Pelvic Pain in Women

Pelvic pain can be sharp, aching, cramping, burning, or pressure-like. It may occur suddenly, develop gradually, or come and go with the menstrual cycle.

Because many organs and muscles are located in the pelvis, identifying the source may require a careful evaluation.

Common Gynecologic Causes

Pelvic pain may be related to:

• Painful periods
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovulation
• Pelvic adhesions
• Pregnancy complications
• Pelvic floor muscle tension

Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination may provide useful clues.

Pain May Come From Outside the Reproductive System

Bladder, bowel, nerve, muscle, and joint conditions can also cause pelvic symptoms.

Possible non-gynecologic causes include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Constipation
• Hernia
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Hip or lower-back conditions

More than one condition may be contributing at the same time.

When Is Pelvic Pain an Emergency?

Seek urgent evaluation for sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially when it occurs with:

• Heavy bleeding
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Shoulder pain
• A positive pregnancy test
• Shortness of breath
• A rigid or severely tender abdomen

These symptoms may be associated with ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst, infection, or another urgent condition.

How Is Pelvic Pain Evaluated?

Your provider may ask about:

• The location and quality of pain
• Timing during your menstrual cycle
• Sexual symptoms
• Bowel and bladder changes
• Pregnancy possibility
• Prior surgeries
• Medications
• Previous infections
• Emotional and physical stressors

Testing may include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, urine testing, blood work, ultrasound, or other imaging.

In some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy is used to evaluate conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian problems, or unexplained chronic pelvic pain. Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides information about gynecologic procedures that may be considered when exams and imaging do not provide complete answers.

Chronic Pelvic Pain May Require Team-Based Care

Chronic pelvic pain can affect sleep, mobility, sexual health, work, and emotional well-being. Treatment may involve medication, hormonal management, pelvic floor therapy, surgery, behavioral health support, or gastrointestinal or urologic care.

ACOG emphasizes that chronic pelvic pain may have several causes and may not have one simple treatment.

Persistent pain deserves a thoughtful evaluation. You should not have to repeatedly accept severe symptoms without an explanation or care plan.

Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to schedule a pelvic pain evaluation in West Bloomfield.

The post Pelvic Pain in Women: Common Causes and When to Get Evaluated appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Receiving an endometriosis diagnosis can create understandable concerns about fertility. However, endometriosis does not always cause infertility, and the condition affects each patient differently.

Some women conceive without treatment. Others benefit from medication, surgery, or fertility support.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It may affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, or other nearby structures.

Possible symptoms include:

• Painful menstrual cramps
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful urination during periods
• Heavy or irregular bleeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

The severity of pain does not always match the amount of endometriosis present. Some patients with extensive disease have mild symptoms, while others with smaller areas have severe pain.

How Can Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

Endometriosis may contribute to fertility challenges through:

• Inflammation in the pelvis
• Scar tissue or adhesions
• Changes involving the ovaries
• Blocked or distorted fallopian tubes
• Effects on egg release or fertilization
• Pain that makes intercourse difficult

Endometriosis is associated with infertility, but it is not possible to predict fertility based only on symptoms.

When Should You Request a Fertility Evaluation?

Women younger than 35 are generally advised to seek an evaluation after one year of trying. Women older than 35 may be evaluated after six months.

Earlier evaluation may be appropriate when endometriosis is known or strongly suspected, periods are extremely painful, ovarian surgery has occurred, or other fertility concerns are present.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Your evaluation may include:

• Detailed symptom history
• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound
• MRI in selected situations
• Diagnostic laparoscopy

A normal ultrasound does not always rule out endometriosis. Laparoscopy allows a surgeon to view the pelvis directly and may allow treatment during the same procedure.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center describes diagnostic laparoscopy as one option for evaluating endometriosis, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, adhesions, and certain causes of infertility.

Treatment Depends on Your Goals

Treatment may include hormonal medication, pain management, pelvic floor therapy, surgery, or fertility treatment.

A patient who wants pregnancy soon may receive different recommendations from someone whose primary goal is controlling pain. Surgery is not automatically the best choice for every patient, particularly when ovarian reserve may be affected.

Do Not Ignore Severe Period Pain

Periods that regularly cause vomiting, fainting, missed work, or an inability to complete daily activities deserve evaluation.

Schedule an appointment with Women’s Health and Menopause Center to discuss endometriosis symptoms, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns.

The post Endometriosis and Fertility: Does Endometriosis Always Cause Infertility? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Pelvic pain can be sharp, aching, cramping, burning, or pressure-like. It may occur suddenly, develop gradually, or come and go with the menstrual cycle.

