Treatment for Pelvic Pain in Ocala, FL

Pelvic pain is an extremely common symptom, especially in women. Discomfort within the lower abdomen and pelvic region could be a result of an abnormality or illness relating to a variety of key bodily systems and functions.

Most often, this type of pain is typically related to the reproductive system, digestive, urinary system, or the musculoskeletal system.

What Activities May Worsen Pelvic Pain?

Generally, pelvic pain is described to either be a dull yet constant pain, or a sudden, sharp pain. If the pain is consistently present over a long period of time, it is classified as chronic pelvic pain. If the opposite is true, then the patient is likely to suffer from acute pelvic pain.

Most individuals will notice that their pelvic pain becomes more intense as they engage in certain activities. For example, if the source of your pelvic pain is your digestive system, then you may experience more pain after consuming certain foods or drinks. It is also common for pelvic pain to worsen during sexual intercourse or while urinating.

Potential Causes of Pelvic Pain

Reproductive System

The reproductive system is a common culprit to pelvic pain, particularly for women. Conditions of this system that can trigger pelvic pain include, but are not limited to:

  • Endometriosis
  • Menstrual cramping
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Adenomyosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Mittelschmerz
  • Ovarian disorders such as the presence of potentially cancerous cysts
  • Vulvodynia
  • Pelvic congestion syndrome

Urinary System

Another likely source to pelvic pain, a person’s urinary system can encounter several different conditions or abnormalities, such as:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Kidney stones

Musculoskeletal System

It is also possible for pelvic pain to be a result of a deformity or injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments located around the pelvis. This can often be a result of situations like:

  • Levator syndrome (recurring spasms of the levator ani muscle)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Loss of control or strength in the pelvic floor muscles

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic pain has many possible sources. Gynecologic causes include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain can also come from the bladder (such as interstitial cystitis or UTIs), the bowel, or the pelvic floor muscles themselves. Because the causes overlap, an expert evaluation is key to getting the right treatment.

See a gynecologist if pelvic pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning with your cycle, occurs during intercourse or urination, or is interfering with work, sleep, or daily activities. Sudden, severe pelvic pain — especially with fever or heavy bleeding — should be evaluated urgently.

Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and pelvic exam, often followed by a pelvic ultrasound. Depending on findings, evaluation may include lab tests, hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus, or laparoscopy to diagnose conditions like endometriosis. Identifying whether pain is coming from the uterus, ovaries, bladder, or pelvic floor muscles directs the treatment.

Treatment is matched to the cause: hormonal therapy for endometriosis or painful periods, antibiotics for infection, pelvic floor physical therapy for muscle-related pain, and minimally invasive procedures — including da Vinci robotic surgery — when growths such as fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis need to be removed. Most women do not need major surgery to get relief.

Yes. Pain that tracks with your cycle often points to a gynecologic cause such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids — especially if periods are also heavy. Severe period pain that makes you miss work or school is not something you have to accept; it’s a reason to be evaluated, and effective treatments exist.

Schedule an Appointment in Ocala, FL

Although any general discomfort of the pelvis can be described as pelvic pain, it is especially important to seek treatment from Dr. Poorti Riley if your pain begins to worsen or become severe. Please call (352) 820-4392 today to schedule an appointment in Ocala, FL! Our office is just a short drive from Belleview and the Villages.