We specialize in high-risk pregnancy.
We work to minimize complications and help you achieve the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain accounts for up to 10% of the total visits to the emergency department, and as many as one-quarter of all women live with chronic pelvic pain.
The doctors at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine are experts at determining the precise cause of your pain and initiating a customized treatment plan to alleviate the pain and correct the underlying cause. When you have sudden, severe pain, don’t wait to get medical help. Call their office in the Midtown East area of New York City, or go to your local emergency department.
Abdominal Pain Q & A
Q.
What causes abdominal pain?
A.
Abdominal pain is a nonspecific symptom that can arise from many different health conditions and injuries. Most gynecologic abdominal pain, however, is one of three general types:
- Inflammation or infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease
- Obstruction, such as ovarian torsion that blocks blood flow
- Hemorrhagic or vascular issues, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst
When you schedule an examination for abdominal pain, your doctor at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine assesses the location, type, severity, and frequency of your pain. It helps to know whether your pain occurs at the same time during your menstrual cycle, appeared suddenly, or has persisted for several months.
Q.
What are the most common sources of abdominal pain?
A.
Some of the most frequent causes of abdominal pain, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, gastritis and kidney stones, aren’t treated by gynecologists. Other non-gynecologic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease may cause gynecologic complications.
Common gynecologic causes of abdominal pain include:
- Dysmenorrhea
- Endometriosis
- Dyspareunia
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Ruptured ovarian cysts
- Ovarian torsion
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
- Uterine or ovarian cancer
Common non-gynecologic causes of lower abdominal pain include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Interstitial cystitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Q.
What type of abdominal pain occurs during pregnancy?
A.
When you’re pregnant, some types of abdominal pain are expected. You may experience cramping as the uterus expands. During the second trimester, ligaments that support the uterus stretch, which can result in sharp pain on one or both sides of your abdomen.
Even though some pains are normal, sharp pain may also signal a serious problem. Never hesitate to call Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine if you’re concerned about pain while you’re pregnant. Be sure to call right away when your symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Bleeding
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Sharp pain that continues after resting
- Pain that makes it hard to breathe, walk, or speak
Q.
How is abdominal pain treated?
A.
Treatment of pain depends on the underlying cause of your abdominal pain. Your doctor at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine has many treatment options to consider. You may need pain medication, hormone therapy, or antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend minimally-invasive surgery to treat conditions like cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Come visit your Manhattan OBGYN.