Because many organs and muscles are located in the pelvis, identifying the source may require a careful evaluation.

Common Gynecologic Causes

Pelvic pain may be related to:

• Painful periods
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovulation
• Pelvic adhesions
• Pregnancy complications
• Pelvic floor muscle tension

Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination may provide useful clues.

Pain May Come From Outside the Reproductive System

Bladder, bowel, nerve, muscle, and joint conditions can also cause pelvic symptoms.

Possible non-gynecologic causes include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Constipation
• Hernia
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Hip or lower-back conditions

More than one condition may be contributing at the same time.

When Is Pelvic Pain an Emergency?

Seek urgent evaluation for sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially when it occurs with:

• Heavy bleeding
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Shoulder pain
• A positive pregnancy test
• Shortness of breath
• A rigid or severely tender abdomen

These symptoms may be associated with ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst, infection, or another urgent condition.

How Is Pelvic Pain Evaluated?

Your provider may ask about:

• The location and quality of pain
• Timing during your menstrual cycle
• Sexual symptoms
• Bowel and bladder changes
• Pregnancy possibility
• Prior surgeries
• Medications
• Previous infections
• Emotional and physical stressors

Testing may include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, urine testing, blood work, ultrasound, or other imaging.

In some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy is used to evaluate conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian problems, or unexplained chronic pelvic pain. Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides information about gynecologic procedures that may be considered when exams and imaging do not provide complete answers.

Chronic Pelvic Pain May Require Team-Based Care

Chronic pelvic pain can affect sleep, mobility, sexual health, work, and emotional well-being. Treatment may involve medication, hormonal management, pelvic floor therapy, surgery, behavioral health support, or gastrointestinal or urologic care.

ACOG emphasizes that chronic pelvic pain may have several causes and may not have one simple treatment.

Persistent pain deserves a thoughtful evaluation. You should not have to repeatedly accept severe symptoms without an explanation or care plan.

Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to schedule a pelvic pain evaluation in West Bloomfield.

The post Pelvic Pain in Women: Common Causes and When to Get Evaluated appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Menopause Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Menopause is a normal stage of life, but that does not mean every symptom should be brushed off as “just part of aging.” While many women expect hot flashes and mood changes, certain symptoms may point to health concerns that deserve medical attention.

Knowing what is common and what should be evaluated can help you protect your health and feel more confident about the changes happening in your body.

Why Some Menopause Symptoms Need Medical Attention

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the reproductive tract, urinary system, sleep patterns, and overall comfort. While some symptoms are expected, others may be more serious or significantly impact your quality of life.

If a symptom is painful, disruptive, or worsening, it is worth discussing with your provider. Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and guide you toward the right treatment.

Pelvic Pain After Menopause

Pelvic pain after menopause should not be ignored. Once you have finished the transition, cramping and ongoing discomfort are no longer linked to a menstrual cycle.

Pelvic pain may be related to:

• Fibroids or endometriosis
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Other gynecologic concerns

If pain is persistent or paired with bloating, bleeding, or fatigue, it is especially important to schedule an evaluation.

Pain During Intercourse

Painful intercourse is a common but underreported symptom. Lower estrogen levels can lead to thinner, drier, and more fragile vaginal tissue. This often results in burning or irritation during intimacy.

This symptom is treatable. Options like vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and prescription therapies can restore tissue health. No woman should feel like she simply has to live with pain.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats That Disrupt Daily Life

While well-known, hot flashes and night sweats shouldn’t be ignored if they interfere with sleep, focus, or emotional well-being. Frequent sleep disruption can affect your mood and energy. If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, talk with your provider about relief strategies.

Bleeding After Menopause

Postmenopausal bleeding is one of the most important symptoms to evaluate. Even light spotting after menopause should be taken seriously. While there are benign causes, it can also be linked to conditions requiring prompt medical attention. The sooner it is evaluated, the sooner you can receive appropriate care.

Urinary Changes and Vaginal Irritation

Menopause can affect bladder control and vaginal comfort, leading to:

• Urinary leakage
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal burning, itching, or irritation

These symptoms are common, but they are not something you need to accept. Treatment can significantly improve your daily confidence.

When to Talk to Your Provider

You should schedule an appointment if you experience any of the following:

• Bleeding after menopause (any amount)
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Severe hot flashes or night sweats
• Urinary leakage or frequent infections
• Vaginal dryness, itching, or burning

Support for Menopause Symptoms

The right treatment plan depends on your symptoms, health history, and goals. At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we help women navigate menopause with compassionate, individualized care designed to improve comfort and long-term health.

