Pelvic Pain in Women

Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of the belly, between the belly button and the hips. In women, it can come from the reproductive organs, bladder, or bowel. Most pelvic pain is not an emergency, but sudden, severe pain needs care right away.

What Is It

Common causes include period cramps, ovulation pain, bladder infections, constipation, and ovarian cysts. Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive organs, can cause pain with fever. Serious causes include ectopic pregnancy, a twisted ovary, and appendicitis.

Symptoms

Dull ache or sharp pain low in the belly
Pain on one side
Cramping
Pain with urination or bowel movements
Unusual discharge or bleeding
Fever or nausea with the pain

Not sure what is causing it? Burning and frequent urination point to a UTI. Pain that moves to the lower right side and keeps worsening may be appendicitis.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines you and may test urine, pregnancy, and infection. Infections are treated with medicine. Some causes need an ultrasound or emergency care.

At home:

Use a heating pad on low for cramping
Take over the counter pain relievers as directed
Drink plenty of fluids
Track when the pain happens in relation to your cycle

Mild pelvic pain from cramps or ovulation usually passes within a day or two.

When to Get Care for Pelvic Pain

Watch at Home

Mild cramping around your period or mid cycle
Pain eased by heat and over the counter medicine
No fever and no unusual bleeding

Come to Urgent Care Today

Pelvic pain lasting more than a day
Pain with burning or frequent urination
Pain with unusual discharge or odor
Pain with a low fever
Pain during or after intimacy

Go to the Emergency Department

Sudden, severe pain, especially on one side
Pelvic pain with a positive pregnancy test or a missed period
Pain with fainting, dizziness, or a racing heart
Pain with high fever and vomiting
Heavy bleeding, soaking a pad every hour

FAQ

What causes pelvic pain in women?

Pelvic pain in women is most often caused by period cramps, ovulation, bladder infections, or ovarian cysts. Infections, ectopic pregnancy, and appendicitis are less common but serious.

When should I worry about pelvic pain?

Worry about pelvic pain that is sudden and severe, on one side, comes with fever, fainting, or heavy bleeding, or happens with a possible pregnancy.

What does ovarian cyst pain feel like?

Ovarian cyst pain is often a dull ache or sharp pain on one side of the pelvis. Sudden, severe pain can mean a cyst burst or a twisted ovary and needs the ER.

Can a UTI cause pelvic pain?

Yes, a UTI often causes pressure or cramping low in the pelvis, along with burning and frequent urination.

Can urgent care check pelvic pain?

Yes, urgent care can check most pelvic pain. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can test urine, pregnancy, and infection and explain whether you need an ultrasound.

Can pelvic pain be a sign of pregnancy?

Mild cramping can happen in early pregnancy. Severe or one sided pain with a positive pregnancy test can be an ectopic pregnancy and needs the ER.

Last reviewed October 2026