Pelvic pain is a common yet often confusing symptom that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. It may be sharp or dull, occasional or constant. The pain can stem from a wide range of causes, including digestive and musculoskeletal issues, to more specific conditions involving reproductive or urinary health. Because of its many possible sources, pelvic pain is a key concern in both general healthcare and urology care. Here, we'll go into more detail about what pelvic pain is and some of the many different possible causes.
Here are a few things you'll learn:
- Pelvic pain refers to discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvis—it can be sharp, dull, crampy, or pressure-like, and may be short-term or chronic.
- It’s a symptom, not a diagnosis, and can signal issues in the reproductive, urinary, digestive, or musculoskeletal systems.
- Types of pelvic pain include acute vs. chronic, cyclic vs. non-cyclic, and localized vs. diffuse.
- Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, urinary issues, rectal bleeding, menstrual pain, and more.
- Common causes in women include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, PID, and menstrual pain.
- Common causes in men include prostatitis, enlarged prostate (BPH), and muscle dysfunction.
- Gender-neutral causes include UTIs, IBS, constipation, kidney stones, hernias, nerve pain, and post-surgical adhesions.
- Severe conditions like ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, or certain cancers may also cause pelvic pain and require urgent care.
- Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, physical therapy, diet changes, surgery, or pain management strategies.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain refers to discomfort that occurs in the lower part of the abdomen, below the belly button, and between the hips. It can feel dull and achy, sharp and stabbing, cramp-like, or even like pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region. For some, the pain may come and go; for others, it may be constant or worsen with certain activities like urination, sexual intercourse, or prolonged sitting or standing.
Pelvic pain is not a condition in itself; it’s a symptom. It can signal a wide range of possible underlying issues, from temporary muscle strain to chronic medical conditions involving the reproductive, urinary, digestive, or musculoskeletal systems.
There are also several different types of pelvic pain, depending on how it presents and when. Pelvic pain may be classified in a few different ways, such as:
- Acute Pelvic Pain: Comes on suddenly and is usually sharp or severe. It may be a sign of an urgent condition, like appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Pain that lasts for six months or longer and can be persistent or recurrent. It may range from mild to disabling and can significantly impact quality of life.
- Cyclic Pain: This is tied to the menstrual cycle (e.g., period cramps or ovulation pain)
- Non-Cyclic Pain: Not related to menstruation; may come from the urinary tract, digestive system, or nerves.
- Localized Pain: This means that it occurs in a specific spot, like an ovary or the bladder.
- Diffuse Pain: Pain that spreads across the lower abdomen and pelvis.
There may be several characteristics of pain involved. For instance, you may feel chronic pain that's widespread or diffuse, or acute, localized pain. Regardless, it's important to talk to your doctor to diagnose pelvic pain and receive a personalized treatment plan.
What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?
While the primary symptom of pelvic pain is the presence of abdominal pain, this may be accompanied by several other signs. Some of the most common include:
- Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
- Menstrual pain
- Pain during sex
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dysuria (painful urination)
- Bloating
- Gas
- Fever
- Chills
- Hip pain
- Pain in the groin area
- Rectal bleeding
Although these can be symptoms of pelvic pain, there are many possible causes of the above symptoms. Therefore, it's best to see your doctor for diagnostics to better understand what's going on.
Common Causes of Acute and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Several different things can cause pelvic pain, ranging from the reproductive organs to gastrointestinal issues and more. However, these causes can vary depending on gender. Below are some of the many causes of pelvic pain depending on gender.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women
Pelvic pain is more common in women than men. One in seven women of childbearing age reported having pelvic pain that lasted six months or longer. This is often due to the female reproductive system. Some of the most notable causes include the following:
- Menstrual Cramps: Painful periods caused by uterine contractions. Often felt as cramping or aching in the lower abdomen.
- Ovulation Pain: A sharp pain on one side of the pelvis occurring around ovulation, usually mid-cycle.
- Endometriosis: A chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe, chronic pelvic pain.
- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that can cause sharp or aching pain, especially if they rupture or become large.
- Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that may cause pressure, heaviness, or cramping pain.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms include pain, fever, and abnormal discharge.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A medical emergency where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall, leading to painful, heavy periods and chronic pelvic discomfort.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Men
Although pelvic pain in men is less common, it can still occur. Some of the most common causes of pelvic pain in men include:
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause aching pain in the lower pelvis, groin, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus). It may also lead to painful urination or ejaculation.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate that can lead to bladder pressure and discomfort, along with urinary difficulties.
Pelvic Pain Causes in All Genders
Several conditions can affect both genders. Some of the most common include the following:
Urinary Tract Causes
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections that cause burning, pressure, and pelvic pain, especially during urination.
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC causes chronic pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and frequent urination without a clear infection.
- Kidney Stones: Small calcium deposits that build up in the kidneys and can lead to severe, cramping pain that radiates from the back or side to the lower abdomen and groin.
Gastrointestinal Causes
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A digestive disorder that can cause cramping, bloating, and pelvic pain, often triggered by certain foods or stress.
- Constipation: Chronic or severe constipation can cause lower abdominal discomfort and pelvic pressure.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to ongoing abdominal and pelvic pain.
Musculoskeletal Causes
- Hernias: A bulge of tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall can cause groin or pelvic pain.
- Pelvic Floor Tension or Muscle Dysfunction: Muscle strain, spasms, or nerve irritation in the pelvic area can cause chronic pain, especially in individuals with sedentary lifestyles or prior trauma.
- Pudendal Neuralgia: A condition involving irritation or entrapment of the pudendal nerve, leading to burning, shooting, or aching pain in the pelvis or genitals.
Other Causes
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix causes sudden, sharp pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. This is a medical emergency.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause inflammation and pain in the pelvic region if left untreated.
- Post-surgical Pain or Adhesions: Scar tissue from abdominal or pelvic surgeries (like C-sections, hernia repair, or hysterectomy) can cause organs or tissues to stick together, leading to chronic pain.
- Certain Cancers or Tumors: Although less common, cancers of the reproductive organs, urinary tract, or intestines can cause ongoing pelvic pain, especially if the tumor presses on nearby structures.
How Can You Treat Pelvic Pain?
Treatment depends on the cause, which is why the first step is uncovering why pelvic pain is occurring. Since it's often a symptom of an underlying condition, this is imperative. Your doctor will likely run several diagnostic tests on the pelvic area and organs. These can include things like a pelvic exam, ultrasound, cystoscopy, urinalysis, and more.
Once the cause of the pelvic pain is identified, your doctor will explore treatment options with you. These will likely include options for pain management, alongside whatever treatment is necessary to address the cause of the pain. Some options include:
- Pain relievers
- Hormonal treatments
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants or anticonvulsants
- Warm compress
- Relaxation exercises
- Exercise
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Biofeedback
- Dietary changes
- Stress management
- Bladder training
- Laparoscopy
- Hysterectomy
- Fibroid/cyst removal
- Nerve blocks or neuromodulation
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Quitting smoking
Treatment for pelvic pain is diverse and dependent on what's causing pain in the region. If you have any questions or concerns about diagnosis and treatment, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Pelvic pain can be frustrating, complex, and disruptive, but seeing your doctor is the first step to improving your quality of life. Whether you're managing a temporary condition or living with a chronic urological issue, finding the proper support and supplies can make a world of difference. At Byram Healthcare, we offer a full range of urology products, including catheters, drainage bags, and bladder management solutions, all delivered discreetly to your door. Contact us today to learn more or get started with your order.
