Pelvic Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Many women have pain in their pelvic region at some point in their lives. Finding the cause of pelvic pain can be a long process. Often there is more than one reason for the pain and its exact source can be hard to detect. Women who have pelvic pain should consult a doctor, especially if the pain disrupts daily life or gets worse over time.

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Women who have ovarian cysts may experience sharp pain if a cyst leaks fluid or bleeds a little, or more severe, sharp, and continuous pain when a large cyst twists. Fortunately, most small cysts will dissolve without medical intervention after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles; however large cysts and those that don't rectify themselves after a few months may require surgery to remove the cysts.

Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths inside the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can cause a feeling of pressure on the lower abdomen. They may be small or they may grow as large as a grapefruit. They rarely cause sharp pains unless they being to die.

Pelvic pain that indicates a problem that may need treatment, but not on an urgent basis. Examples of this would include pain from endometriosis, or a growing fibroid tumor. Chronic pelvic pain also falls into this category.

The pain of CPP originates in the lower abdomen and pelvis, although it may extend downwards to involve the lower extremities or upwards to the thoracolumbar (chest) area. Pain can be intermittent or continual in duration and change in relation to physical and mental fatigue, depression and anxiety; dyspareunia (painful sex /intercourse) causing decreased sexual activity, and interruptions in sleep.

Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden, and sharp

Irregular menstrual periods

Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness

The finding highlights one of the most challenging aspects of ovarian cancer detection, experts say. Symptoms of the disease -- which can include abdominal swelling and digestive problems -- are very vague and easily mistaken for symptoms of other, more common conditions.

What types of tests may be performed?

A number of tests can help your doctor find the cause of your pain. Your history and physical exam will help him or her decide which, if any, tests to do. These may include blood tests, urologic tests or x-rays. In some cases, your doctor may need to perform minor surgery, such as laparoscopy (a procedure in which a thin lighted tube is inserted in the abdomen so the doctor can look at your pelvic organs).

Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis often can be suspected on the basis of a medical history and physical exam. Ultrasound examination can suggest endometriosis if an endometrioma is present. A definitive diagnosis of endometriosis requires surgical exploration, usually via laparoscopy.

What is the treatment for PID?

PID can be cured with several types of antibiotics. A health care provider will determine and prescribe the best therapy. However, antibiotic treatment does not reverse any damage that has already occurred to the reproductive organs. If a woman has pelvic pain and other symptoms of PID, it is critical that she seek care immediately. Prompt antibiotic treatment can prevent severe damage to reproductive organs.