One in four women will experience pelvic pain at some point in their lives. Pelvic pain is complex because it can come from a wide range of causes in the lower abdomen and pelvic region, including gynecological, gastrointestinal, urological and chronic pain. Understanding the source of your pain is the first step toward relief.

Pelvic pain can be treated and new approaches are making a real difference. If you are struggling with pelvic pain, know that help is available and treatments can provide relief. Take the first step on your healing journey and find a convenient location or schedule an appointment.

Is pelvic pain normal?

Pelvic pain can show up in many ways, from dull discomfort to sharp or persistent pain. The key is whether it is affecting your daily life. If it keeps you from work, school or activities you enjoy, it is not normal and treatment can help you regain your life.

Bringing women’s health issues to the forefront

The biggest shift in pelvic pain treatment is validating the pain. Women’s health concerns are often minimized, which can make it harder to get the right treatment. Advocacy, awareness campaigns and patient education are helping change that narrative.

Awareness months like Endometriosis Month in March and ongoing education for healthcare providers are helping women feel empowered to share their experiences. Because many women first talk to a primary care doctor, the path to treatment can feel long and confusing, leaving some frustrated. If a doctor dismisses your pain, trust your instincts and seek a provider who will listen.

Seeing your OB-GYN annually is a good place to start. From there, a pelvic pain specialist can provide the most focused care. Taking that step can help you get answers faster and start treatment sooner.

Finding the cause of pelvic pain

Solving pelvic pain begins with a thorough history covering your symptoms, medical background and experiences. This helps the doctor identify risk factors and determine which specialist to consult—OB-GYN, gastroenterology, urology or a pain specialist.

A pelvic exam evaluates the pelvic floor, uterus, ovaries, abdomen and back. This creates a foundation for understanding potential causes and narrowing down treatment options. Each cause has tailored solutions, from medical therapy to procedures and surgery.

Medical treatment options

Medications are the least invasive treatment options. Hormonal therapies can reduce pain and improve quality of life. While birth control is one option, there are many other medications that target hormone levels and reduce discomfort.

Non-hormonal treatments include neuromodulators, muscle relaxants and other oral medications. Trigger point injections and pudendal nerve blocks can numb tight muscles in the pelvic floor or abdomen. Vaginal medications fornerve pain or muscle relaxation are also valuable tools.

Surgical treatment options

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain and can be challenging to diagnose. Ssurgery to remove endometrial tissue can significantly relieve symptoms and is best performed by a specialist trained in pelvic pain surgery. Lesions can be subtle or located on other organs, such as the bladder, bowel, ureter or reproductive organs, making specialized care important.

Surgery may also be considered for pain related to fibroids, adenomyosis or other conditions causing bleeding. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be an option, leaving the ovaries in place to avoid menopause while removing the uterus and cervix. Surgical options are carefully tailored to the patient’s needs and guided by the specialist.

New treatment options

Emerging approaches include nerve blocks designed to reduce sensitivity to pelvic pain triggers. Multidisciplinary care involving pelvic floor physical therapy, mental health support and behavior therapy is proving highly effective. Mindfulness practices and physical therapy can also improve symptoms, though they require time and commitment.

Each treatment path is a journey, and finding the right combination may take time. Physicians at Endeavor Health are committed to walking this path with you. With patience and the right guidance, you can find strategies that bring lasting relief.

We walk this journey together

At Endeavor Health, we use many tools to alleviate pelvic pain. Our goal is to help you manage pain and reclaim your life, with support at every step. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, schedule a visit with your OB-GYN to start, then ask for a referral to one of our pelvic pain specialists. Find a convenient location or schedule an appointment to begin your care.