Sudden Stabbing Pelvic Pain in Women: Common Causes

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand that sudden, severe pelvic pain can be alarming and disruptive. There are many possible causes for stabbing pelvic pain in women, ranging from minor issues to urgent medical emergencies. Our experienced providers are here to evaluate your symptoms quickly and provide the care you need.

Common Causes of Sudden Pelvic Pain:
●Ovulation (Mittelschmerz): The release of an egg can sometimes result in sharp, localized pain, which is typically harmless but can be concerning.
●Ovarian Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can rupture or become twisted (ovarian torsion), both of which can cause intense, sudden pain requiring immediate attention.
●Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This infection of the reproductive organs may cause acute pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
●Ectopic Pregnancy: A fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus (often in a fallopian tube) is a potentially life-threatening emergency. If you experience severe pain with heavy bleeding, dizziness, or fainting, seek urgent care immediately.
●Endometriosis: This condition can cause sharp pain, especially during the menstrual cycle, due to tissue growing outside the uterus.
●Fibroids and IUD Complications: Noncancerous uterine growths or issues related to intrauterine devices can also result in sudden pain.

Other Possible Causes:

●Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Stones: These can both cause severe pelvic discomfort and may need prompt treatment.
●Gastrointestinal Conditions: Appendicitis, diverticulitis, and other GI issues can present as pelvic pain and should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by nausea or changes in bowel habits.

We are equipped to diagnose and manage urgent causes of pelvic pain, providing rapid testing, imaging, and treatment as needed. If your pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, or if you are concerned about a possible pregnancy complication, come in for immediate evaluation.

Yes, an ovarian cyst can cause sudden, stabbing pelvic pain. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. While many cysts are small and harmless, some can become larger or develop complications, leading to acute pain.

Sudden, severe, stabbing pain may occur if a cyst ruptures, causing its contents to spill into the pelvic cavity. This can irritate surrounding tissues and sometimes result in internal bleeding, both of which can produce intense discomfort. Another potential cause of sharp pain is ovarian torsion—a serious condition where a cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply. Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. In addition to pain, you may also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, or fever, especially if complications like rupture or torsion occur.

If you experience sudden or severe pelvic pain, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our experienced healthcare providers can quickly evaluate your symptoms, perform appropriate diagnostic tests, and offer the care you need to address your condition. Don’t wait—visit one of our convenient locations or contact us immediately if you are in pain. Your health and safety are our top priorities.

Yes, gastrointestinal issues can sometimes cause sudden, stabbing pelvic pain. The digestive tract is located near the pelvic region, and problems such as constipation, trapped gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or infections like gastroenteritis can lead to discomfort that is felt sharply in the lower abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, conditions like diverticulitis or appendicitis may present with acute, localised pain that feels stabbing or cramping. Additionally, the nerves in the abdomen and pelvis are interconnected, so pain from the intestines can sometimes be perceived as pelvic pain.

However, it’s important to remember that sudden and severe pelvic pain can have many causes beyond gastrointestinal issues, including gynaecological problems, urinary tract disorders, or even surgical emergencies such as ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy in women. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our experienced medical team is equipped to assess and manage a wide range of conditions that could cause pelvic pain. We offer on-site diagnostic services and can help determine the cause of your discomfort, ensuring that you receive the appropriate treatment quickly.

Sudden, sharp pelvic pain can be concerning and may have a variety of causes, including urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, gastrointestinal issues, or more serious medical conditions. We understand how alarming this symptom can be and are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care. When you visit Columbia Clinic Urgent Care with pelvic pain, our experienced providers will begin with a comprehensive evaluation. This includes a detailed review of your medical history, a physical examination, and—when necessary—diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, bloodwork, or imaging studies like ultrasound or X-ray, all conveniently available at our clinic.

Once we determine the underlying cause of your pain, our team will create a personalised treatment plan. For example, if an infection is diagnosed, we may prescribe antibiotics. If your pain is related to muscle strain or a gastrointestinal issue, we may recommend supportive treatments such as pain relievers, antispasmodic medications, or hydration therapy. For gynecological causes like ovarian cysts, you may receive pain management and, if needed, a referral to a specialist for ongoing care.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we emphasize clear communication and patient-centered care. Our providers will guide you on what symptoms require further attention—such as worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or severe discomfort—and ensure you know when to seek additional medical help. Our goal is to deliver immediate relief and clear instructions for  follow-up, so you can feel confident in your care every step of the way.

For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you at Tibbetts St Portland, Stark Street Portland, and Tigard, OR. We also accept walk-ins. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR, and surrounding areas. We also accept walk-ins.