Pelvic Pain
What is Pelvic Pain ?
Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the area below the bellybutton and between the hips that lasts six months or longer. Chronic pelvic pain can have more than one cause. It may be a symptom of another disease, or it can be a condition in its own right.
If chronic pelvic pain seems to be caused by another health condition, treating that problem may get rid of the pain. But tests may not be able to find a cause for chronic pelvic pain. In that case, the goal of treatment is to ease pain and other symptoms. That could make your quality of life better.
Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge
- Menstrual pain
- Dysuria (painful urination)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating or gas
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Fever or chills
- Hip pain
- Pain in your groin area
Cause
There are many reasons why you may develop pelvic pain, including Appendicitis. Bladder disorders, like urinary tract infections. Sexually transmitted infections. Kidney infection or kidney stones. Intestinal disorders, like diverticulitis or colitis. Nerve conditions, like pudendal neuralgia. Hernia. Pelvic disorders, like tightness or spasm of pelvic muscles. Broken pelvic bones. Psychogenic pain, which could be pain related to stress or psychological traumas from the past. Possible pelvic pain causes in women include Pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Ovulation. Menstrual cramps. Ovarian cysts or other ovarian disorders. Uterine fibroids. Endometriosis. Cervical cancer. Uterine cancer. Ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors
Many conditions are linked to chronic pelvic pain. Having more than one condition that causes pelvic pain, such as endometriosis and fibroids, raises the risk. A history of sexual or physical abuse also may raise the risk.
When to see a Doctor
In general, see your healthcare professional if the pain disrupts your daily life or if your symptoms seem to get worse.