The pelvis is located between the lower part of the trunk and the thighs. Since the reproductive organs are housed in the pelvis, pelvic pain must be taken seriously.

This type of pain can spread to the lower abdomen, causing difficulty in determining its exact cause. Sometimes it’s just menstrual cramps, but other times it is a potentially life-threatening health condition. Therefore, if you’ve been experiencing chronic pelvic pain, it is advised to seek help. A licensed health care professional can make an accurate diagnosis and formulate a pain management plan for you.

Read on to find out possible causes of pelvic pain and their symptoms so you know when to seek help.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are actually normal because these are the effects of a natural occurrence within a woman’s reproductive system.

The menstrual cycle involves hormone activity that causes the endometrium to thicken, preparing it for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen after ovulation, the tissue buildup around the endometrium is shed.

The uterine muscles automatically contract to limit the blood supply to these tissues, causing them to die. The contractions try to squeeze the dead tissue out of a woman’s body through the vaginal opening. Pelvic pain is a result of the contractions and oxygen deprivation to the muscles.

Menstrual cramps are often accompanied by:

• Headache
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Tender breasts

If the menstrual cramps and other related symptoms are severe and last for days, consult a gynecologist for a “menstrual symptometrics” for a possibility of underlying health problems. Practices like Natural Med Doc can help regulate pain management.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Women often experience no symptoms when they’re first infected. If left untreated, PID can cause serious complications, including chronic, severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries caused by certain bacteria, with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the most common.

Severe pelvic pain is a common symptom and it usually goes with fever, heavy vaginal discharge, irregular menstruation, and pain during urination and intercourse. In any or a combination of these are present, you must seek medical attention immediately to avoid scarring. This is because scarring may result in infertility, abscesses, and ectopic pregnancy.

Endometriosis

Individuals with endometriosis often experience chronic pelvic pain. Pain management Phoenix may help in allowing continuity of normal daily activities. However, since endometriosis can lead to infertility and other complications, a more comprehensive treatment is advised.

Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Because this tissue is genetically designed to thicken and shed (menstrual cycle), it will continue to act this way even if it is already outside the uterus. The thickening and shedding cause a mild to debilitating pelvic pain that is often most intense during menstruation, intercourse, and bladder or bowel movements. In addition to pain, symptoms also include bloating, nausea, and heavy periods.

Chronic pelvic, whether it is accompanied by any of the mentioned symptoms, should be referred to a health professional. You will be asked to undergo a physical examination and discuss your health history. If there’s enough reason to suspect endometriosis, the doctor might request a laparoscopy, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic region.

Ovarian Torsion

A sharp, excruciating pelvic pain can be left if the ovary suddenly twists on its spindle. The pain may start days before the ovarian torsion, but only in the form of intermittent cramps. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The twisting is what causes pain because it deprives the ovaries of blood flow and oxygen supply. Necrosis or tissue death in the ovaries can happen if the deprivation is extended. In this case, the ovary must be removed immediately. This is why you must go to the emergency room at the onset of pelvic pain.

An accurate diagnosis for ovarian torsion is only possible through the operation. It helps to watch out for risk factors, such as ovarian enlargement, ovarian cysts, and ovarian tumors, to be prepared for this medical emergency. Data also suggest that prior tubal ligation and fertility treatment are risk factors.

Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are often harmless and do not cause symptoms. Occasionally, they cause bloating and abdominal and pelvic pain. You may experience sharp pain when a cyst ruptures. But even if the pain usually dissipates on its own, large or numerous ovarian cysts must be removed to prevent ovarian torsion.

It is important to know that ovarian cysts are fairly common among women within the reproductive age and that they are self-limiting. Their formation is related to the hormonal activity necessary for ovulation. However, there are other types of cysts with more serious causes, such as ovarian cancer.

Whether your pelvic pain is consistent or intermittent, it is advised to consult a doctor if it’s just an ovulation-related ovarian cyst or something else.

Uterine Fibroid or Myoma

Uterine fibroids are smooth muscle tumors in the uterus. They are benign and are common among women around the age of 50. Symptoms may vary based on the location and size of the uterine fibroids. Some women have not symptoms at all. The cause is still unclear, although diet and genetics have been identified as major risk factors.

Larger fibroids may cause dull pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, and leg pain. They can also obstruct with conception.

Uterine fibroids may coexist with other medical disorders so any pelvic pain must be brought to the attention of a health expert right away.

Gynecologic Cancers

Cancer can occur in any of the organs within the pelvis, including ovaries, uterus, cervix, and endometrium. Symptoms may vary, but pelvic pain is always there.

To identify any cancerous growth, visit the doctor regularly to identify risks and symptoms. It is also beneficial to go undertake nutrition counseling to strengthen your resistance against cancer-causing agents.

Have you or a loved one suffered with pelvic pain?

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