What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain can be described as sharp, dull, or cramping; chronic, acute, or intermittent. There are many possible etiologies (root causes) of abdominal pain. These can include (a partial list):

Endometriosis: This is a major cause of pelvic pain due to endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. Please see our section on endometriosis (link).

Ovarian cysts: Small fluid-filled, benign cysts can form on the ovaries, and are more likely to do so during ovulation.

• Symptoms: pain during sex; sharp pain if cyst bleeds or leaks fluid

Fibroids: These are benign tumors which occur in the uterus

• Symptoms: heavy menstrual flow; pain or pressure in the abdomen

Ectopic pregnancy- a pregnancy which occurs inside the fallopian tubes

• Symptoms: pain on one side of the abdomen after missing a period; vaginal bleeding/spotting

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes

• Symptoms: Fever and pain in the lower pelvic area.

Idiopathic Chronic Pelvic Pain: This is pelvic pain that persists chronically, due to an unknown cause (that’s what idiopathic means).

Remember that the severity of the pain does not always correlate with the seriousness of the condition causing the pain, so always consult your physician.

Am I A Candidate?

Who Is Most Likely To Have Pelvic Pain?

• This depends on the specific cause.

Treatment for Pelvic Pain

Because of the myriad causes of pelvic pain, treatment is entirely dependent on diagnosing the cause of the pain and treating it accordingly.

What Does Surgery for Pelvic Pain Involve?

There are several different procedures that may apply here, from laparoscopic removal of endometrial growths to hysterectomy, to antibiotic treatment (if the cause is an infection). Refer to the applicable condition for details.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

Many of these conditions are caused by abnormal growths or cysts. Although they may be treated pharmacologically, this is only symptomatic treatment. Surgical removal is often the only real choice to address these problems.

How Long Does It Take?

Different surgeries have different levels of complexity, resulting in variation in operating time.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually one, if surgery is the treatment elected.

What Are My Alternatives In Treating Pelvic Pain?

• Management with Medication – only applicable to conditions such as PID which do not absolutely require surgical intervention.

Will I Have Pain from Surgery?

The presence of pain will depend on the nature of the surgery. Large incisions may cause more pain.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

Because the procedure varies so much depending on the individual case, recovery may require anywhere from the same day to quite a few days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained gynecologic or general surgeons.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Treatment of Pelvic Pain?

Most insurance companies will cover these procedures. However, you should check with your individual insurer.