Pelvic pain is experienced mostly in the lower abdomen area; below your bellybutton. It could be a constant pain, or sudden pain, sharp and stabbing in a particular spot. The pain can be mild.
If the pain is severe, you may have to visit your doctor. Most often women may be referred to a gynaecologist as they are more prone to this condition than men.
As a woman, you might feel pain during your period or when having sexual intercourse. This could indicate a problem with your pelvic organs like the ovaries, vagina, cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes.
Pelvic pain can be sudden and unexpected. It can also be long-term. This information is aimed at giving you a better understanding of the cause of pelvic pain. It is advised that you do not use it as a tool to self-diagnose but rather guide you towards working out a good treatment plan with your GP.
Sudden, Unexpected Pelvic Pain
Acute pelvic pain is one that for the first time occurs without warning. Urgent medical attention should be sought to diagnose and treat it properly.
CAUSES OF ACUTE PELVIC PAIN
For women that aren’t pregnant, they may have pelvic pain from these common conditions:
This condition is defined by a painful swelling of the appendix (a finger-like pouch linked to the large intestine). It causes pain on the tummy.
Inflammation of the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdomen—peritoneum that causes unanticipated pain which with time becomes more severe and needs quick medical attention.
This causes pelvic pain when a fluid-filled sac (follicle) developed on an ovary is twisted or burst.
A bacterial infection caused by STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It infects the womb, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
An infection of the urinary tract associated with a burning sensation when you pee plus frequent urination
This triggers pelvic pain when there’s an irritable bowel syndrome, change in diet or medication, or a rare case of bowel obstruction
LESS COMMON CAUSES OF PELVIC PAIN
These do not play a major role in causing pelvic pain, but they do contribute in some ways. They are:
LONG-TERM PELVIC PAIN
This type of pelvic pain can last up to six months and above. It comes and goes. It’s also known as chronic pelvic pain; causing more severe pain and lasts longer. 1 in 6 women can be infected.
Chronic pelvic pain requires medical treatment after a proper diagnosis.
Some of its common causes may include:
Chronic pelvic pain also has its less common causes. They include the following:
SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC PAIN
DIAGNOSIS
To check out the cause of pelvic pain, you may have to explain to your doctor, your symptoms and past medical problems. A physical exam will take place, and other tests recommended to ascertain the underlying cause of your pain. The tests may include:
MANAGING PELVIC PAIN
Pelvic pain can be managed with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen. Other do-at-home exercises are:
These exercises may not provide a long-lasting solution to your pelvic pain, and so the best thing to do is to get checked out and properly treated.
Report your pelvic pain to a doctor.
TREATMENT OF PELVIC PAIN
Pelvic pain is treated based on the cause, the severity of the pain, and the frequency of the pain. Different women experience varying forms of pain.
Medications, including antibiotics, can sometimes be used to treat pelvic pain. If the pain is as a result of problems with one of the pelvic organs, surgical treatment or other procedures can be recommended.
Your doctor can provide information about the available kinds of treatment.