The pelvic region is the area between the umbilicus (belly button) and the groin in the front and between the buttocks at the back. Pelvic area mainly consists of reproductive, urinary and digestive systems such as uterus, bladder and intestines.
Pelvic pain is a constant and nagging pain, located in your lower abdomen, in the area in which your pelvic organs like the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes are located. The condition can be present at any age; however, it is more common in the child-bearing age.
Pelvic pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pelvic pain occurs suddenly and stays only for a short period of time. Chronic pelvic pain lasts for more than six months and does not show any improvement with treatment.
Symptoms
Pelvic pain may be dull or sharp; persistent or intermittent; mild to severe,
- Dull aching
- Cramps in your lower abdomen
- Heaviness within your pelvis
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain during passing urine
The common symptoms with pelvic pain are:
- Pain in the hip and groin area
- Pain and cramps during menstruation
- Pain during urination, bowel movements, and intercourse
- Fever or chills
- Constipation or diarrhea
Causes
Usually pelvic pain is considered as one of the commonest indication for infection or any other problem in the pelvic area. It is observed most commonly in women but can also occur in men.
The common causes of pelvic pain are
- pregnancy outside the womb which we call as an acute or chronic ectopic pregnancy .
- Endometriosis with its variations like Choclate cysts of the ovaries, frozen pelvis and adenomyosis.
- Infection of the womb and adjoining structures which can be referred as Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine fibroids
- Infection of the urinary bladder called cystitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Psychological factors
Your physician diagnoses pelvic pain by observing your pain symptoms, medical history, and by performing a pelvic examination. For additional information, your physician may request blood tests, urine and culture test, pregnancy test, and imaging studies. The imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopy, CT (Contrast tomography) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are helpful in examining the pain source in the pelvic region.
Treatment
Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause of pain, intensity and frequency of the pain. Conservative management of pelvic pain includes rest and participating in regular physical therapy and exercise.
MEDICATIONS
- Pain killers and anti-inflammatories
- Hormone treatments to control ovulation and menstruation
- In case the cause of your pain is a pelvic infection
Surgery is considered for patients with chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis, pelvic floor disorder, and other chronic pelvic problems. Laparoscopic surgery (removal of endometrial tissue or pelvic adhesion) and hysterectomy (removal of uterus) are the common surgical options for treating pelvic pain.
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