Pelvic pain is a condition that affects the area between the groin and the belly bottom or the abdomen’s lowest part. In some cases, the causes of pelvic pain aren’t anything out of the ordinary, such as ovulation, menstrual cramps, or other common issues, such as food intolerance. Still, many other possible pelvic pain causes should raise concerns in patients.
At ACE OBGYN, we know that women are often concerned regarding pelvic pain, as the discomfort may signify issues with the reproductive systems or other organs in the area.
As such, we’ve gathered some of the most common causes of pelvic pain so they may learn more about the nature of the discomfort and explore possible treatment options.
Most Common Pelvic Pain Causes
- Menstrual cramps and period pain
According to experts, menstrual pain is usually the culprit behind pain in the pelvic area. As a matter of fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists highlights pain as the most common menstrual disorder symptom.
In the case of menstrual cramping, the pain will typically develop immediately before the start of the period due to the contractions in the uterus as it sheds its lining, producing pain similar to muscle spasms.
Fortunately, OTC medications and warm heat pads can help relieve the pain, but other medications may be needed in severe cases.
- Interstitial cystitis
This condition refers to chronic bladder inflammation without any apparent causes. Interstitial cystitis is capable of causing pelvic pain along with frequent needs to urinate, painful urination, and even painful sexual intercourse. For the most part, interstitial cystitis treatment will only involve symptom management tactics.
- STIs
Sexually transmitted infections or diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea may also cause pelvic pain in sexually active people.
Usually, pelvic pain isn’t the only symptom of STIs. Bleeding between periods, painful urination, and vaginal discharge changes are also pretty obvious signs that there’s an infection at hand.
Treatment will usually involve taking antibiotics, and most of the time, sexual partners will also be checked and treated.
- Ovulation
If pelvic pain concentrates on only one side of the pelvis during the middle of their cycle, women might be experiencing painful ovulation or mittelschmerz, which is the German word used by doctors to describe the ovulation pain.
During ovulation, the ovaries release eggs and fluids. The egg will usually travel from the uterus to the fallopian tube. In some cases, the fluid released by the ovaries may also enter the abdominal cavity, irritating the pelvic area.
Fortunately, the pain requires no treatment and is only temporary. Still, it’s highly advised to contact your provider if the pain is sharp and occurs outside the ovulation period.
- Urinary tract infections or cystitis
Cystitis usually refers to bladder inflammation triggered by bacterial infections. It usually happens when the rectal, skin, or vaginal bacteria enter the urethra and start inflaming the urinary bladder.
On the other hand, UTIs or urinary tract infections can develop anywhere in the urinary system.
Both of these are common conditions and common causes of pelvic pain as well. They can sometimes resolve on their own, but in most cases, antibiotics are necessary to treat them.
- Ovarian cysts
These usually develop when the ovaries cannot release an egg when the follicle that holds the egg won’t open correctly or becomes clogged with fluid, forming ovarian cysts in the area. These cysts may lead to pressure, bloating, and pelvic pain on the side of the body where the ovarian cyst developed.
In most cases, these cysts will resolve on their own and are benign. Still, there are cases when these ovarian cysts may burst or bleed, resulting in severe and sharp pelvic pain, which may grant a visit to your provider.
- Uterine fibroids
These are a combination of fibrous tissue and muscle lumps inside the uterus. Generally speaking, uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. And while uterine fibroids are noncancerous, they can still cause pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding, often leading to other problems, such as painful intercourse and lower back pain.
Fortunately, some uterine fibroids won’t require treatment, but if the symptoms are difficult to manage, surgery, noninvasive procedures, and different medications may solve the issue.
On the other hand, fibroids may lead to reproductive problems, such as pregnancy complications, miscarriage, impaired fertility, and adverse obstetric outcomes.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is a gut disorder that can cause bloating, constipation, pelvic pain, and diarrhea, which tends to resolve after bowel movements. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition, but dietary changes, stress management, and certain medications can help.
- Appendicitis
The inflammation of the appendix may also cause pelvic pain, fever, and vomiting. The sharp pain focuses on the lower-right abdomen and requires immediate medical attention.
- Endometriosis
This condition develops when the tissue that grows inside of the uterus starts to grow on the womb’s outside.
The condition may lead to prolonged, chronic pelvic problems in some women. When a woman’s period begins, the outside tissue responds to hormonal changes, causing pelvic inflammation and bleeding. The pain is usually mild, but it may also be severe, and endometriosis can lead to complications for women who want to become pregnant.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
PID, or pelvic inflammatory disease, describes an infection in the womb that damages the surrounding tissue. The condition may result from cervical or vaginal bacteria entering the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
Generally, PID is considered most of the time an STI complication from chlamydia or gonorrhea or mycoplasma genitalium, and patients may also experience bleeding and abnormal vaginal discharge as symptoms, along with pelvic pain. In many other cases, the cause of PID is unknown and could be caused by the harmless vaginal bacteria that start overgrowing and start ascending into the uterus and the fallopian tubes causing pelvic pain and an increase in vaginal discharge
Treatment for the condition will usually involve antibiotics to address the bacterial infection. The problem is that the disease can also lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, meaning that timely treatment is crucial.
- Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies happen when the embryo starts developing outside of the uterus. In the cases of such pregnancies, women will usually experience cramps and sharp pain in their pelvic area, generally focused on a particular side. Vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness may also occur.
Because this is a life-threatening condition, those women who suspect an ectopic pregnancy should seek medical attention immediately.
- Tumors
Sporadically, malignant growths may develop in the urinary tract, gastrointestinal system, or reproductive system, causing pelvic pain; tumors will also produce other symptoms depending on where they develop.
Diagnosis will involve thorough evaluation, and only after a proper assessment will doctors recommend adequate treatment.
Pelvic Pain – Knowing the Differences
Pain will usually cause concern in all patients, but pelvic discomfort doesn’t always demand medical assessment. Still, when patients suspect an infection and experience severe pain and unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially nausea, vomiting, and fever, they should contact their provider as soon as possible.
Our experienced staff can help you learn more about pelvic pain, answer your questions and address your concerns. That said, feel free to schedule an appointment with us.