The pelvis is located at the bottom of the torso between the belly and the legs. Pelvic pain occurs in the lower abdomen, between the navel and the groin. It is commonly associated with discomfort in the region of the female reproductive organs; however, it affects both men and women.
Several medical conditions cause chronic pelvic pains; if these conditions are treated, the pains go away. It can also be a symptom of another disease or condition. Pinpointing a single cause of persistent pelvic pain is often impossible. In that case, the goal of treatment is to alleviate your pain while also improving your health. This article discusses the causes of pelvic pain, its symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can develop for a variety of reasons. Men and women may experience pelvic pain due to the following reasons:
- Irritation or inflammation of the nerves directly brought on by a variety of causes.
- Cramps or contractions of both skeletal and smooth muscles
- Appendicitis.
- Bladder-related disorders, i.e., urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Kidney related diseases
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as pinched nerves
- Hernia.
- Pelvic dysfunction, i.e., tightness and spasm of pelvic muscles).
- Pelvic deformation.
- Pain caused by psychological trauma
Chronic pelvic pain is caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Cramps during menstruation
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids in the uterus (abnormal uterine growths)
- Scar tissue in the pelvic cavity between internal organs
- Polyps in the endometrium
- Reproductive system cancers
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
It isn't easy to point to a specific area in the pelvis when attempting to locate the source of pain. Instead, these signs and symptoms indicate that you are suffering from chronic pelvic pain.
- Constant and severe pain
- Pain that appears and disappears. It could be due to a temporary lack of blood supply caused by obstruction of blood during circulation.
- A dull ache
- A convulsion may bring on cramping or sharp pains in a soft organ like the appendix, urinary bladder, or intestine.
- Deep pressure or heaviness in the pelvis. This condition indicates a buildup of blood, pus, or other causes.
You may also encounter:
- Discomfort when having intercourse
- Pain while urinating or having a bowel movement
- Long periods of sitting cause pain.
Pelvic pains necessitate prompt medical attention to prevent further complications, such as:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Scarring on the uterus
- Infertility
Treating Pelvic Pain
Treatment for pelvic pain is based on several factors, including the cause of the pain, severity, and how frequently the pains occur. Listed below are some ways to treat pelvic pain.
- Medicine. If necessary, drugs such as antibiotics are used to treat pelvic pain.
- Surgery. Surgery may be necessary for treatment if the pain is due to an issue with any of the pelvic organs.
- Physical therapy. In some circumstances, your doctor may advise physical therapy to reduce pelvic pain.
Consult a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Your doctor is in a good position to advise and prescribe the appropriate medication.
Is It Possible to Prevent Pelvic Pain?
There are no known preventative measures for pelvic pain. However, there are a few ways of reducing the likelihood of experiencing pelvic pain.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend standing or moving around.
- Consume more fiber
- Regular exercise is essential. Physical activity keeps your joints and muscles in good shape.
- Regular checkups can assist your physician in identifying problems early on before the condition deteriorates.
