Pelvic Pain Treatment Specialist

Capital Women's Care

OBGYNs located in Manassas, Haymarket and Fairfax, VA

There are many reasons why a woman could be experiencing pain in the pelvic area. If this happens to be you or someone you know, then it is time to come and visit the expert gynecologists at Capital Women’s Care in Fairfax, Manassas, and Haymarket, Virginia. You may begin to wonder what could be causing your pelvic pain. It could be a number of different things such as menstrual pain and or other complications. You may also start to wonder what these things are exactly. The Capital Women’s Care team reviews that with you. To learn more, call your nearest office today or book an appointment online.

Pelvic Pain Treatment Q & A

What are menstrual pain and cramps?

Menstrual pain and cramping are a very common cause of pelvic pain in all women. About over half of women who menstruate will experience some pain or cramping for at least 1-2 days on each monthly cycle.

Menstrual cramping typically occurs almost immediately before a woman begins her period and as the uterus starts to contract and shed its lining. The pain is usually described by patients as feeling similar to a muscle spasm or jabbing pain in the pelvis.

Using a warm heating pad will typically relieve some of the intensity of the cramping. Patients also use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, Advil or Aleve.

These may also help relieve pain in some cases. If you happen to have severe pain from your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor. They can recommend other medications.

What is ovulation?

When a woman is ovulating, the ovaries will release an egg, along with other fluids. The egg will then travel its way down the fallopian tube and settle in the uterus.

The fluid that is released by the ovary can then spread around the pelvic area, and this will sometimes cause women irritation in the pelvis, therefore leading to pelvic pain. The discomfort that is experienced with ovulation may last for minutes or hours depending on the person.

Another common action that people are unaware of is that it may switch sides of the body. This depends on which ovary released the egg. This pain is temporary and it doesn’t require any specific treatment.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI typically refers to an inflammation in the bladder. This is commonly due to a bacterial infection. This happens to women because vaginal, rectal, or skin bacteria can make its way into the urethra and into the bladder.

This infection will sometimes clear up on its own, but a short course of antibiotics will typically help treat UTIs.

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Pelvic pain may also indicate the development of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some of these include HPV, gonorrhea or chlamydia. STIs will occur in people who are sexually active.

Anyone who is experiencing any changes should see their doctor. They will be able to diagnose and prescribe treatment if needed.

Treatment typically includes antibiotics. It is very critical for the person who is infected to inform their sexual partners about the infection as to help prevent it from spreading.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis develops when the tissue that lines the inside of a woman’s’ uterus, grows outside the womb. This may be the source of chronic and long-lasting pelvic pain in some women.

When a woman starts her period, this tissue that is outside of the uterus will respond to hormonal changes and this may cause bleeding and inflammation.

If you are suffering from pelvic pain and looking for a gynecology specialist near you who can help you diagnose and treat your pain, call Capital Women’s Care today or book an appointment online.