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Pelvic Pain in Women — Causes and Investigations
Also described as lower abdominal pain, pain below the navel, period pain.
Pelvic pain that follows the menstrual cycle often reflects endometriosis or fibroids, while sudden severe one-sided pain may be an ovarian cyst complication or, in early pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy — both needing emergency assessment at Iswarya Hospital, OMR Chennai.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Sudden severe one-sided pelvic pain, with or without fainting — emergency
- •Pelvic pain with a positive or possible pregnancy
- •Pain with fever and offensive discharge
- •Pain with heavy bleeding or clots
- •Pain with vomiting and inability to pass urine or stool
What causes pelvic pain?
Endometriosis
Cyclical pain worsening around periods, often with painful intercourse and difficulty conceiving.
Ovarian cyst
One-sided pain; sudden severe pain suggests rupture or torsion, which is an emergency.
Uterine fibroids
Pressure and heaviness with heavy periods.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pain with fever and abnormal discharge. Early treatment protects future fertility.
Ectopic pregnancy
One-sided pain with a missed period. A surgical emergency.
How it is investigated
- ✓Urine pregnancy test — first, in any woman of reproductive age
- ✓Pelvic ultrasound, usually transvaginal
- ✓Infection screening and inflammatory markers
- ✓Diagnostic laparoscopy where endometriosis is suspected
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much period pain is normal?▼
Cramping that responds to simple painkillers and does not stop you working or studying is common. Pain that requires time off, worsens year on year, or comes with painful intercourse or difficulty conceiving is not something to endure — it is the typical presentation of endometriosis, which is often diagnosed years later than it should be.
When is pelvic pain an emergency?▼
Sudden severe one-sided pain, pain with a possible pregnancy, pain with fainting or heavy bleeding, or pain with high fever. Ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy are both time-critical.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.