10 Causes of Pelvic Pain You Shouldn’t Ignore

There could be numerous reasons for pain in the pelvis. From a harmless sign to a digestive disorder, if you think you are suffering from pelvic pain, it’s recommended that you don’t experience its symptoms in silence. While stomach pain and pelvic pain may sometimes overlap in the lower abdominal region, keep in mind that pelvic pain is different from stomach aches and menstrual cramps. It will typically not go away after some time. Your negligence toward the discomfort can make your condition worse. Delay in treatment can increase the chance of severe complications that can make your treatment difficult. 

Pelvic pain affects both sexes with different causes, complications, and medical treatment. Hence, if you are experiencing the symptoms of pelvic pain, don’t ignore them. Consult your healthcare specialist today and help him diagnose the cause of your pain. You may be able to get immediate relief from this pain once you get the right medical treatment. 

This article will help you recognise the symptoms, causes, and treatment of pelvic pain in a simplified manner. An early diagnosis of the disease will help you to get early treatment with less risk of severe complications. 

Let’s begin. 

What is Pelvic Pain?

The pelvis is the area between your belly button and thighs. If you or a loved one has been experiencing pain in this area, then it could be pelvic pain. This pain stems from an abnormality in the internal organ, pelvic bone pain, or bacterial infection.

Based on the intensity and period, pelvic pain can be classified into two categories: chronic pelvic pain and acute pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is consistent from 3 to 6 years, whereas acute pelvic pain comes with a high intensity and disappears after some time. 

10 Causes of Pelvic Pain

There are a number of health problems that could be the cause of acute or chronic pelvic pain. Some of the most common pelvic pain causes include: 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection is a bacterial infectious disease that is most commonly found in females. The pain from pelvic disease is usually experienced in the middle of the pelvic bone. You can detect the cause of your pelvic pain by checking out the following symptoms of UTI:

• Urgent need to urinate even after going to the washroom a little while ago
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Feeling intolerant pain while urinating
• Strong smelling urine

Hernia

Hernia is a painful bulge that can be noticed in the muscles of your thighs, abdomen, or chest. The situation becomes severe when you laugh, cry, or lift things. In case you are suffering from the following pelvic pain symptoms, the reason could possibly be hernia:

• Heaviness in the bulge area
• Pain in the testicles
• Swelling in the affected area.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis pain stems from the inflammatory appendix. This pain starts in the lower centre of the abdomen, where the pelvic bone is also located. What’s worrisome here is that it occurs all of a sudden and becomes severe. Apart from the pelvic pain, you have to bear the following symptoms if you have appendicitis: 

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Swelling in the abdomen.

Sexually Transmitted Infection

Sexually transmitted infections can also be the cause of pelvic pain. Women experience this pain in their pelvis, whereas men generally experience this pain in their testicles. Here’s how you can identify the symptoms of STI. Watch out for:

• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain while urinating
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Pregnancy

Some pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you can also experience lower back and pelvic pain female. You may experience that this pain has gone to your upper thighs and perineum as well. This is normal and will disappear after your delivery. Some common symptoms of pelvic pain during pregnancy are:

• Mild discomfort in your pelvis area
• Pain in the hip area.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a serious health condition that causes chronic inflammation in the intestines. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you should confirm the disease of irritable bowel syndrome through the following symptoms:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Mucus in the poop
• Diarrhea

Pudendal Nerve Entrapment

The pain of Pudendal nerve entrapment is often reported as acute pain. This pain often gets worse when you sit, but you will get relief when you stand or lie down. The pudendal nerve is significant in your pelvis. Any injury or surgery in the nerve can be the cause of this disease. The symptoms of the pudendal nerve entrapment include:

• Frequent need to go to the washroom
• Abnormal bowel movements
• Pain in the buttock
• Pain in the penis. 

Ovulation

Ovulation and its pain are very common for women. They experience this pain every month. But the good thing is that it goes away at the end of the ovulation period. Check out the symptoms of ovulation pain through the following pointers:

• Acute pain in the pelvis region
• Menstrual cramps

Miscarriage

It is estimated that about 10% to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriages usually happen before the 20 weeks of pregnancy. This can also be a cause of pain in the pelvis region. Some symptoms of miscarriage are:

• Mild or severe back pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge of fluid

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is more common in women than men. In this pelvic pain female syndrome, thick and ropy varicose veins develop around your ovaries. As a result, the heart valves stop blood flowing through these veins. Consequently, blood goes back into your veins and becomes inflammatory. Check out the following pelvic pain symptoms that could be because of PCS: 

• Pain during sex
• Pain during monthly periods
• Varicose veins in thighs
• Trouble in controlling urination.

Pelvic Pain Treatment 

Your doctor will first try to diagnose pelvic pain causes through some pathology and X-ray or ultrasound tests. Then, based on the test results, your doctor may recommend any or some of the following treatments:

• If the cause of your pelvic pain is minor and can be cured without surgery, you may be given some antibiotics to treat the pain
• In case any nerve or organ of your pelvic region is damaged, your doctor may recommend surgery
• In some cases, physical therapy might be suggested to treat pelvic pain. 

Pelvic Pain Home Treatment: Is it Safe?

It is not possible to get home treatment when you have been suffering from pelvic pain. While you can try the following home remedies to get some relief from your pain, it is highly recommended that if the pain doesn’t stop, you seek medical help:

• Use a warm compress in your pelvic region.
• Take over-the-counter painkillers, preferably after consulting your doctor.
• Stretch your legs in a way that your blood flows to the pelvic area.
• Do not smoke.
• Do meditation to relax your body.

Over to You

Pelvic pain is an extremely painful condition. However, it is curable with the right diagnosis of its cause. However, it is recommended that you do not rely only on home treatment and self-medication. Unless you visit the doctor, your symptoms and your pain may only get worse. Apart from this, you may experience frustration and anger due to the intensity of your pelvic pain. In this case, talk with your doctor, as things can be very difficult for a pelvic patient.

Furthermore, the strain arising from mounting medical bills can intensify your concerns. Secure peace of mind by investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers the emergency medical conditions causing by pelvic pain. For example, one of our health insurance Care Joy offers coverage for one of the symptoms of pelvic pain, Hernia, after a specific waiting period. For more information you can connect with our experts or visit the official website.

>> Also Read: What are UTIs? Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.