Most Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a common problem that impacts most women at some point in their lives. The pain can be acute or chronic and occurs when the muscles in the uterus tighten and contract. There are several reasons why you might experience pelvic pain. From irritable bowel syndrome to an infection, it's important you seek medical treatment for your pain right away. Even though pelvic pain is common, it can be an underlying symptom of a serious condition that might need immediate attention.

Understanding pelvic pain

Many women describe pelvic pain as discomfort below their belly button, towards the lower part of their abdomen. The pain persists for six months or longer and is sometimes accompanied by the following symptoms: 

• Cramping
• Sharp pain
• Dull ache
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during menstruation
• Pain when you use the bathroom

Common causes of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can be its own condition, as well as an underlying symptom. To find treatment, you need to understand what’s causing your pain. Here are the most common causes of pelvic pain:  

Endometriosis

Endometritis is a painful condition that occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. In addition to pelvic pain, it can also cause infertility.

Menstrual cycle

A woman’s monthly period can cause headaches, cramping, acne, and yes, some pelvic pain. This pain is due to the contractions that help your uterus shed its lining.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes uncomfortable bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Chronic pelvic pain is, unfortunately, a key complaint from people with IBS.

Urinary tract infections

Bacteria leads to urinary tract infections, which cause pain in the lower belly. These infections can also cause sharp pain and pressure in your pelvis that makes it difficult to go about daily tasks.  

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection that takes up residence in your ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. It causes excessive menstrual discomfort, as well as pain when you urinate, have sex and ovulate. 

Fibroids 

Fibroids are benign but painful tumors that grow on and in your uterus. They can cause a variety of symptoms like heavy bleeding, frequent urination, and pelvic pain. 

Treating pelvic pain

It's not always easy to determine the cause of your pelvic pain. The symptoms can sometimes be nonspecific. You could even experience pain from neighboring systems that cause problems like kidney stones or appendicitis. That’s why it’s so important that you see a skilled and experienced provider like Dr. Darin Swainston. He'll take time to understand your health history, conduct a comprehensive physical exam, and run tests to get to the bottom of your pelvic pain. 

No matter the source, Dr. Swainston and our team will work hard to discover the root cause, treat it, and resolve your pelvic pain. Some of the ways we may treat you are:

• Lifestyle changes
• Supplements
• Hormone treatments
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery

You don’t have to live with chronic pelvic pain. Contact our office and schedule an appointment today!