Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure. In some cases, no disease is shown to be evident. Pelvic pain may originate in genital or extragenital organs, or it may be psychogenic.

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain may have multiple causes, including:

• inflammation or direct irritation of nerves caused by acute or chronic trauma, fibrosis, pressure, or intraperitoneal inflammation
• muscular contractions or cramps of both smooth and skeletalmuscles
• psychogenic factors, which can cause or aggravate pain

What are the types of pain?

• Localized pain may be due to an inflammation.
• Colicky pain may be caused by spasm in a soft organ, such as the intestine, ureter, or appendix.
• Sudden onset of pain may be caused by a temporary deficiency of blood supply due to an obstruction in the circulation of blood.
• A slowly-developing pain may be due to inflammation of the appendix or an intestinal obstruction.
• Pain involving the entire abdomen may suggest an accumulation of blood, pus, or intestinal contents in the peritoneum.
• Pain from irritation in the lining of the abdominal cavity may increase with movement or during examination.

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

Diagnostic procedures and tests will be performed in order to determine the cause of the pelvic pain. Your physician may ask you many questions regarding the pain, such as:

• when and where does the pain occur
• how long does the pain last
• is the pain related to the menstrual cycle, urination, and/or sexual activity

Diagnostic tests for pelvic pain may include:

• history and physical examination
• blood tests
• x-rays
• ultrasound procedures
• laparoscopy

Treatment for pelvic pain:

Specific treatment for pelvic pain will be determined by your physician based on:

• your overall health and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• antibiotic medications
• anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications
• relaxation exercises
• oral contraceptives (to stop ovulation)
• surgery