Pelvic pain is a common problem in women. The cause is often not clear. It can have many causes. In some cases, no disease can be found. Pelvic pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute means the pain is sudden and severe. Chronic means the pain either comes and goes or lasts for months or longer. Pelvic pain that lasts longer than 6 months and doesn't improve with treatment is known as chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic pain may start in genital or other organs in and around the pelvis. In some cases, it may be psychological. This can make pain feel worse or cause pain, when no physical problem is found.
Pelvic pain can have many causes, such as:
Inflammation or irritation of nerves caused by injury, fibrosis, pressure, or peritonitis
Muscle cramps
A pregnancy that happens outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs
Twisted or ruptured ovarian cyst
Miscarriage or threatened miscarriage
Urinary tract infection
Appendicitis
Ruptured fallopian tube
Some of the conditions that can lead to chronic pelvic pain may include:
Menstrual cramps
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids (growths on or in the uterine wall)
Scar tissue between the organs in the pelvic cavity
Endometrial polyps
Cancers of the reproductive tract
Other problems in the digestive, urinary, or nervous systems
These are examples of the different types of pelvic pain most commonly described by women, and their possible cause or origin. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Type of pain
Possible cause
Local pain
May be from an inflammation
Cramping
May be caused by spasm in the intestine, ureter, or appendix
Sudden start of pain
May be caused by a short-term lack of blood supply because of a problem with blood flow
Slowly-developing pain
May be from inflammation of the appendix or blockage in the intestines
Pain of the entire abdomen
May be a buildup of blood, pus, or stool in the bowels
Pain made worse by movement or during exam
May be from irritation in the lining of the abdomen
Tests will be done to find the cause of the pelvic pain. Your healthcare provider may ask you questions about the pain such as:
When and where does the pain happen?
How long does the pain last?
Is the pain related to your menstrual cycle, urination, and/or sexual activity?
What does the pain feel like? For example, is it sharp or dull?
What was happening when the pain started?
How suddenly did the pain start?
Tell your healthcare provider all you can about the timing of the pain and other symptoms related to eating, sleeping, sexual activity, and movement. This can help with a diagnosis.
The healthcare provider will give you a physical and pelvic exam. You may have tests such as:
Blood tests
Pregnancy test
Urinalysis
Culture of cells from the cervix
You may also have tests such as:
Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of organs.
CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs, and any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray.
MRI. A noninvasive procedure that produces a 2-D view of an internal organ or structure.
Laparoscopy. A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic area, the healthcare provider can determine the locations, extent, and size of any endometrial growths.
X-ray. A small amount of radiation is used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film.
Colonoscopy. In this test, the healthcare provider can view the entire length of the large intestine. It can often help find growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It is done by putting a long, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope) in the rectum and up into the colon. The colonoscope lets the healthcare provider to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue to test, and treat some problems that are found.
Sigmoidoscopy. This test lets the healthcare provider examine the inside of a part of the large intestine. It can find the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) is put into the rectum. The scope blows air into the intestine to inflate it and make viewing the inside easier.
Treatment may include:
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory
Pain medicines
Relaxation exercises
Surgery
Physical therapy
If a physical cause can’t be found, your healthcare provider may refer you for counseling. This can help you cope with chronic pain. In other cases, you may benefit from:
Nutrition changes
Environmental changes
Pain management
Pelvic pain is a common problem in women. Its cause is often unclear.
Pain can be acute or chronic.
Treatment will depend on the cause as found by the physical exam and tests.
Treatment may include medicines, surgery, physical therapy, or pain management.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.