How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Pelvic Pain in Pediatrics

Audience: pediatric

Pelvic pain in children and adolescents can have many causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious conditions. A telemedicine visit can be a helpful first step to discuss symptoms, gather medical history, and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed. To get the most from your telemedicine visit, prepare by noting when the pain started, its location, severity, and any related symptoms like fever or urinary changes. During the visit, your healthcare provider will ask questions and may suggest next steps. Remember, telemedicine can often address initial concerns and provide guidance, but some situations require urgent in-person evaluation. If your child experiences severe pain, high fever, or other warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain requiring emergency evaluation
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with pelvic pain indicating possible infection
• Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or inability to keep fluids down needing urgent care

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of pelvic pain symptoms in children
• Reviewing medical history related to pelvic pain
• Providing guidance on symptom monitoring and home care
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or tests

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical pelvic examinations
• Diagnosing conditions that require imaging or lab tests
• Treating emergencies such as severe pain with fever or vomiting
• Administering procedures or urgent interventions

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's pelvic pain, including when it started, how it feels, and any other symptoms. They may also review your child's medical history and any medications. A physical exam cannot be done directly but may be guided if a caregiver is present. The provider will help decide if further tests or an in-person visit are necessary.

Preparing for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, write down important details such as:

Ensure you have a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention:

If any of these occur, go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Children

Pelvic pain may be due to various causes including urinary tract infections, constipation, menstrual cramps, or less commonly, appendicitis or ovarian cysts. Your provider will help identify likely causes based on symptoms and history and recommend appropriate care.

Follow-Up and Next Steps

After the telemedicine visit, your provider may suggest:

Keep track of any changes and communicate with your provider as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when the pelvic pain started and how often it occurs
• Note the exact location and type of pain
• List any other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or urinary changes
• Gather information on current medications and allergies
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss
• Ensure a quiet, private space with reliable internet or phone connection for the visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow any treatment or testing recommendations from your provider
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely
• Schedule in-person visits if advised
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop
• Keep a record of symptom changes to share with your provider

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of pelvic pain in my child?

Telemedicine visits can help your provider understand symptoms and medical history, but they often cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose the exact cause. Your provider may recommend in-person evaluation if needed.

What should I do if my child’s pelvic pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's pain worsens, especially with fever, vomiting, or difficulty urinating, seek emergency care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms change but are less severe.

How can I help my child during a telemedicine visit?

Be prepared with notes about symptoms and history. Help your child feel comfortable and speak openly. Ensure you have a quiet space and good connection. Have a caregiver present if possible to assist.

Is telemedicine safe for managing pediatric pelvic pain?

Telemedicine is a safe way to start evaluating symptoms and get advice. It helps reduce unnecessary travel and exposure, but it does not replace in-person care when needed.

Sources

1. Pelvic Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pelvic Pain — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Pelvic Pain: A Review — National Library of Medicine (NCBI).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.