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The female body goes through many changes as we age. It starts when we enter puberty and continues through menopause. While some changes are common and no reason to be alarmed, others can be worrying. The following five gynecological symptoms should never be ignored.

• Painful Intercourse

Intercourse should be a pain-free experience. Some causes may be minor, like dryness and a lack of lubrication. Others are far more concerning, like ovarian cancer. If you notice chronic pain during sex, it’s time to contact your gynecologist for an appointment.

• Chronic Bloating

Many women experience bloating just before menstruation. This is normal. However, if you experience excessive bloating that doesn’t go away, then there may be a problem. Ovarian cysts can cause this condition. Bloating can also happen as a result of ovarian cancer.

• Unexplained Fatigue

Daily life can be tiring. It’s okay to feel exhausted every now and again, but you should not feel this way all the time. Chronic fatigue is another symptom of illness, including cancer. This happens because cancer cells consume much of the energy supply in the body.

• Sudden Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss is another indication that something may be wrong. If you have dropped 10 pounds or more and have not changed your diet or activity level, then you should seek medical advice right away. Many types of cancer or a thyroid problem can cause weight loss.

• Unexplained Pain

Pelvic pain is an early symptom of cancer. Ovarian cancer is often linked to abdominal pain. Uterine cancer can be accompanied by pain and pressure. If you experience chronic pain in the same region for more than four weeks, you should talk to a doctor.

An OB/GYN can assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Not all causes are life-threatening, but it’s important to act quickly, so you know what is happening to your body. Call your Women’s Health and Menopause Center doctor today to make an appointment to discuss recent changes or to schedule a routine exam.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #Obstetrician #Gynecologist #PelvicPain

The post 5 Gynecological Symptoms You Should Never Ignore appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Endometriosis affects 176 million women across the globe. This condition occurs when tissue that normally grows on the inside of the uterus forms on the outside. It’s usually located on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and around the uterus.

The Symptoms of Endometriosis

Every woman with endometriosis may experience a different set of symptoms. Some report no discomfort at all, while others may notice:

• Pain during intercourse
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Pelvic pain that increases during menstruation or ovulation
• Infertility

The 4 Stages of Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs in four stages. Stages I and II are minimal to mild and include mild scarring. Stage III is moderate and includes severe scarring and cysts. Stage IV is severe and usually causes infertility. The stage is identified by the extent, location, and depth of the condition.

Endometriosis Treatment

The cause of endometriosis is not clear. Family history has been known to increase risk. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy if you experience pain only. Women who want to have a baby may need to have surgery and infertility treatments. There is no proven cure, but there are ways to manage symptoms and overcome the negative effects.

Endometriosis is known to improve after pregnancy and menopause. Women who do not want to have children and those nearing menopause who experience no symptoms may opt for no treatment. If you notice pain or are having difficulty conceiving, contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OB/GYN to discuss symptoms, diagnosis and the best treatment options for you.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #Endometriosis #InfertilityTreatment

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A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus. There are three primary types of hysterectomy that your doctor may recommend based on your medical needs. They include:

• Total Hysterectomy – This procedure includes removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Subtotal Hysterectomy – This procedure includes removal of the uterus only, leaving the cervix intact.
• Radical Hysterectomy – This procedure involves removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and support structures. Lymph nodes may also be removed.

Why Do I Need a Hysterectomy?

The idea of having a hysterectomy may sound frightening. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 600,000 women in America have hysterectomies each year. This procedure is one of the most common surgeries women undergo in the country. It is done for multiple reasons, including:

• Prolapsed uterus
• Cancer found in the cervix, ovaries, or womb
• Heavy periods that are often caused by fibroids
• Pelvic pain due to fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Medically Necessary vs. Elective Hysterectomies

Out of those 600,000 women quoted by the CDC, an estimated 20% to 30% or more have a medically unnecessary hysterectomy. Women with endometrium issues like polyps, fibroids, and heavy bleeding may choose to have the surgery to relieve discomfort.

A prolapsed uterus happens when the pelvic organs descend due to weakened ligaments or muscles. This can lead to problems with intercourse, increased discharge, constipation, cosmetic issues, and discomfort. Women can choose to have a uterine suspension or a hysterectomy to correct the problem.

In cases involving cancer, a hysterectomy may be deemed medically necessary if the patient has progressed to an advanced stage. The procedure can be used to treat cervical, ovarian, uterine, and fallopian tube cancer.

Your OB/GYN can provide more insight into whether a hysterectomy is the best option for you. Contact your gynecologist at Women’s Health and Menopause Center today to make an appointment.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #Hysterectomy #OBGYN #WomensWellness

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