What is Pelvic Pain?

Understanding Pelvic Pain: A Guide to Diagnosis and Relief

Pelvic pain is pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. Although this condition is most commonly associated with pain in the area of a woman's reproductive organs, it may be experienced by both genders. Additionally, it can be caused by other reasons.

It can be either acute or chronic pain, may vary in intensity and duration, and tends to disrupt normal activities. Pelvic pain has various causes, from reproductive disorders to gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pelvic pain is crucial for effective management.

Keep reading!

What are the Causes of Pelvic Pain?

The following are the major reasons for pelvic pain, divided into the affected systems of the body:

1.Reproductive System Disorders

Reproductive problems are a usual reason for pelvic pain, most often in females:

Endometriosis, or tissue analogous to the lining of the uterus that occurs outside the organ, results in perpetual pain, usually during menstruation.
Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumours of the uterus, lead to heavy menstruation and pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain can also be caused by ovarian cysts if they twist or rupture.

2.Common Conditions in the Female Reproductive System

The following are some of the common conditions in the female reproductive system that can lead to pelvic pain:

Benign conditions like menstrual cramps, pain with ovulation, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are the common causes of pelvic pain.
Pregnancy-related conditions like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage can produce severe pelvic pain with bleeding and cramping.
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), which is varicose veins in the pelvic region, results in chronic pain, particularly after prolonged standing or after intercourse.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer also result in chronic pelvic pain.

3.Urinary System Disorders

The urinary tract is another cause of pelvic pain. In this regard:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) result in burning while urinating, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain.
Interstitial cystitis (IC), or painful bladder syndrome, leads to constant pelvic pressure and pain.
Other conditions, such as kidney stones, kidney infection (pyelonephritis), and bladder cancer, may also result in severe pelvic pain, which is accompanied by blood in the urine.

4.Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal issues may also result in pelvic pain:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) creates bloating and cramping, which can resemble pelvic pain.
Other conditions like appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal infections can be associated with pelvic pain and digestive symptoms.

5.Musculoskeletal Issues

Musculoskeletal disorders may also be the cause of pelvic pain:

Pelvic floor dysfunction, characterized by tight or weak pelvic muscles, leads to pain with movement or during sex.
Hernias, in which an organ bulges through a weak area in the abdominal wall, can also lead to pelvic pain.

6.Chronic Pain Syndromes

Chronic pelvic pain is also associated with chronic pain syndromes such as:

Fibromyalgia or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, where there is constant, inexplicable pain.
Such conditions usually have no obvious structural cause, which complicates their diagnosis and treatment.
The pain is severe and affects daily life, necessitating a multidisciplinary treatment strategy.

7.Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Infections, such as STDs, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, may lead to pelvic pain, usually accompanied by abnormal discharge, painful urination, and fever.

8.Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Some of the pregnancy-related conditions that lead to pelvic pain are:

Pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, result in extreme pelvic pain accompanied by bleeding.
Miscarriage and premature labour also result in cramps and pelvic pain, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

Some of the common symptoms of pelvic pain are:

● Unusual discharge, spotting, or vaginal bleeding
● Menstrual pain
● Rectal bleeding (bowel movement bleeding)
● Painful sexual intercourse
● Dysuria (painful urination)
● Diarrhea or constipation
● Hip pain
● Groin pain
● Gas or bloating
● Chills or fever

Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain

Mentioned below are the diagnostic tests a doctor may perform to check the severity of your pelvic pain:

● Blood and urine tests
● Pregnancy tests
● Vaginal screening
● Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
● Laparoscopy, in which structures of the abdomen and pelvis are directly visualized
● Hysteroscopy, for examination of the uterus
● Stool test
● Lower endoscopy
● Ultrasound
● Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Treatment of Pelvic Pain

Here are the common treatment methods to get relief from pelvic pain:

Medications: Pain management usually includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics can be used for infections.
Surgery: If the pain is due to pelvic organ problems, surgery or minimally invasive procedures might be required.
Physical Therapy: Recommended to enhance pelvic muscle function to alleviate pain.
Psychological Support: Counseling can be used to manage stress-related chronic pelvic pain.
Home Remedies: To prevent pelvic pain, apply heat to the painful area, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Lifestyle Changes: Stop smoking, eat a fibre-rich diet, and keep regular check-ups to avoid recurrence.

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