Pelvic pain is a common complain amongst women. There are many reasons your pelvis may hurt. Sometimes, pelvic pain can indicate a serious medical emergency. If you are ever concerned about your pelvic pain, be sure to get in touch with your family physician or seek urgent or emergency care. However, most often, pelvic pain in women is common and does not require urgent care.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
According to Dr. Indman of altgynecology.net, "Many times pelvic pain is just the normal functioning of the reproductive or other organs." The following are common causes of pelvic pain that are considered normal.
- Pregnancy: When you first become pregnant you may experience pain during implantation as well as a little bit of bleeding, which is perfectly normal. Later in pregnancy as your uterus stretches, many women experience something called round ligament pains. This is no cause for concern. However, if you experience pelvis pain or cramping, plus a backache and bleeding, it is important to seek urgent care right away.
- Ovulation: Many women experience pain during ovulation, a condition referred to as Mittelschmerz. Some women describe this aching or cramping pain as severe and disabling, while for others, it is very mild. Sometimes, Mittelschmerz occurs every cycle, although most women experience ovulation pains every fourth cycle and some only experience this once. The best thing for ovulation pain is rest, Tylenol and warm moist heat.
- Period Cramps: Period cramps are the worst! Often underestimated, these pesky cramps can be so bad that they can land one into urgent care or emergency rooms thinking there might be something more serious happening. Some women have turned to birth control pills and even over the counter pain remedies for relief. The best remedies for period cramps are exercise when possible, drinking lots of water, and rest as needed.
Other Reasons Your Pelvis May Hurt
Women have a lot going on down there! With your insides practically a medical mystery it is no surprise that the list of ailments for pelvis pain or discomfort is so long. When it isn't the three main culprits, what else could be going on?
These also common reasons for pelvis pain which should be checked into once you have eliminated your first three contenders, according to the University of California Medical Center:
- Pelvic Adhesions: Had a previous surgery? You may have leftover scar tissue giving you hassle from that c-section or appendicitis you had last year. Surgery is often used to eliminate the scar tissue build up. The bad news? The scar tissue can reform.
- Uterine Fibroids: Pesky benign growths that develop in the uterus. Usually they are not bothersome at all. But when they are - you need to get them checked out by your doctor.
- Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts occur during ovulation. Your body tries to release an egg, but instead the egg can't release and instead gets stuck and fills with fluid causing pain and irritation. While not urgent this can cause discomfort and pain and needs to be checked out by your doctor, especially if your period has stopped.
- Endometriosis: Occurs when the lining of your uterus grows outside your uterus causing irritation and complications and pain with your cycle. This can be resolved in many ways, including hormone therapies and a laproscopy.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Bladder Issues: Sometimes, digestive issues can cause pelvic symptoms. If you have been suffering from pelvic pain for a long period of time it is best to have it checked out by your doctor right away.
Emergency Situations
There are a few rare situations that require immediate medical attention.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is when an egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, such as a woman's fallopian tube. If you have symptoms of severe pain on your right or left side as well as sharp pains in your right shoulder blade or any other symptoms, you need to contact your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
- Appendicitis: Often hard to diagnose, appendicitis is characterized by tenderness and severe abdominal pain on the right side of your stomach and is usually combined with fever as well as vomiting or nausea. Go to the emergency room right away if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Pelvic Pain Usually a Passing Issue
Although pelvis pain can be common and caused by many reasons - it is usually normal and passing. However, for a limited number of woman, pelvic pain can become a chronic, lifelong condition. For more information on treating pelvic pain, visit The International Pelvic Pain Society.
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