Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

 

Many women experience pelvic pain before or during their monthly menstrual cycles. Most of us just brush this pain off as an expected symptom of menstruation. However, other common causes of pelvic pain include Endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Fibroids. In some cases, pelvic pain may be a sign of a more serious medical problem such as Ovarian Cancer. For this reason, it is important to let your Gynecologist know if you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain.

Endometriosis in one of the most common causes of pelvic pain. In fact, it is estimated that approximately five million women in the United States are affected by this problem. Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus (normally shed during the menstrual cycle), grows outside the womb. This misplaced tissue can cause inflammation and pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is another common cause of pelvic pain in women. PID is an infection that many women with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia get. In addition to pelvic pain, PID may also produce other symptoms such as fever, vomiting and/or nausea.

Fibroids are another common cause of pelvic pain. A fibroid is a benign mass of muscle tissue that can grow for years without producing any symptoms. However, in some cases, fibroids can cause heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, intermittent spotting and painful intercourse.

If you are experiencing persistent or acute pelvic pain, the first step is to make an appointment to see your Gynecologist as soon as possible. He or she will most likely perform a pelvic examination to try to determine the cause of your pain. He or she may also want to run additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out more serious medical problems.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.