Pelvic Pain: Is It Fibroids or Something Else?

Pelvic pain can be disruptive, whether it’s dull and achy or sharp and severe. While uterine fibroids are a common cause of pelvic discomfort, they aren’t the only possible reason. 

So, how do you know if it’s fibroids or something else? 

Here at Fresno Fibroid Center, our team knows that finding out what’s behind your pain is the first step toward getting relief, so we encourage you to reach out if you have pelvic pain. The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive exam and diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound.

In the meantime, read on as we explain the signs that your pelvic pain is related to fibroids and what to do about it. 

Uterine fibroids are a common cause of pelvic pain

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or around your uterus. They’re incredibly common. As many as 80% of women have at least one before they turn 50. 

You might suspect you have a fibroid if your pelvic pain is accompanied by:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or fullness
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain

You might not experience all of these symptoms. Fibroid symptoms can vary depending on where the fibroid is located and its size.

Other possible causes of pelvic pain

Not all pelvic pain points to fibroids. Some other conditions can mimic or overlap with fibroid symptoms, including:

Endometriosis

You develop endometriosis if tissue similar to your uterine lining grows outside of your uterus. This causes painful periods and chronic inflammation. 

Adenomyosis 

If your uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, it’s called adenomyosis. When that happens, it then causes pelvic pain as well as heavy bleeding and cramping.

Our team can treat adenomyosis with uterine fibroid embolization. 

Ovarian cysts

Pay attention to where you feel pain. Ovarian cysts,  fluid-filled sacs, can cause sharp or intermittent pain on one side. 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is an infection of your reproductive organs that can cause pelvic pain. It’s less common than fibroids, though. An estimated 2.4 million American women have had PID at one point in their lives. You might suspect this is the source of your pelvic pain if you experience signs of infection, such as fever or unusual discharge.

Digestive or urinary issues

Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or bladder inflammation can sometimes be mistaken for gynecologic pain.

When to seek help for pelvic pain

Don’t ignore persistent pelvic pain or assume it’s “just part of your period.” If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, pain that interferes with daily life, or changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s time to reach out for help.

How fibroids are diagnosed

At Fresno Fibroid Center, we use advanced imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to detect fibroids and assess their size and location. 

Drs. Pruett, Tower, Ng, and Behzadi also review your symptoms and medical history to rule out other conditions.

If fibroids are the source of your pain, they’ll walk you through your treatment options, including uterine fibroid embolization. UFE is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment that targets your fibroids without removing your uterus.

Call us at (559) 216-0746. You can also schedule a consultation with our team online.