Chronic pelvic pain is a common issue that affects 15 to 25 percent of women in the country. The causes of pelvic pain vary depending on the patient’s age, pregnancy history, and any other underlying health conditions. It can be caused by a number of reasons, including infection, injury, menstruation, or issues with the reproductive system.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain in women.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are the most common cause of pelvic pain in women. It is caused by contractions in the uterus during menses that spread throughout the pelvis, abdomen, and back. Many women experience menstrual cramps at some point in their lives, and they usually improve after a few days.
This type of pelvic pain can be mild or severe and can be accompanied by several symptoms, including cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that affects the reproductive organs and is characterized by abnormal growth of tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus. This tissue can sometimes be damaged or removed and cause inflammation and pain in the pelvic region. This can be painful and uncomfortable for many women.
Ovarian Remnant
An ovarian remnant is a leftover ovary left after the removal of the ovaries during an operation or, in some cases, an abnormal birth. Remnants of the ovary can cause serious pain and discomfort in the pelvis. In rare cases, it causes sharp pain that radiates to the back. It can be treated by stopping the blood supply to the affected area.
Fibroids
Fibroids are small blood vessels that develop on the walls of the uterus. They can cause pain when they become inflamed or twisted. Fibroids also cause heavy bleeding, which can be excruciating to deal with. This can affect any woman at any age, and it can be difficult to control with medication alone. Therefore, surgery is often required to treat this condition.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract. UTIs can be caused by several different bacteria and are usually easily treated by taking antibiotics. A UTI causes pelvic pain, pain in the abdomen, and pain in the back of the legs, along with a burning sensation while urinating.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pelvic area pain is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is one of the many symptoms of IBS and can be difficult to manage with over-the-counter medications.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a medical condition characterized by heavy, lower abdominal swelling. This condition can be due to many causes, including kidney stones, bladder infections, endometriosis, and chronic kidney disease. Other symptoms of this condition include pain, bloating, and fatigue.
At Houston Physicians Hospital Webster, our qualified and experienced gynecologists can help diagnose and treat the pelvic pain that you’re experiencing. We can also help treat a range of other conditions, including back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and bruised hip bone. Find a gynecologist who’s right for you.