There are several causes of pelvic pain in women. The symptoms of the pain will determine whether or not the pelvic pain is resultant from the urinary system or bowels, or if it is a women’s health issue that needs to be addressed. Below is an outline of some of the causes of pelvic pain in women.
Pelvic Pain Causes in the Urinary System
Bladder infections and kidney stones are two of the more common reasons for pelvic pain in the urinary system. Generally, if your pelvic pain is the result of one of these issues, you’ll experience some of the below symptoms:
- Burning sensation when urinating. Could be a sign of infection.
- Frequency in using the restroom.
- Pain that travels from the back and around to the front. Could be a sign of kidney stones.
- Blood in urine. The presence of blood will require that you see a physician immediately as it could be something serious.
Pelvic Pain Causes in the Reproductive System
Pelvic pain can be very common around the time of menstruation. However, if the pain persists for a long period of time, it could be something more serious. If originating from the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, it can usually be felt in the lower abdominal area. If it’s to one side, it could potentially be an ovary. If persistent pain is felt in these areas it could be a sign of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or fibroids. If pregnant and experiencing pelvic pain, you should contact your physician immediately.
Pelvic Pain Causes in the Bowels
If experiencing bowel problems, it will often be easier to diagnose, there will be a change in bowel movements. Two of the most common bowel problems are constipation and diarrhea. If you are having persistent bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen, it could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome. If you are passing blood of any kind you should consult your physician immediately.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is something that has begun to concern medical professionals in the recent years. Primarily found in young white women, the disorder can be quite frustrating as it is both hard to diagnose and hard to remedy.
Pelvic pain can include the bladder, pelvic floor muscle, rectum and uterus. When the pain persists for over six months, it is often considered a “chronic pain syndromes.” More often than not women that experience this have also undergone traumatic events such as sexual abuse.
Treatments for Pelvic Pain
Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain can be difficult as often times single symptoms will be treated with no result. Often the best way for long-term effectiveness is with a combination of treatments that address physical, psychological and environmental factors.