16 Sep 2025

Is Your Pelvic Pain Normal or a Warning Sign?

Pelvic pain is something most women will experience at some point in their lives. For some, it’s a dull ache before their period. For others, it’s a sharp pain that comes and goes unexpectedly. While mild discomfort is often part of a normal cycle, persistent or severe pelvic pain should never be ignored. But how do you know when it’s a harmless symptom — and when it’s a sign to seek medical help?

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Not all pelvic pain signals a serious problem. Some of the most common and harmless reasons include:

Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz): A mild, short-lived discomfort when the ovary releases an egg, usually mid-cycle.
Period cramps (dysmenorrhoea): Caused by uterine contractions, these are common but shouldn’t be extreme.
Digestive issues: Bloating, constipation, or IBS can sometimes feel like gynaecological pain.

If your discomfort is mild and predictable, it may be part of your body’s natural rhythm.

When Pelvic Pain Could Be a Warning Sign

Certain conditions can cause ongoing or severe pelvic pain, and these often need specialist assessment:

Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, causing pain, heavy periods, and sometimes fertility problems.
Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that may cause pressure, pain, and heavy bleeding.
Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can cause pain if they grow large, rupture, or twist.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection that can damage reproductive organs if untreated.
Urinary or bowel conditions: Sometimes pelvic pain isn’t gynaecological at all, but linked to the bladder or bowel.

If you’ve noticed pelvic pain that is persistent or worsening, a private consultation and scan can help identify the cause and give you peace of mind.

Red Flags That Shouldn’t be Ignored

Seek medical advice promptly if your pelvic pain comes with:

Fever or chills
Sudden, severe pain
Pain during sex
Abnormal bleeding between periods
Difficulty conceiving
Persistent nausea or vomiting

These symptoms may indicate an urgent condition such as an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, or a severe infection, and require immediate assessment.

How Gynaecologists Investigate Pelvic Pain

A gynaecologist will usually begin with a detailed history and examination. They may recommend:

Ultrasound scans: Trans-vaginal or abdominal scans give a clear picture of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures.
Blood tests: Hormone profiles and infection screens can provide useful clues.
Cervical swabs or biopsies: If there are signs of infection or abnormal bleeding.

The goal is not just to rule out serious conditions but also to provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.

Managing and Treating Pelvic Pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

Pain relief and lifestyle adjustments
Hormonal treatments such as the pill, coil, or HRT
Antibiotics for infections
Minimally invasive surgery for conditions like cysts or fibroids
Specialist fertility support if pelvic pain is linked to reproductive difficulties

With the right diagnosis, many women find significant relief and improvement in their quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Pelvic pain isn’t something you should put up with, especially if it’s affecting your daily life. While occasional mild cramps or ovulation discomfort can be normal, persistent or severe pain may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention.