At Pflugerville OBGYN, we believe that no woman should have to suffer through debilitating pelvic pain in silence. If you find yourself dreading your period every month, you might be dealing with more than just typical menstrual discomfort. Our dedicated team of five providers, including Dr. Rachel Shepherd, M.D. FACOG, helps women in Pflugerville, Texas, find answers and relief for complex reproductive health issues.
We specialize in comprehensive gynecology services to address conditions like endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Unfortunately, many women normalize this pain, leading to an average diagnostic delay of 5 to 12 years in the United States, according to a study published in JAMA (2025).
Recognizing the warning signs that your cramps could be endometriosis is the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life.
The warning signs that your cramps could be endometriosis include pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, pain during intercourse, painful bowel movements, painful urination, and chronic pelvic pain outside of your period. If you experience any of these symptoms, your menstrual discomfort may actually be a sign of an underlying inflammatory condition. Here are the five key warning signs you should never ignore:
1. Severe pelvic pain that resists standard relief. Normal cramps might cause mild discomfort, but endometriosis pain is often debilitating and does not improve with typical over-the-counter pain relievers. This is because the ectopic tissue triggers intense inflammation and sensitizes local nerves.
2. Painful bowel movements during your cycle. Endometriosis can cause cycle-related bowel issues. Women with endometriosis have a significantly higher risk of experiencing painful bowel movements during their periods.
3. Painful urination or bladder discomfort. If you feel a deep ache or sharp pain when your bladder is full or while urinating, it could be a sign of pelvic inflammation. Endometriosis patients have a 6.04 times higher risk of experiencing pain when the bladder is full Fertility and Sterility, (2022).
4. Pain during or after intercourse. Deep pelvic pain during sex (known medically as dyspareunia) is a common sign of endometriosis. This occurs because the inflammatory lesions can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become tight and highly sensitive.
5. Chronic pelvic pain throughout the month. Endometriosis is not just a period problem. The inflammatory lesions can continuously fire pain signals, causing a constant, dull ache in your pelvis even when you are not menstruating.
We treat endometriosis using a personalized combination of hormonal therapies, pelvic floor physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgical excision to target the root cause of your pain. Our team focuses on reducing your discomfort and restoring your pelvic health through evidence-based care.
At Pflugerville OBGYN, we offer tailored treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms. For some patients, we recommend hormone therapy to suppress estrogen and slow tissue growth. We also highly advocate for non-pharmacological therapies like pelvic floor physical therapy, which has been shown to be incredibly effective for overall pelvic pain reduction.
When conservative treatments are not enough, we perform advanced office-based surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Our goal is to provide you with a precise diagnosis and a compassionate care plan that fits your lifestyle.
You do not have to accept severe pain as a normal part of being a woman. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, Dr. Shepherd and our experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. Please schedule a consultation with our team today to start your journey toward a pain-free life.
