What is Pelvic Pain? Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Remedies for Pelvic Pain
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is the pain that occurs in the lower part of the abdomen, below the navel. It usually refers to pain in the area of a woman’s internal reproductive organs, and sometimes this pain can become unbearable.
Pelvic pain is generally of two types:
- Acute (Sudden) Pelvic Pain – Lasts for less than 3 months.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain – Lasts for 6 months or more.
Any sudden, severe pelvic pain should be taken seriously and needs immediate medical attention.
If new pelvic pain starts affecting daily activities and keeps getting worse, it must be properly checked by a doctor.
Pelvic pain can feel different for different people. It may start slowly or come suddenly and sharply. Sometimes it comes in waves – starts mild, then becomes intense. It can be constant or come and go. The pain may feel sharp, dull, cramping (like period cramps), or a combination of these.
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain often comes with other symptoms. Recognizing them early can help in timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Gas or bloating in the stomach
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Sudden severe pain
- Nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or anxiety
- Fever or chills
- Burning or difficulty while urinating
- Pain in the lower back or hips
- Bleeding while passing stool
Causes of Pelvic Pain
There is no single cause of pelvic pain. It can happen due to many reasons. Some common causes are:
- Appendicitis
- Hernia (when an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue that holds it)
- Pelvic floor muscle tightness or spasms
- Broken pelvic bones
- Kidney infection or kidney stones
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Intestinal problems (like diverticulitis or colitis)
- Nerve problems (like pinched nerves in the spine)
- Bladder problems
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Stones in urinary system
Special Causes in Women:
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovulation pain
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis (when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it)
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube)
- Miscarriage
- Uterine or cervical cancer
- Pregnancy-related issues
Tests Done for Pelvic Pain
Experienced doctors first take a detailed history of the pain and health. They do a physical exam, including pelvic exam (vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, rectum).
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Blood and urine tests (to check infection, blood count, etc.)
- Pelvic ultrasound (uses sound waves to see inside the pelvis)
- MRI scan (uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures)
- CT scan (gives cross-sectional images of abdomen and pelvis)
- Pelvic laparoscopy (minor surgery to look inside the pelvis with a camera)
- Cystoscopy (to check inside the bladder)
- Colonoscopy (to check the large intestine)
- Pap smear (to screen for cervical cancer)
Ways to Relieve Pelvic Pain
Treatment depends on the cause, which is found only after proper tests. However, some general ways to get relief from chronic pelvic pain are:
- Take pain-relief medicines (only as prescribed by a doctor)
- Maintain healthy weight (extra weight can make pelvic pain worse)
- Do regular exercise (helps improve blood flow and reduce pain)
- Apply heat (use a heating pad or warm water bottle on the lower abdomen)
- Improve lifestyle – quit smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress
- Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, proteins, fruits, and vegetables
Conclusion
Pelvic pain is a common problem, especially in women, but sometimes it can be a sign of a serious condition. If the pain is severe, sudden, or lasts a long time and affects daily life, you should see a qualified doctor immediately.
Proper tests help find the real cause, and treatment is done accordingly. While some home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce chronic pain, complete treatment is possible only with medical advice and proper medication.
Always consult a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.