurring, we can identify underlying causes and offer prevention strategies.

Gastrointestinal issues

Sometimes pelvic pain doesn’t start in your reproductive organs at all. Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and inflammation can trigger discomfort in the lower abdomen.

When to seek care for pelvic pain

You should schedule an appointment right away if pelvic pain:

• Is severe and/or sudden
• Lasts longer than a few days
• Worsens over time
• Interferes with work, school, or relationships
• Comes with fever, vomiting, or fainting

Even mild pelvic pain deserves attention if it keeps returning. Don’t brush it off or assume it’s just part of life.

What to expect at your visit

When you come to Sovereign Women's Healthcare, we start with a detailed conversation. We ask about your cycle, your pain pattern, your medical history, and any other symptoms. We may perform a pelvic exam and order imaging, such as an ultrasound, to gather more information. 

Our goal isn’t just to treat your pain; it’s to find the root cause. Once we understand what’s happening, we explain your options clearly and help you decide what feels right for you.

You don’t have to live with pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can feel frustrating and even scary, but we can diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan that brings relief. 

Early evaluation often prevents small problems from turning into bigger ones, so if pelvic pain disrupts your life, don’t wait. Reach out to Sovereign Women's Healthcare by phone or online, and let’s work together to overcome pelvic pain.