Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is the discomfort in the area below the abdomen and pelvis. It occurs due to a problem with any of the reproductive organs, urinary or digestive systems. It can be a gynaecologic symptom. This pain can be termed as chronic if it persists for 4-6 months. Pelvic pain can be like menstrual cramps and may come and go. This pain normally occurs in co-ordination with menstrual cycle. It can occur just before the periods or in the middle of the menstrual cycle or during ovulation.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of pelvic pain are:
- Menstrual cramps
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Discharge
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Blood in stool
- Pain in hip and groin area/li>
- Fever and chills
Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain due to problems in reproductive organs is caused by:
Menstrual cramps: many women experience pain or cramps in their lower abdomen before or during their menstrual periods.
Adenomyosis: is a condition in which the tissues of the uterus lining grow inside the muscular walls.
Endometriosis: this is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity.
Ectopic pregnancy: in this type of pregnancy the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus.
Miscarriage: sudden loss of pregnancy is known as miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur when the foetus does not grow normally.
Ovulation pain: ovulation pain is experienced in the mid cycle phase when ovulation happens. This pain is similar to menstrual cramps
Pelvic inflammatory disease: pelvic inflammatory disease occurs when the STIs bacteria spread from the vagina to uterus, fallopian tube and the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts: ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs formed inside or on the surface of the ovaries.
Ovarian cancer: ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and normally goes undetected until it spreads through the pelvic organs.
Uterine fibroids: these are non-cancerous growth of tumours on the uterus.
Vulvodynia: is a condition in which there is throbbing pain and discomfort around the vagina opening. This pain may last for months.
Other possible causes of pelvic pain are:
Appendicitis: occurs when a small tube shaped organ called appendix becomes infected or inflames.
Urinary tract infection: is an infection in any of the organ of the urinary tract such as the urethra, kidney, bladder, etc.
STDs or STIs: diseases or infections developed due to unprotected sex is also a common cause of pelvic pain
Kidney stones: deposits of salt and other minerals in the kidney may cause severe pelvic pain.
Intestinal disorders: disorders of the intestine like diverticula are small bulging bags formed on the lining of the intestines.
Hernia: occurs when a tissue of any part of the intestine bulges out from the abdomen.
Other such causes of pelvic pain include irritable bowel syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, pinched nerves of the spine, damaged pelvic bones, tightness and spasm of the pelvic muscles, past physical or sexual abuse.
When to seek medical help
When there is pelvic pain which disturbs or obstructs your daily activities get in touch with your doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is imperative to diagnose the cause of the pelvic pain in order for appropriate treatment. Review of the symptoms and medical history is to be done. Along with physical test, other tests done are blood and urine tests, pregnancy test, vaginal examination to check for any STIs, pelvic X-rays, stool guaiac test, ultra sound and CT scan of the abdomen area.
Treatment of pelvic pain varies according to the causes. At times it gets treated with antibiotics and pain killers. For other causes like uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts etc., surgery laparoscopy and hysterectomy may be required. Other therapies like physical therapies, psychotherapy, spinal cord stimulation, trigger point injections, can also be useful in treatment of pelvic pain.
