Pain in The Pelvis? Here Are 15 Possible Reasons Why
Feeling pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen usually isn’t something to worry about. It’s most likely the result of period cramps or ovulation.
But in rare cases, pelvic pain can be a sign of something more serious, like an infection, reproductive issues, or a chronic condition.
We’ve got you.
15 Causes of pelvic pain: Blame it on the…
1. Menstrual pain and cramps
Cramps usually show up right before or at the very beginning of your period, when your uterus is contracting and shedding its lining. This can cause a jabbing pain or a muscle spasm-like feeling.
You can soothe cramps at home by using a heating pad or hot water bottle. Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or naproxen can help too.
If cramps are seriously cramping your style and preventing you from living your best life, talk to your doctor. They can call in reinforcements with stronger meds and methods.
2. Ovulation
Mittelschmerz happens when your ovaries release an egg that travels through your fallopian tube and into your uterus. The egg is escorted by uterine fluid that spreads throughout your pelvic area, sometimes resulting in irritation and pelvic pain.
The discomfort can last for minutes or hours and can switch sides from month to month. Treatment isn’t necessary.
3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is often managed with diet, stress management, and meds targeted at reducing specific symptoms.
4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Women with PID can develop symptoms like pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and unexpected bleeding. PID can also increase the risk of infertility. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women with PID have problems conceiving.
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat PID. While antibiotics can treat the infection, they can’t treat scarring. Talk to your doctor ASAP if you notice symptoms of PID, so you can treat it early and prevent scarring.
5. Endometriosis
Endo pain can range from mild to severe. Endometriosis can lead to difficulty getting pregnant.
Your doctor can work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on how severe your symptoms are.
6. Ectopic pregnancy
This is a life-threatening condition that can cause sharp pelvic pain and cramping, especially on one side. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and vaginal bleeding.
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.
7. Ovarian cysts
The result? A growth called an ovarian cyst. A cyst can cause pressure, bloating, and pelvic pain on the side of your body where it’s located.
According to ACOG, most cysts aren’t cancerous, and they’ll often disappear on their own. In rare cases, a cyst can bleed or burst, causing severe pelvic pain — this requires medical treatment.
If your doctor suspects an ovarian cyst, they’ll schedule an ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the cyst. Most resolve on their own, while others may require surgery.
8. Uterine fibroids
Usually, treatment isn’t needed. For particularly uncomfortable symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication, certain noninvasive procedures, or even surgery.
9. Interstitial cystitis
Doctors aren’t sure why interstitial cystitis happens. There’s no cure, so treatment generally aims to manage and relieve symptoms.
10. Cystitis or UTI
Cystitis affects your bladder, while a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is also caused by bacteria getting where it shouldn’t be, can develop anywhere in your urinary system.
Cystitis can clear up on its own, but some cases require antibiotics. UTIs, on the other hand, typically require antibiotics, but uncomplicated ones may go away without meds.
11. Urinary stones
Your body can sometimes have a hard time getting rid of salts and minerals in your urine. As these minerals build up, they can form crystals, or stones, in your bladder or kidneys.
This can cause pain in your pelvis or lower back. It may even turn your pee pink or red with blood.
Sometimes urinary stones pass on their own. Be warned: This can be painful. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe medications that can break up the stones and make them easier to pass. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove them.
12. STI's
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2.86 million new cases of chlamydia and about 1.14 million new cases of gonorrhea occur in the United States each year.
Other signs of an STI:
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- pain when you pee
- bleeding in between periods
If you think you might have an STI, see your doctor right away. They can give you an accurate diagnosis and set you up with a course of treatment.
Only you can prevent the infection from spreading, so give your sexual partners a heads-up if you’ve been diagnosed.
13. Pelvic adhesions
A doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery to shrink adhesions and ease symptoms.
14. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is common, but it can be severe. Along with a sharp pain in your lower-right abs, it can trigger other symptoms like vomiting and fever.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention stat!
15. Tumor
Your doctor will need to do a thorough evaluation to diagnose the issue. This may include blood tests or imaging tests. Your doctor will be able to determine a course of treatment depending on the specifics of the diagnosis.
When to Call the Doc
Pelvic pain won’t usually mean taking a trip to the doctor’s office. But sometimes pain indicates that something more serious is going on.Talk to your doctor if you:
- have pain that’s new and severe
- think you have an infection (letting this go untreated could lead to complications!)
- have unexpected vaginal bleeding and severe pain
- have a known medical condition and experience sudden changes in your pain
You should also see a doctor right away if you start to experience other symptoms along with your pelvic pain, like nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Your doctor can fully evaluate your symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and recommend the best treatment plan for you. They’ve got this.
Sources:
- Abdominal adhesions. (2015).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/abdominal-adhesions - Chlamydia - CDC fact sheet (detailed). (2016).
cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm - Definition & facts for appendicitis. (2014).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis/definition-facts - Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome. (2017).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts - Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods. (2015).
acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods - Ectopic pregnancy. (2018).
acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ectopic-Pregnancy - Endometriosis. (2018).
womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis - Gonorrhea - CDC fact sheet (detailed version). (2019).
cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea-detailed.htm - Ovarian cysts. (2017).
acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/ovarian-cysts - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) statistics. (2017).
cdc.gov/std/pid/stats.htm - Treatment: Cystitis. (2018).
nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis/treatment/#:~:text=Mild%20cystitis%20will%20usually%20clear,to%20improve%20within%203%20days - What is interstitial cystitis (IC) / bladder pain syndrome? (n.d.).
urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/interstitial-cystitis
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.greatist.com by Saundra Montijo on August 3, 2020, where all credits are due. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH.
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