What Causes Pelvic Pain in Women?

If you are a woman, there are scarce chances that you have not experienced pelvic pain ever. It, undoubtedly, remains one of the most common and unbearable issues that the female population faces. While a lot of women tend to associate pelvic pain with their menstrual cycles, it is important to understand that it can be due to a variety of different factors, that can only be determined after thorough evaluation and assessment. In this blog, we have elaborated on some of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women. Continue reading, to know more. 

What are the Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women?

Pelvic pain in women can be caused by numerous factors, out of which some need serious attention as they can give rise to adverse complications in the long run. The most common of these are:

• Endometriosis

It is a common gynecological problem, affecting nearly 190 million women across the globe. This roughly accounts for 10 per cent of the total female population. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts growing outside the womb. It can cause intense pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, and bowel movements. The condition is believed to be a result of factors like retrograde menstruation and cellular metaplasia. If left untreated for a long, the condition can give rise to complications like fertility issues, adhesions, ovarian cysts, and bladder and bowel issues. 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is caused by a bacterial infection that leads to inflammation in the upper portion of the female genital tract. PID usually occurs when bacteria is transmitted through sexual activity or childbirth and progresses in 2 stages. Stage 1 is the acquisition of the infection in the cervix or vagina and Stage 2 is the spread of the same to the upper organs. This condition often goes undetected, leading to long-term consequences such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies. PID is most common in menstruating women who have not crossed 25 years of age. If left untreated, the condition can lead to potentially serious internal bleeding. 

• Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyoma, is also a very common problem that affects around 20 to 80 per cent of the female population by the time they hit 50s and most of the cases are seen in the age group of 40 to 50 years, i.e. around the time of menopause. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the uterus. They can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pressure on nearby organs. The size of the fibroids can vary widely, ranging from the size of a small seed to that of a grapefruit. There are extremely rare cases of fibroids becoming cancerous, however, there are noteworthy complications that it can give rise to, such as premature labour, miscarriages and problems related to conception. 

• Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries. These are benign and are most commonly seen in women who are pregnant or belong to the reproductive age group. Functional cysts are the most common types of ovarian cysts that can be further classified into two types - follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Other types of ovarian cysts are endometriomas, dermoids and cystadenomas. While these do not cause any serious complications in the majority of cases, larger cysts or those that rupture can lead to sharp pelvic pain, bloating, and discomfort. 

• Pelvic Floor Disorder

It refers to a single or a group of disorders, that are typically associated with the dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Women suffering from it may experience problems related to bowel movement and urination, along with severe back pain and other symptoms. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic area weaken or become impaired. This usually happens after childbirth. Obesity, pelvic trauma, nerve damage and pregnancy can also give rise to the problem at times. Common complications associated with pelvic floor disorder include loss of bladder control, constipation, pressure in the rectum, heaviness in the pelvic area and muscle spasms. 

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection can affect both men and women, however, the differences in the genital tract, make the latter more susceptible to the same. Nearly 10 out of every 25 women experience the symptoms of UTI in their lifetime and it can involve any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder and kidneys. UTI is caused by infection-causing microbes that enter the body via the urethra. UTIs often cause inflammation of the bladder which can lead to pelvic distress and a feeling of pressure or pain in the pelvic region. In around 90 per cent of the cases, these are linked to E.coli, which is commonly found in the large intestine.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially serious condition in which the fertilized egg does not implant within the uterus but outside it. In 90 per cent of the cases, this happens within the fallopian tube. If not detected and treated early, it can lead to the rupture of the fallopian tube and life-threatening internal bleeding. Women who’ve had the problem once are at a higher risk of having the same in the future as well. Other risk factors include smoking, conceiving after 35 years of age, a history of infertility and underlying gynecological problems like PID and endometriosis. 

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain in Women?

Pelvic pain in women may manifest in different ways and it can be intermittent or continuous. Here are some symptoms that you need to watch out for:

• Abdominal Discomfort: Women with pelvic pain often describe a dull ache or sharp discomfort in their lower abdomen. This pain can spread across the entire pelvic region and the intensity can vary accompanied by bloating or a feeling of fullness.
• Painful Menstrual Periods: Painful menstrual period remains one of the main symptoms of pelvic pain. This pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen and can range from mild to severe. Some women also have to go through backache, cramping, and fatigue.
• Painful Intercourse: Pelvic pain can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful for women. The pain may occur during penetration or deep thrusting. If you are facing this issue, you should go for a diagnosis of Endometriosis, PID or ovarian cysts.
• Urinary Symptoms: Women with pelvic pain often experience changes in urinary patterns. They may have an increased frequency of urination or feel a persistent urge to urinate.
• Digestive Issues: Pelvic pain can lead to digestive disturbances such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation.
• Painful Bowel Movements: Women with pelvic pain may also experience discomfort or pain during bowel movements.
• Pelvic Pressure or Heaviness: Uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, or ovarian cysts are some of the conditions that can give a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Treatment for Pelvic Pain in Women

• Medications: This is generally the first line of treatment, recommended for mild to moderate conditions. Pain relievers, hormonal therapy, or antibiotics may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and target the root cause.
• Surgery: In some cases, where the patient is not responding to the medication, surgical interventions become mandatory. The type of surgery, as well as the approach used, depends on the underlying problem and how severe it has become. Doctors generally resort to laparoscopic approaches to ensure minimal invasion and complications. 
• Physiotherapy: Pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy can help manage pain and improve overall pelvic health. These include stretching exercises, stimulation and relaxation, manual massages and myofascial release of trigger areas.
• Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practising safe sex, and managing stress can contribute to reducing pelvic pain and preventing future complications. 

You can consult some of the best Gynecologists in India at Surya Hospitals for a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that can help you manage pelvic pain and other gynecological issues efficiently.