4 Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Many women complain about pelvic pain, and it can be very disruptive to your daily routines. Pelvic pain affects the lower abdomen, between the groin and belly button. It can be a sign of ovulation, menstrual cramps, or gastrointestinal issues. It might also occur due to more severe problems or infections, so if you are experiencing pelvic pain, you should see a doctor. At Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley, obstetrics in McAllen, TX is offered thorough diagnostic and treatment services to every woman.

Causes of Pelvic Pain

1. Period pain

Period pain is common in most women and girls. The pain occurs when uterus muscles tighten or contract and usually cause the feeling of heaviness or cramping in the pelvic area, stomach, or lower back. If the pain is severe, it can be a sign of something more serious like endometriosis.

If the period pain lasts more than two days of your period, if it doesn’t improve with medications or the pill, or if it hinders you from living your life, you should see your doctor.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition affecting a woman’s reproductive organs and is mainly associated with pelvic pain. In endometriosis, cells similar to those in the uterus lining grow in other parts of the body, primarily the pelvic area such as the bladder, bowel, or ovaries.

These cells go through similar menstrual changes like those inside the uterus, however they have no way of escaping, causing them to build-up, resulting in problems like inflammation, pain, and scarring. Many women with endometriosis experience pain, which can be felt immediately before periods, during the periods, or after intercourse. The pain can be felt in the stomach, back, pelvis when passing urine, stool, or gas, or during ovulation.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome

The real cause of IBS is still not yet clear, but it is said that the bowel’s muscle wall becomes sensitive and tends to contract unevenly, leading to bloating and pain. This type of pelvic pain usually improves after passing stool or gas and is managed by avoiding possible triggers and reducing stress.

If you see blood in the stool or experience extreme incontinence, diarrhea, or unexplainable weight loss, report to your doctor for treatment.

4. Pelvic muscle pain

Pelvic muscle pain feels like you have a cramp in the pelvic area most of the time. This pain can be stabbing or sharp and shoot up the rectum or vagina. You may experience pain when using tampons or with sex, which lasts for hours afterward.

Pelvic pain gets worse with exercise, mostly core-strengthening exercises such as crunches or sit-ups. Women can find relief by using a heat pack, lying in a fetal position, seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and doing pelvic muscle stretches.

Pelvic pain is a condition common in women with a wide range of causes. It can be acute or chronic. Pelvic pain responds to OTC medications and at-home treatments. It can be caused by more severe conditions that need a doctor’s immediate attention. It is always good to contact your doctor if you experience pelvic pain, primarily if it happens regularly.