Pelvic pain is a common condition that causes dull or sharp aches in the lowest part of the abdomen. In many cases, pelvic pain is harmless and resolves itself. Other times, it can indicate an underlying condition and requires a visit to a gynecologist. Here are a few common causes of female pelvic pain.

Your Guide to Common Pelvic Pain Causes

1. Menstrual Cramps

If you are like many women, you occasionally experience painful cramps in your lower stomach during your menstrual cycle. This is because your uterus accumulates a lining of tissue every month and then breaks it down. The shedding causes the uterus to tighten up, resulting in cramps. You should take an over-the-counter pain reliever or put a heating pad on your stomach to alleviate the pain.

2. Urinary Tract Infection

If you have pelvic pain accompanied by a burning sensation when you urinate, you could have a urinary tract infection. Luckily, these infections are easy to treat—using antibiotics—and rarely cause serious complications. However, if you delay treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys.

3. Appendicitis 

In some cases, pelvic pain can be a sign of appendicitis. If you are also vomiting and have a fever, you should head to the emergency room immediately. If you do have appendicitis, your appendix could burst, spreading the infection throughout your body.

4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Pelvic pain can also indicate that you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have pain while you urinate or have abnormal vaginal discharge, you should see your gynecologist right away. They can test you for sexually transmitted disease and then recommend the appropriate treatment. Some STDs will go away on their own, while others require antibiotics. 

If you have pelvic pain you can trust the excellent expert care Dr. Joseph Hazan provides. Call today 314.291.2140 in St. Louis County or 636.928.1800 in St. Charles County.

If you are looking for a gynecologist in St. Peters or Bridgeton, MO, turn to Advanced OB-GYN Services. Dr. Joseph Hazan and his staff have provided professional gynecology services for more than 30 years and are dedicated to giving each patient a personalized and comfortable experience. Dr. Hazan offers everything from routine gynecological exams to infertility counseling and is available for same-day appointments or emergencies. To schedule an appointment with a gynecologist, call (636) 928-1800. Visit their website for more information about their services.