Sudden pelvic pain might be caused by an ectopic pregnancy, bladder infection, appendicitis, or other medical condition that needs quick attention. However, it's common for pelvic pain to be a chronic condition where the pain comes and goes over months or even years. Chronic pain is frustrating, so finding a way to manage it is important for your quality of life. Here are some ways your doctor might treat pain in your pelvis.

1. Hormone Treatments

If the pain is associated with your menstrual cycle, your doctor might try hormone treatments in the form of birth control pills so your hormones are regulated. This wouldn't be an ideal option if you're trying to start a family, but if you can use or need a birth control method, your doctor can help you select one that might also help with your monthly pain.

2. Medication

Your doctor may recommend certain medications to help with your pain depending on the cause. Muscle relaxants could help with tense pelvic muscles, pain-relievers can help you deal with pain, antibiotics treat infections that cause pain, and some antidepressants can address physical pain even if you don't suffer from depression.

3. Surgery

Surgery could also be indicated for pelvic pain. Your doctor may do a laparoscopy to view the inside of your pelvic area to look for abnormalities. Your doctor might need to remove a tumor, release scar tissue, or perform procedures on your uterus or bladder to correct the problem that's causing you pain.

4. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy might help if your pain is due to a muscle problem. You can learn stretches and movements that help reduce your pain level and frequency of pain. A specialized form of therapy called pelvic physical therapy involves passive stretches and massage that relax muscles to relieve the tightness that causes pain.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Your doctor may even recommend you change your diet and lifestyle so you can reduce inflammation and improve your general health. This might include doing things like getting regular exercise, sleeping longer, learning how to relax, and eating a healthier diet. A diet that's high in vegetables and fruit may help with inflammation that contributes to pain.

Pelvic pain treatment can take different approaches depending on the severity of the pain and its cause. Your doctor will try to pinpoint the cause of your pain when possible so the best treatment can be given to eliminate your pain or help you manage it so it doesn't affect the quality of your life.