Find Relief from Pelvic Pain in Central California

Pelvic pain is pain in the area between the bellybutton and pubic bone in the lower abdomen. When it lasts for more than six months, doctors consider it chronic pelvic pain. 

Our caring experts at Dignity Health Central California are committed to providing the best health care options for our female patients. From gynecological issues and maternity care to oncology and cardiology treatments, we focus on your unique needs as a woman.

Find a Doctor who will provide personalized care for your pelvic pain in Central California.

Pelvic Pain Symptoms

Pelvic pain varies from woman to woman, but symptoms may include:

• Steady pain, or pain that comes and goes
• Sharp or dull pain in the pelvic region
• Pain that worsens during your menstrual period
• Pain during sex 

Common Pelvic Pain Causes

Pelvic pain is often a symptom of another problem such as: 

• Endometriosis, when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus
• Adhesions, bands of tissue that form after surgery or injury
• Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis), which is associated with the sudden urge to urinate
• Uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors of the uterus
• Pelvic floor disorders, which cause weakened muscles that make it difficult to control urination
• Irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain with frequent bowel movements or loose stools
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a sexually transmitted infection of the reproductive organs
• Diverticulitis, inflammation of sections of the colon
• Vulvodynia, pain in the external female genitals 

Receive Personalized Pelvic Pain Treatment

Your options for pelvic pain treatment depend on what’s causing your pain. Your age, overall health, lifestyle habits, medical history, and personal values also play a role.

Treatment for pelvic pain may include:

• Medication. Doctors use medication to relieve pain and treat the underlying causes of pelvic pain. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, antibiotics, pain medication, antidepressants, and hormone treatments. A combination of medications may be necessary to relieve your pain.
• Lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will improve your overall health, which can help relieve pelvic pain.
• Physical therapy. Strengthening exercises and massage, among other therapies, help many women with pelvic pain.
• Counseling. Group or one-on-one counseling can help some women with the challenge of living with pain.
• Surgery. Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat pelvic pain due to adhesions, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Surgery can sometimes be an option for additional causes of pelvic pain if other treatments have failed to provide relief. 

Many women find relief from pelvic pain. Talk to your doctor about what option is right for you.