Red flags & when to go in person for Pelvic Pain

Audience: adult

Pelvic pain can have many causes, ranging from mild to serious. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and decide the next steps. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person care quickly. These include severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or sudden changes in your health. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask questions, review your history, and guide you on managing mild symptoms or when to get urgent care. Knowing the red flags helps keep you safe and ensures you get the right care at the right time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic pain that suddenly worsens or limits movement — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with pelvic pain — contact healthcare promptly for evaluation.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots — go to an urgent care or emergency facility without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate pelvic pain symptoms.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Reviewing medical history and advising on when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up consultations after initial in-person diagnosis or treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating severe pelvic pain requiring physical examination.
• Managing emergencies such as heavy bleeding, high fever, or suspected pregnancy complications.
• Performing physical exams, imaging, or laboratory tests directly.
• Providing surgical or procedural interventions.

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is discomfort in the lower abdomen area between the hips. It can be caused by issues with organs like the uterus, bladder, intestines, or muscles. The pain may be sharp, dull, constant, or come and go. Understanding the type and timing of pain helps healthcare providers find the cause.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits allow you to talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can help assess mild or moderate pelvic pain, discuss your symptoms, and suggest home care or tests. Telemedicine is useful for follow-up visits or when you need advice on managing ongoing symptoms.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you have:

These signs may indicate infections, pregnancy problems, or other serious conditions.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your pelvic pain symptoms with details on onset, duration, and intensity.
• Note any additional symptoms like fever, bleeding, or urinary changes.
• Prepare a list of current medications and relevant medical history.
• Ensure a private, quiet space with reliable internet or phone connection.
• Have a way to take notes or record recommendations during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow medication or treatment instructions given by the provider.
• Schedule any recommended tests or imaging promptly.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and note any changes or worsening.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags appear after the visit.
• Arrange follow-up appointments as advised to reassess your condition.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my pelvic pain?

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms and medical history, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose the exact cause. You may be advised to have in-person evaluation if needed.

When should I go to the emergency room for pelvic pain?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe pelvic pain that suddenly worsens, a high fever with pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, or difficulty urinating. These may be signs of serious conditions needing urgent care.

Can pelvic pain be managed at home?

Mild pelvic pain without red flags can often be managed with rest, over-the-counter pain relief, and monitoring symptoms. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and seek care if symptoms change.

What information should I share during my telemedicine visit?

Be ready to describe your pain clearly, including when it started, how it feels, and any other symptoms like fever or bleeding. Share your medical history and any medications you take to help your provider make the best recommendations.

Sources

1. Pelvic Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pelvic Pain: Causes and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.