Sudden Stabbing Pelvic Pain: What Women Should Know

Experiencing sudden, stabbing pelvic pain can be alarming and may indicate an underlying health concern that needs prompt attention. At Pacific Women’s Center, our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for women facing urgent gynecological issues. Common causes of sudden pelvic pain include:

● Ovarian cyst rupture: When a fluid-filled sac on the ovary bursts, it can cause sharp, intense pain.

● Ectopic pregnancy: This serious condition occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—often in a fallopian tube—and can result in severe pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or dizziness.

● Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can rapidly become serious if not treated.

● Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, sometimes causing episodes of stabbing pain.

● Ovarian torsion: The ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply, and leads to abrupt, severe pain.

Sudden pelvic pain can also be caused by non-gynecological issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or gastrointestinal problems like appendicitis. Because these conditions may require immediate care, it is essential to have a prompt and accurate diagnosis.

If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain—especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, heavy bleeding, fainting, or signs of shock—please seek medical evaluation immediately. Some causes require urgent intervention to prevent serious complications.

At Pacific Women’s Center, your health and safety are our top priorities. Sudden pelvic pain can sometimes signal a serious gynecological emergency. While mild or gradual pelvic discomfort is often linked to common issues such as menstrual cramps or ovulation, sharp, severe, or rapidly worsening pain should never be ignored.

Some urgent conditions that can cause sudden pelvic pain include ovarian torsion, ruptured ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and advanced pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with complications like a tubo-ovarian abscess. In addition to pain, you may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or even fainting.

These situations require immediate medical evaluation—delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious consequences such as infertility or life-threatening internal bleeding. If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden and severe pelvic pain, especially with any of these symptoms, please seek emergency care right away.

Our pelvic pain doctors at Pacific Women’s Center are here to provide expert evaluation and compassionate care. If you have concerns or need urgent assistance, contact us immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

At Pacific Women’s Center, we understand that sudden pelvic pain can be alarming and may signal a range of reproductive health concerns. If you experience acute pelvic pain, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention, as some conditions can become serious quickly. Some of the most common causes we diagnose and treat at our Eugene practice include:

● Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs can form on the ovaries and often go unnoticed. However, if a cyst ruptures or becomes twisted (a condition called ovarian torsion), it can cause sudden, severe pain. Our gynecologists are experienced in diagnosing ovarian cysts and providing the right treatment for your needs.

● Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—most often in a fallopian tube—it can lead to a life-threatening emergency if not treated quickly. At Pacific Women’s Center, we offer early pregnancy assessment and urgent care to protect your health.

● Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs, PID can result from untreated sexually transmitted infections and may cause sudden pain, fever, and other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment at our clinic can help prevent long-term complications.

● Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids: Conditions like endometriosis (where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus) and uterine fibroids (noncancerous uterine growths) can both cause pelvic pain. Sometimes, this pain comes on suddenly, especially if a fibroid degenerates or endometriosis flares up. Our team offers comprehensive evaluation and management of these conditions.

● Early Pregnancy Complications: Sudden pelvic pain may also be a sign of miscarriage or other early pregnancy issues, especially if accompanied by bleeding. Our providers offer compassionate, timely care and support during these difficult experiences.

At Pacific Women’s Center, we often see patients concerned about pelvic pain and ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries. While many cysts are harmless and may go unnoticed, there are situations where they can cause sudden, sharp pelvic pain. One common cause of this pain is a ruptured cyst, which happens when the cyst bursts and releases fluid into the pelvic cavity. This can lead to intense discomfort and sometimes vaginal bleeding or spotting.

At Pacific Women’s Center, your health and safety are our top priorities. If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain—especially if it is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing—it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a ruptured cyst or another urgent condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.

Our experienced team at Pacific Women’s Center is here to help diagnose and manage ovarian cysts and any complications, using advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Springfield OR, Coburg OR, Creswell OR, Cottage Grove OR, Lowell OR, and Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.