Pelvic Pain - WatsonsHealth

PELVIC PAIN

Pelvic pain normally refers to pain inside the woman’s internal reproductive organs, but it may also be seen in men, too, and may originate from various reasons. Pelvic pain might also be a sign of infection or may start from the pelvic bone or in non-reproductive organs, namely the bladder or colon.

In women, pelvic pain can denote an issue with some of the reproductive organs inside the pelvic section including ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina or cervix.

Types

There are two types of pelvic pain: acute pelvic pain and chronic pelvic pain.

Acute pelvic pain begins over a short duration between few minutes to a few days. Acute pelvic pain can denote a disorder with bowel, bladder, or appendix can cause pain in the pelvic region. There could be other reasons as well including pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginitis, vaginal infections, , and sexually transmitted diseases.

Chronic pelvic pain can be constant or can be intermittent. Intermittent pain usually has a singular specific cause whereas constant pain may be the product of more than one problem. Most common example of chronic pelvic pain is dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps. Adenomyosis, endometriosis, and ovulation pain are few other causes of chronic pelvic pain.

Other types include:

  • Localized pain: Inflammation is the likely cause.
  • Colicky pain: May be the result of spasming of soft organ such as the intestine, appendix or ureter.
  • Sudden occurence of pain: Due to the temporary deficiency of blood supply most possibly because of blockage in the blood circulation.
  • Slowly-developing pain: Inflammation of appendix or an intestinal obstruction may be the culprit.
  • Pain involving the entire abdomen: This may suggest accumulation of pus, blood, or intestinal contents.
  • Pain aggravated by movement or during examination: Irritation in the lining of the abdominal cavity may be the likely cause.

 

Symptoms

  • Worsening of menstrual cramps
  • Menstrual pain
  • Vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating or gas
  • Blood seen with a bowel movement
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain in the hip area
  • Pain in the groin area

DIAGNOSIS

Initially, your doctor will get a good medical history and perform a physical examination.

Other tests that may be requested include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age
  • Penile or vaginal cultures to detect sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and/or chlamydia
  • Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
  • Bone density screening
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Stool test
  • Lower endoscopy
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen

 

TREATMENT

Nonsurgical treatment for pelvic pain includes the following:

  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Physical therapy (PT)

In the absence of physical cause, pelvic pain can be associated to psychological coping mechanism from trauma. Psychotherapy is recommended for some of the cases.

Other approaches include nutritional modification, physical therapy (PT), environmental changes, etc.

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