Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is an enormously complex problem affecting many women. Pain can be sharp, dull, or crampy, and it can be cyclical, intermittent, or constant. Pain is also personal to each individual- what one woman might describe as pain, another might describe as discomfort. The type of pain you experience varies based on your condition. For example, pain with your menstrual period is most likely related to a gynecologic condition, but chronic pain can be non-gynecological as well.

Common gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis can cause an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and pressure in addition to menstrual pain. Meanwhile, most women describe the sensation of pelvic prolapse as a feeling of pressure more than pain, and while precancerous conditions do not cause pain, any type of cancer can. Non-gynecologic causes of pelvic pain include conditions affecting the urinary, digestive, lymphatic, vascular, musculoskeletal, or neurologic systems.

Pain is generally a sign of a problem and should be investigated. Your doctor will probably want to perform a complete history and physical, lab testing, and some kind of imaging study. Consult with your doctor if you have pelvic pain for a treatment plan to help with the pain.