Pelvic Pain Symptoms - Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain affects the pelvis, varying from individuals to individuals. Symptoms may vary for menstrual cramps, ovulation, or an issue such as food intolerance- see what you think in order to treat the problem. It may even be the sign of something more serious- this needs to be addressed by a medical professional.

Sometimes, people experience pelvic pain when they have an infection or other issues with their reproductive system. In this case, it's important to see a doctor.

What is Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can be felt in the region of women's reproductive organs, but it might also affect people of varying sexes and may arise from other body parts such as bones or internal organs. In females designated at birth (DFAB), pelvic pain can very well be a symptom of an issue with one of the organs found in the pelvic area (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina).

Pelvic pain can result from a wide range of ailments. Some common causes include:

• Endometriosis: The tissue that borders the uterus develops outside of the uterus in this disease. This can cause pain during menstruation as well as other times during the month.
• Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovaries. They are usually benign (noncancerous), but can sometimes rupture and cause severe pain.
• Fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that occur in the uterus. They can range in size from very small to large, and can cause pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can lead to severe pelvic pain, as well as infertility.

There are many other potential causes of pelvic pain, so it is important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any type of pelvic pain to determine the underlying cause.

Types of Pelvic Pain

There are many different types of pain that can be associated with pelvic pain. The most common type of pelvic pain is menstrual cramps, which are caused by the uterus contracting to expel the menstrual blood. This type of pain is usually experienced in the lower abdomen and can range from mild to severe. Other types of pelvic pain include:

• Ovulation pain: Some women experience a sharp pain in their lower abdomen when they ovulate. This is caused by the release of the egg from the ovary and is often accompanied by bloating and breast tenderness.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause severe pelvic pain, as well as fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing painful cramps and bleeding during menstruation.
• Interstitial cystitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the bladder, resulting in pelvic pain and urinary frequency or urgency.

Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

Symptoms of pelvic pain can include:

• Painful urination: If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, one symptom you may have is painful urination. This can be a sign of a number of different conditions, including: Urinary tract infections.
• Pain during sex: Another common cause of pain during sex is pelvic floor dysfunction. This occurs when the muscles and tissues around the pelvis are weak or tight. This can lead to pain in the vagina, vulva, or anus during sex. If you have pelvic floor dysfunction, you may need to see a doctor or physical therapist for treatment.
• Lower back pain: Lower back pain is a common symptom of pelvic pain. The pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing and can vary in intensity. It may radiate from the lower back to the buttocks or down the leg. Pelvic pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, urinary frequency or urgency, and constipation.
• Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of pelvic pain. It can be dull and achy, or sharp and crampy. It may be worse with certain activities, such as sex, or during menstruation. The pain may radiate to your lower back, thighs, or buttocks.
• Fatigue: However, if you're pelvic pain is accompanied by fatigue, it's important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Some potential causes of pelvic pain-related fatigue include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts. If you're experiencing fatigue along with other symptoms like pain during sex, urinary frequency or urgency, or bloating, be sure to mention it to your doctor so they can help you determine the cause.

Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain

When endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus, it is said to have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. This can cause pain and cramping, as well as bleeding during menstruation.

Other possible causes of pelvic pain include:

• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Infections
• Structural problems with the reproductive organs

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, it is important to see your doctor so they can determine the cause and provide you with treatment options.

Treatment of Pelvic Pain

If you're experiencing pelvic pain, there are a number of treatment options available to you. Depending on the cause of your pelvic pain, your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

• Medication: If your pelvic pain is caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If your pelvic pain is caused by endometriosis, your doctor may prescribe hormonal therapy or pain medication.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be helpful for treating pelvic pain caused by muscle spasms or scar tissue. Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to help relieve your pain and improve your range of motion.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat pelvic pain. For example, if you have endometriosis, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopic surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. If you have a hernia, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the hernia.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing pelvic pain, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. However, there are also a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your symptoms. These include staying hydrated, maintaining good posture, and exercising regularly. If you're struggling with pelvic pain, these tips may help you find some relief.