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Pelvic Pain Specialist

Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin Mary Grace Bridges, MD Our Services Pelvic Pain

Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin

Mary Grace Bridges, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist & Breast Surgery located in Odessa, TX

About 15% of women of childbearing age in the United States suffer from chronic pelvic pain, which is pelvic pain that lasts six or more months. Pelvic pain may develop from any number of causes, including conditions that affect your reproductive organs. At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin in Odessa and Midland, Texas, Mary Grace Bridges, MD, uses advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and treat pelvic pain. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Pelvic Pain Q & A

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain includes any discomfort you feel in your lower abdominal area. It’s a common pain issue for women, especially during their period.

Though you may consider your pelvic pain a normal part of your menstrual cycle, you shouldn’t. Your discomfort may be signs of an underlying health issue. At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, Dr. Bridges specializes in finding and treating pelvic pain in women and can help you get relief from your discomfort.

What causes pelvic pain?

Your lower abdominal area is home to many organs and systems, including your reproductive organs, urinary system, and bowel. Your pelvic pain may occur from any problem that affects one or more of these body parts.

Common gynecological issues that cause pelvic pain include:

  • Menstruation
  • Fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Polyps
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Miscarriage
  • Ruptured ovarian cyst
  • Gynecological cancer
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)


Urinary tract infections and irritable bowel syndrome are also common causes of pelvic pain in women.

Some of these conditions may cause acute or chronic pain. Dr. Bridges recommends scheduling an appointment if your pain is sudden and severe, seems to be getting worse over time, or an ongoing problem.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

When you visit Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin with concerns about pelvic pain, Dr. Bridges conducts a thorough evaluation to find the root cause of your discomfort.

During your exam, she reviews your symptoms, medical history, gynecological history, and family medical history. She performs a physical and pelvic exam and may run diagnostic tests, such as lab work or ultrasound, to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.

For conditions like endometriosis, she may perform a diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm a diagnosis.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Dr. Bridges creates custom treatment plans for pelvic pain based on your diagnosis and severity of symptoms. When possible, she takes a conservative approach to care and may recommend:

  • Diet modification
  • Exercise routine
  • Physical therapy
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Hormonal birth control
  • Antibiotics


In some cases, Dr. Bridges may recommend gynecological surgery. As a skilled surgeon, she uses minimally invasive tools and techniques to perform any necessary procedures.

You may need surgery to remove fibroids or endometrial tissue. Dr. Bridges also performs a hysterectomy for women who have no future pregnancy plans and want a long-term solution for chronic pelvic pain.

There’s no need to suffer from pelvic pain. Call Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, or book an appointment online to get the help you need.