If you are experiencing pain in your lower abdominal or pelvic area for longer than six months as a woman, you may want to contact your OB-GYN. There are a few causes, and knowing what the issue is can help you find relief and the right treatment. Here is a guide for chronic pelvic pain in women.

What Are Some Symptoms?

Chronic pelvic pain can take many forms. It can range from intense and steady to intermittent and dull. You may even feel sharp cramps or pressure in your pelvic area, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods. Some patients complain that pain occurs during intercourse or while urinating or having a bowel movement.

Because symptoms can vary, the best way to know if you need to see a doctor is if the pain is disrupting your life or if it is getting worse. New, severe pains should be brought up to your OB-GYN, so they can examine you and get further information to figure out treatments. Call your doctor immediately if there is vaginal bleeding, fever, nausea, or vomiting, or if a known condition suddenly seems to change or worsen, as this can be a serious issue.

What Is Causing Your Pelvic Pain?

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. Because it is the same tissue, it responds the same way as your uterine lining does, which means blood and tissue will break down during your cycle. It will remain in the abdomen, though, which can cause painful cysts.

Fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths that can lead to pressure and some pain, particularly during intercourse. They can also cause more bleeding and cramping during your menstrual cycle.

Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic pain as well as pain while urinating. Urinary tract infections (UTI) and cystitis are inflammations from bacterial infections, which can be painful in that area.

In rare cases, the pain may be caused by a tumor in the reproductive organs, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal system, but a doctor will need to assess the tumor and other symptoms before deciding on the next steps.

If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain in the Anchorage and Wasilla, AK area, call the OB-GYNs at Caring For Women. For more than 20 years, Dr. Donna Chester, MD, FACOG, and Dolly Lefever, CNM, FNP, APRN, have offered the best in women’s health to their patients, ensuring that every woman in their care is comfortable no matter the reason for their visit. For an appointment with a gynecologist, call (907) 279-2229. Visit the women’s health clinic online for more on their offerings.