Pelvic pain in women is one of the most complex and under-investigated complaints in primary care. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we take it seriously — combining a thorough clinical assessment with same-day pelvic scanning to give you answers and a treatment plan in one visit. Consultation from ₦5,000.
| Type | Character | Common causes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute — sudden, severe | Came on suddenly, severe, possibly with fever or vomiting | Ectopic pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cyst, appendicitis, severe PID | Attend immediately — may be emergency |
| Cyclical — with periods | Worsens around menstruation, may improve between cycles | Dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids | Consultation + pelvic scan |
| Chronic — ongoing, dull | Persistent low-grade ache for 3+ months, may worsen with activity or sex | Chronic PID, endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts, fibroid pressure | Structured assessment + scan |
| Positional or activity-related | Pain with certain positions, sex, exercise, or bladder filling | Ovarian cyst, fibroid, bladder pathology, pelvic floor dysfunction | Pelvic scan + clinical exam |
PID is infection of the upper genital tract — uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhoea) that have ascended from the vagina. Acute PID causes fever, severe pelvic pain, and purulent discharge. Chronic PID (after inadequate treatment of acute PID) causes a persistent, dull pelvic ache, pain during sex, and is the most common preventable cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancy in Nigerian women.
Endometriosis causes chronic pelvic pain — typically worsening around menstruation but often present throughout the cycle. Deep pelvic pain during sex is characteristic. The condition is progressive and causes adhesions that can distort pelvic anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve both pain control and fertility outcomes.
Ovarian cysts may cause a dull ache or fullness on one side of the pelvis. A ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (twisting) causes sudden, severe, one-sided pain and is a medical emergency. Most ovarian cysts are detectable on pelvic ultrasound.
Large fibroids exert pressure on surrounding structures — bladder, rectum, and pelvic floor nerves — causing chronic pelvic pressure, low back pain, and heaviness. Submucosal fibroids cause the most pain, particularly during menstruation.
A chronic condition causing pelvic pain associated with bladder filling — the urge to urinate frequently to relieve pain, with no infection found on urine culture. Often misdiagnosed as recurrent UTI for years. Requires specialist evaluation once infection has been ruled out.
Comprehensive pelvic pain assessment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Walk-in from ₦5,000.