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Pelvic Pain: Causes, Warning Signs and Evaluation

 Quick answer: Pelvic pain is pain in the lower abdomen below the belly button. It can come from the uterus, ovaries, bladder, or bowel, and may be sudden or long-lasting. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na, an English-speaking female OB-GYN, evaluates pelvic pain with an exam, ultrasound, and tests. Sudden severe pain needs emergency care.

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of the abdomen, between the belly button and the hips. It can be:

  •  Acute: sudden pain that started recently
  • Chronic: pain that has lasted 6 months or more, constantly or on and off
  • Cyclic: pain linked to the menstrual cycle, such as period pain or ovulation pain

What causes pelvic pain?

Gynecologic causes:

Other causes:

  •  Urinary tract infection or bladder pain syndrome
  • Appendicitis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or other bowel conditions
  • Kidney stones
  • Muscle and pelvic floor problems

What symptoms may come with pelvic pain?

Pay attention to when the pain started, where it is, and what comes with it: fever, unusual discharge, bleeding, pain during sex, pain with urination, changes in bowel habits, or links to your cycle. These details help find the cause.

When is pelvic pain an emergency?

Call 119 or go to a hospital emergency room if you have:

  • Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Pain with a positive or possible pregnancy, or with shoulder-tip pain (possible ectopic pregnancy)
  • Pain with fever and vomiting
  • Pain with dizziness, fainting, or a racing heartbeat
  • Severe pain that is worse on the lower right side, which can be appendicitis
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding with pain

Eunice Women's Clinic is an outpatient clinic and is not equipped for emergencies. See our guide to after-hours and emergency care in Seoul.

When should I book a clinic visit?

Book a visit for mild to moderate pain that lasts more than a few days, pain that returns each cycle, pain during sex, pelvic pain with unusual discharge, or chronic pain that affects daily life.

How is pelvic pain evaluated at the clinic?

  • A detailed history and a pelvic exam, if appropriate
  • A pregnancy test for anyone who could be pregnant
  • A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries
  • A urine test for infection
  • STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections when indicated
  • Blood tests, such as a blood count or inflammation markers, when needed

If the cause may be outside the reproductive organs, such as the bowel or kidneys, Dr. Eun will advise you on the right specialist or hospital.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on the cause. Options include pain relief with NSAIDs, antibiotics for infections, hormonal treatment for endometriosis or cyclic pain, and follow-up ultrasounds for cysts. Pelvic floor physical therapy and other specialist care may help chronic pain. Surgery, if needed, is performed at a hospital by referral. Individual results vary.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about pelvic pain in English.

   
Day Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Tue, Thu 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Sat 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
Sun and public holidays Closed

Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.

Book an appointment in English

Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3

Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking

Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays

How to book · Directions · Fees

Frequently asked questions

What does pain on one side of the pelvis mean?

One-sided pelvic pain can be caused by ovulation, an ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis on the right side, or a kidney stone. Sudden, severe one-sided pain needs emergency care. Milder pain that continues should be checked with an exam and ultrasound.

Can an STD cause pelvic pain?

Yes. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Early testing and antibiotic treatment help prevent long-term problems such as chronic pain or fertility problems.

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is pain below the belly button that lasts 6 months or longer. It often has more than one cause, such as endometriosis, bladder, bowel, or muscle problems. Management usually combines several approaches over time.

Can I go to the clinic instead of the emergency room?

For sudden, severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or pain in pregnancy, go to a hospital emergency room or call 119. The clinic is suitable for non-urgent pain that needs an exam, ultrasound, or tests.

Why do I have pain during sex?

Pain during sex can be caused by vaginal dryness, infection, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic floor muscle tension, or menopause-related changes. A gynecologic exam and ultrasound can help find the cause and guide treatment.

Related pages

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.