It is common for women to experience pelvic pain. It is a pain in the pelvic region, between the belly button to the hips. Pelvic discomfort can range from mild to severe and significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. This article will examine pelvic discomfort’s causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Pelvic Pain Causes
Pelvic discomfort can be caused in several ways, including:
Endometriosis: The condition is when the tissue which normally lines the inner lining of the uterus begins to grow outside it. It can be very painful, especially during periods.
Pelvic inflammation disease: A pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects the reproductive organs. Sexually-transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can cause it.
Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts form fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. Sometimes, they can cause pain in the pelvis, particularly if they rupture.
Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual flow.
Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis, or uterine Adenomyosis, is characterized by the growth of tissue that normally lines inside the uterus into the muscular wall. It can cause pain and heavy menstrual blood.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic dysfunction occurs when the muscles or connective tissue of the pelvic floor is weak or tight. It can often cause pain or discomfort during sexual activity or bowel movements.
Interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder disease that causes pain in the pelvis and often comes with a constant urge to urinate.
Pelvic Pain
The causes of pelvic pain are different, but the symptoms that occur most often include the following:
- Pain in the pelvis that is dull and aching: This pain may occur intermittently or continuously, along with pressure or cramping.
- Intercourse pain: Pelvic or genital pain can indicate pelvic floor dysfunction and other conditions, such as endometriosis.
- Pain during urination or bowel movements: Pain during urination and bowel movements can be a sign that you have interstitial cystitis or pelvic dysfunction.
- Abnormal bleeding during menstruation: Heavy menstrual blood can indicate uterine fibroid or Adenomyosis.
- Fertility: Pelvic discomfort can be an indication of infertility. This is often due to conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cysts.
Pelvic Pain Treatment
Treatment for pelvic pain is dependent on the cause. Sometimes, you can manage pelvic discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. It’s best to consult a doctor if your pain is severe or persistent.
Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Antibiotics are usually used to treat Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Ovarian cysts: Small ovarian cysts may be monitored to see if they change, but larger ovarian cysts or those causing pain might require surgery.
Uterine fibroids: Treatment may include medication for controlling symptoms or surgery.
Adenomyosis: The condition can be treated with medications to control the symptoms or remove the uterus.
Pelvic dysfunction: The most common treatment for pelvic dysfunction is physical therapy, which involves strengthening or relaxing pelvic muscles.
Treatment of interstitial cystitis may include medication that controls symptoms or physical treatment to strengthen pelvic floor muscle.
Conclusion
Pelvic discomfort is a very common and sometimes debilitating condition. Maternity and Gynecology Associates is committed to providing the best care possible for our patients who suffer from pelvic discomfort. We use cutting-edge treatments and create individualized treatment plans. Our team will work closely with you to develop a tailored treatment plan to meet your needs. We can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms and restore body balance. We strive to improve the quality of our patients’ lives through targeted interventions that reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and restore mobility.