Red flags & when to go in person for Pelvic Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Pelvic pain in children can have many causes, ranging from mild to serious. Telemedicine can help evaluate symptoms and provide guidance, but some signs mean your child should be seen in person right away. These include severe pain, fever, vomiting, or sudden changes in behavior. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask questions, review symptoms, and recommend next steps. However, physical exams and tests may be needed to find the cause of pain. Knowing when to seek urgent care can help protect your child's health and prevent complications. This guide explains common red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for and follow up after a virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pelvic pain limiting activity — seek emergency care immediately
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with pelvic pain — get in-person evaluation promptly
• Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down — urgent medical attention needed

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring
• Determining urgency of symptoms
• Referrals for in-person evaluation or tests

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination and palpation
• Imaging or laboratory testing
• Emergency interventions
• Diagnosing complex or severe conditions without in-person assessment

Understanding Pelvic Pain in Children

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. In children, it can be caused by infections, injuries, digestive issues, or other medical conditions. Sometimes, pain may be mild and temporary, but other times it can signal a more serious problem. Recognizing the symptoms and when to seek care is important for your child's well-being.

When to Use Telemedicine for Pelvic Pain

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation of pelvic pain when symptoms are mild or unclear. A healthcare provider can ask about the pain's location, severity, and other symptoms like fever or vomiting. They can also provide advice on home care and whether in-person evaluation is needed. Telemedicine helps avoid unnecessary travel and exposure while ensuring timely care.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Certain signs mean your child should be seen by a healthcare professional in person as soon as possible:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine appointment:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good internet connection
• Gather your child's medical history and current symptoms
• List any medications and allergies
• Prepare to describe pain location, intensity, and triggers
• Have questions or concerns ready to discuss
• Check that your device's camera and microphone work properly

After your tele-visit

• Monitor symptoms and keep a symptom diary
• Administer prescribed medications as directed
• Schedule in-person follow-up or tests if advised
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop
• Contact your healthcare provider with new or worsening symptoms

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you, but it usually cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests. If needed, your provider will recommend in-person evaluation.

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

If your child’s pain worsens or new symptoms like fever or vomiting develop, seek in-person medical care promptly. Do not wait for another telemedicine visit if red flags appear.

Is it safe to manage mild pelvic pain at home?

Often, mild pelvic pain can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, monitor your child closely and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms change or do not improve.

When should I call emergency services for my child’s pelvic pain?

Call emergency services if your child has severe pain, high fever, vomiting, blood in urine or stool, difficulty urinating, or signs of shock such as pale skin or confusion.

Sources

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

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 red flags, seek urgent medical attention immediately.