Pelvic Pain: Is It a Uterine Fibroid or Something More Serious?

Pelvic pain can be a concerning symptom for many women, and it often leaves them wondering what could be causing it. While uterine fibroids are a common cause of pelvic pain, there are other conditions that could also be responsible. Understanding when pelvic pain might be due to fibroids and when it could be a sign of something more serious can help you know when to seek medical advice. At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, serving Marietta and Powder Springs, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating women’s health issues, including pelvic pain. Here, we’ll discuss how to recognize the signs of uterine fibroids and when to consider other potential causes.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are quite common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, although many women with fibroids never experience symptoms. Fibroids vary in size and can be located within the uterine wall, inside the uterine cavity, or on the outer surface of the uterus.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While many women with fibroids may have no symptoms, others may experience a range of symptoms depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids. Common symptoms include:

• Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Fibroids can cause a dull ache or pressure in the pelvis, especially if they are large or pressing on surrounding organs.
• Heavy or Prolonged Periods: Fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding or periods that last longer than usual.
• Frequent Urination: Larger fibroids may press on the bladder, causing the need to urinate more frequently.
• Constipation: If a fibroid presses on the rectum, it may lead to constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
• Lower Back Pain: Fibroids located on the back of the uterus can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the lower back.

Could It Be Something More Serious?

While fibroids are a common cause of pelvic pain, other conditions may present with similar symptoms. It’s essential to consider other possible causes, especially if your pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by unusual symptoms. Here are some other conditions that can cause pelvic pain:

1. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, especially during menstruation. Endometriosis pain often feels sharp or stabbing and can extend to the lower back and thighs.
2. Ovarian Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. While many ovarian cysts are harmless, larger cysts may cause pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in the pelvis. Sudden, sharp pain could indicate a ruptured cyst, which requires immediate medical attention.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the reproductive organs often caused by sexually transmitted infections. It can cause severe pelvic pain, fever, unusual discharge, and pain during intercourse.
4. Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy periods and severe cramps. This condition can mimic the symptoms of fibroids but often causes more widespread cramping and discomfort.
5. Gynecological Cancers: Although less common, cancers of the reproductive organs, such as ovarian or uterine cancer, can also cause pelvic pain. Other symptoms may include bloating, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. While not directly related to the reproductive organs, IBS pain can sometimes be mistaken for gynecological pain.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pelvic pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment. You should consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden, Severe Pain: Sharp, intense pain in the pelvis could indicate a medical emergency, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy. Seek immediate care if you experience sudden pain.
• Unusual Bleeding: Heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding can be signs of fibroids or other conditions that require evaluation.
• Pain During Intercourse: Painful intercourse can be a symptom of fibroids, endometriosis, or infections like PID. It’s essential to discuss this with your doctor to find relief and address any underlying issues.
• Bloating or Abdominal Swelling: Persistent bloating or an increase in abdominal size can be related to fibroids or other conditions, including ovarian cysts or tumors.
• Fever or Unusual Discharge: If you experience fever, chills, or unusual discharge along with pelvic pain, this may indicate an infection, such as PID, that requires prompt treatment.

Diagnosing the Cause of Pelvic Pain

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, we use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify the cause of pelvic pain, including:

• Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam can help detect any abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, or surrounding tissues.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs, allowing us to detect fibroids, cysts, or other growths.
• MRI or CT Scan: In some cases, advanced imaging techniques may be used to get a clearer view of the pelvic organs.
• Laparoscopy: For conditions like endometriosis, a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy may be used to examine the pelvic organs directly.

Treatment Options for Pelvic Pain

Once the cause of your pelvic pain is identified, we can discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, hormonal therapy, or antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the diagnosis.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Procedures like uterine artery embolization or myomectomy can treat fibroids without requiring a full hysterectomy.
• Surgical Intervention: For conditions like severe endometriosis or large fibroids, surgery may be necessary.
• Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments: In some cases, dietary changes, exercise, or stress management techniques can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like IBS.

Contact Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates for Pelvic Pain Evaluation

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain and are concerned about the possibility of fibroids or another condition, the team at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates is here to help. Our experienced providers can conduct a thorough evaluation, offer personalized treatment options, and answer any questions you may have about managing pelvic pain. For compassionate, expert care in Marietta and Powder Springs, GA, contact us at 770-422-8505 to schedule an appointment.