Pelvic Pain

If you have pelvic pain in your lower abdominal area, it could be a sign of a medical problem requiring treatment. At her practice in Santa Monica, California, women’s health specialist Tristan E. Bickman, MD, can uncover the source of your pelvic pain and offers outstanding and cutting-edge treatments to reduce the risk of complications. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bickman by phone or request one online today.

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is a feeling of discomfort in your lower abdominal region. In women, it could be a sign of a gynecological condition or numerous other medical issues. While sometimes pelvic pain is simply a nuisance, other times it can indicate a severe problem. See Dr. Bickman for an evaluation when you first experience the pain.

What might pelvic pain feel like?

Depending on its cause, pelvic pain may feel like:

• Sharp abdominal discomfort
• Dull or aching stomach pain
• Throbbing discomfort
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Severe pain

The discomfort may be concentrated on the right or left side or your upper or lower abdomen. Pelvic pain might be constant or come and go. The severity of the discomfort varies from mild to severe. It can sometimes be crippling.

Other symptoms may accompany pelvic pain in women, such as bloating, vaginal bleeding, pain with urination, or discomfort during intercourse. 

What are common causes of pelvic pain?

Numerous factors can contribute to pelvic pain, including:

• Reproductive organ issues
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Appendicitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Intestinal problems
• Kidney issues
• Hernias
• Nerve issues
• Pelvic bone fractures
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Menstrual cramps
• Ovulation
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer

Dr. Bickman finds the source of pelvic pain to treat your symptoms and their underlying cause. 

How does my provider find the cause of pelvic pain?

To determine what’s causing pelvic discomfort, Dr. Bickman discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle habits, and medications. She completes a physical exam to look for signs of possible problems and may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• Urine testing
• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Pregnancy testing
• STD tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• CT scans
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Lower endoscopy

After completing diagnostic testing when necessary, Dr. Bickman reviews the results. She discusses them with you and tailors a personalized treatment plan.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Depending on the cause of your discomfort, Dr. Bickman may suggest home remedies or medical interventions. 

You might be a candidate for physical therapy, medications, or surgery. Get regular exercise, eat nutritious foods, avoid smoking, minimize stress, and take dietary supplements if Dr. Bickman recommends it. You may try a heating pad or warm compress to further reduce the discomfort.

Follow up with Dr. Bickman whenever necessary to ensure your treatment works effectively. She offers referrals when needed for severe medical problems.

Schedule a pelvic pain evaluation with Tristan E. Bickman, MD, by phone or request one online today.