Pelvic pain in women: Common Causes
Pelvic pain, or pain below the abdomen, can have a variety of causes in women. If you are experiencing this sort of discomfort, you should consult a doctor. It frequently indicates that you have a medical condition, which can typically be easily addressed to avoid problems.
Chronic pelvic pain is defined as discomfort that lasts six months or more and is not caused by pregnancy.
Acute pelvic discomfort occurs over a brief period, ranging from a few minutes to a few days.
This sort of discomfort is frequently a warning indication that something is amiss and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Cysts in the ovaries (ovarian cysts)
If an ovarian cyst leaks fluid or bleeds slightly, women may suffer acute discomfort. When a big cyst twists or ruptures, the pain can be acute, sharp, and constant. This is most likely the most prevalent gynecologic cause of acute pelvic discomfort.
After two or three menstrual cycles, most tiny cysts will disappear on their own. Large cysts, or those that do not disintegrate on their own after a few months, may necessitate surgical excision.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy begins outside the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy pain often begins on one side of the abdomen soon after a missed period and may involve spotting or vaginal bleeding.
Ectopic pregnancies can be fatal if medical attention is not sought soon. The fallopian tubes might rupture and produce an abdominal hemorrhage. Surgery may be necessary for some circumstances to remove the damaged fallopian tube.
Inflammatory Pelvic Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may result from any pelvic infection. Discharge, blisters, or skin sores might result from this.
Medications that fight the infection, including antibiotics, can frequently be used to treat this disease. If an abscess forms, it may occasionally be necessary to undergo surgery, such as surgical drainage.
If this problem develops and is left untreated, it might result in serious issues, including infertility and septicemia (a systemic infection).
Non-Reproductive Reasons
An infection or inflammation may be the source of your pelvic pain. Acute pelvic discomfort can result from an infection even if it doesn’t impact the reproductive organs. The appendix, bladder, or colon can all be affected by conditions that cause pelvic discomfort.
Non-reproductive causes of pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort include diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney or bladder stones, as well as muscle spasms or strains. Acute appendicitis symptoms might also include pelvic discomfort.
Other Causes of Sudden Pain
Vaginal infections, vaginitis, and sexually transmitted illnesses can also be sources of pelvic discomfort (STDs). Each of them calls for a visit to your doctor, who will record your medical history and conduct a physical examination that could involve diagnostic tests.
Persistent pelvic pain
Intermittent or ongoing pelvic discomfort is considered chronic. Multiple issues might be the cause of chronic pelvic discomfort. Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps are a typical illustration of persistent pelvic discomfort.
Endometriosis, adenomyosis, and ovulation discomfort are other reasons for persistent pelvic pain.
Non-gynecologic disorders can also produce this sort of pain, such as:
- Infections of the bladder interstitial cystitis or other cystitis causes.
- Gastrointestinal issues: colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain in the abdominal wall, or neurologic cutaneous nerve entrapment.
Sometimes a disease begins with intermittent pelvic discomfort that progresses to chronic pain over time. This is frequently an indication that the condition has gotten worse.
Adhesions or scar tissue that develops as a result of the healing process can occasionally cause persistent pelvic discomfort in women who have undergone surgery or who have severe illnesses, including PID, endometriosis, or severe infections.
The surfaces of the organs and tissues of the abdomen adhere to one another due to adhesions.
Benign fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths from the uterine muscle and frequently show no symptoms. When symptoms manifest, they may include menstrual irregularities as well as pelvic discomfort or pain.
