Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Pelvic pain commonly affects women, though its cause often remains unclear, and its intensity and nature may vary. In some cases, no visible illness is present. The pain may stem from psychological factors or originate from the genital organs or nearby pelvic structures. Even without a physical condition, psychological influences can intensify the pain or create the sensation of pain.

A common question that arises is: where is pelvic pain located? Pelvic pain refers to discomfort that comes from one or more organs in the pelvic region, which is the lowest part of the abdomen. This area includes organs such as the bowel, bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In some cases, pain may come from nearby structures like the pelvic bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or joints. Because of this, pelvic pain can have many different causes.

Although often linked to the female reproductive system, pelvic pain can affect individuals of any gender. However, women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) tend to experience it more frequently than men.

Types of Pelvic Pain

There are two types of pelvic pain:

• Acute Pelvic Pain: If the pain is acute, it indicates that you are experiencing it for the first time.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: When pain is considered chronic, it indicates that it has persisted for longer than six months.

Some of the conditions that can lead to chronic pelvic pain may include:

• Menstrual cramps
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids (abnormal growths on or in the uterine wall)
• Scar tissue between the internal organs in the pelvic cavity
• Endometrial polyps
• Cancers of the reproductive tract

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can occur from a wide range of conditions. Some common causes include:

• Appendicitis
• Bladder issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Kidney problems, including infections or kidney stones
• Intestinal disorders like colitis or diverticulitis
• Nerve-related conditions, such as pudendal neuralgia
• Hernia
• Pelvic floor disorders, including muscle tightness or spasms
• Fractured pelvic bones
• Psychogenic pain, which may arise from stress or past psychological trauma

The following are additional causes of lower back and pelvic pain in women:

• Pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ovulation-related pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Ovarian cysts and other ovarian issues
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer

Each of these conditions can contribute to pelvic pain, depending on the individual’s health history and current symptoms.

Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

There may be warning signs or additional symptoms in addition to pelvic pain. Among the most typical signs of pelvic pain are:

• Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
• Menstrual pain
• Hip pain
• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating or gas
• Fever or chills
• Rectal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the groin area

Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain

A medical professional will examine your symptoms and medical history to determine the cause of your pelvic pain and where the pelvic pain is located. A physical examination or other tests may also ascertain the cause of pelvic pain. Several possible diagnostic instruments are as follows:

• Blood and urine tests
• Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age
• Vaginal or penile cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases
• Abdominal and pelvic X-rays to find where the pelvic pain is located
• MRI
• Bone density screening (a special type of X-ray to determine the strength of bone)
• Diagnostic laparoscopy (procedure allowing a direct look at the structures in the pelvis and abdomen to find where the pelvic pain is located
• Hysteroscopy (procedure to examine the uterus) to find where the pelvic pain is located
• Stool test (checking a stool sample for microscopic blood)
• Lower endoscopy (insertion of a lighted tube to examine the inside of the rectum and part or all of the colon)
• Ultrasound (a test that uses sound waves to provide images of internal organs) to find where the pelvic pain is located
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis (a scan that uses X-rays and computers to produce an image of a cross-section of the body) to find where the pelvic pain is located

Treatment for Pelvic Pain

The cause, severity, and frequency of pelvic pain are among the variables that affect how it is treated. Typical therapies for pelvic pain consist of:

• Medicine – Sometimes, pelvic pain is treated with medicines, including antibiotics, if required.
• Surgery – If the pain is caused by a problem with one of the pelvic organs, surgery or other treatments may be necessary.
• Physical Therapy – In certain situations, the doctor might suggest physical therapy to relieve pelvic pain.

Guidelines to Reduce the Risk of Pelvic Pain

It is not always possible to avoid pelvic pain. However, one can lower the risk by following these suggestions in their day-to-day activities:

• Regular exercise
• Eating more fiber
• Stretching muscles
• Visiting the doctor regularly for pelvic checkups. 

Frequently Asked Questions