Pelvic Pain may be a sign of a problem in one of a woman’s reproductive organs in the pelvic region. Although it often indicates pain in the internal reproductive organs of women, it can be present in both sexes and may have other causes. Pelvic pain may indicate an infection or pain in the internal organs excluding the pelvic bones or reproductive organs. However, in women, it can be an indicator of a problem in one of the reproductive organs in the pelvic area, such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina.
Causes of Pelvic Pain:
Possible causes of pelvic pain in both males and females include:
- Appendicitis
- Bladder disorders (such as urinary tract infections)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Kidney infection or kidney stones
- Intestinal disorders (such as diverticulitis or colitis)
- Nerve-related issues (like compression of spinal nerves)
- Hernia
- Pelvic disorders (such as strains and spasms of pelvic muscles)
- Fractured pelvic bones
- Psychogenic pain (pain related to stress or past psychological traumas)
Possible causes of pelvic pain in females only include:
- Pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ovulation
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovarian cysts or other ovarian disorders
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Cancer (cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer)
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome:
Also known as “Pelvic Varicose Veins,” Pelvic Congestion Syndrome involves the formation of varicose veins in the lower abdomen and around the ovaries in females. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is one of the causes of pelvic pain. It is particularly characterized by symptoms like pain, bloating, and frequent urination in the lower abdomen, especially in the late hours of the day. The diagnosis of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome can be easily made through ultrasound or tomography.
The treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is performed in the interventional radiology department’s angiography unit through a procedure that takes about half an hour on average. The patient can get rid of problematic uterine and ovarian varicose veins without feeling any pain while staying awake and chatting during the procedure. This procedure does not require hospitalization, and the patient can return to work or social life on the same day.
Symptoms Related to Pelvic Pain:
Many symptoms are associated with pelvic pain. Some of these symptoms include:
- Menstrual cramps
- Menstrual pain
- Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
- Painful or difficult urination
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating or gas
- Blood in the stool
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the hip area
- Pain in the groin area
How Is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?
When diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain, the doctor will review the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Physical examination and/or other tests can also help in diagnosing pelvic pain. The specific tests performed will depend on your consultation with the doctor and the examination conducted. Some diagnostic methods may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Pregnancy tests in women of reproductive age
- Vaginal or penile cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Fecal occult blood test
- Lower endoscopy like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
- Ultrasonography
- CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
How Is Pelvic Pain Treated?
The treatment of pelvic pain depends on the cause, intensity, and frequency of the pain. Sometimes, pelvic pain is treated with medications, including antibiotics when necessary. If the pain is due to a problem in one of the pelvic organs, treatment may involve surgery or other procedures. Physical therapy can be helpful in some cases. Additionally, since living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and distressing, working with trained counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists has been found beneficial in many cases. You can get more information about various treatments for pelvic pain from your doctor.
