Read on to learn five possible gynecological causes of pelvic pain.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the cells that usually grow in the uterus show up outside of your womb and attach to areas such as your ovaries, bladder, and even the rectum.

Endometriosis is characterized by pelvic pain that can be especially intense around the time of your period. You may also have pain during or after sex and pelvic pain during ovulation or during bowel movements.

Bloating, low back pain, and spotting between your periods are other symptoms. Endometriosis can be managed with some hormonal treatments and surgery. Endometriosis cannot be cured.

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is caused by bacteria that has infiltrated any part of your urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Women are more likely to experience UTIs as compared to men simply because of the structural shape of their urethras, which are shorter and better able to transport bacteria.

You may suspect your pelvic pain is associated with a UTI if you have pelvic pain along with pain or burning when you urinate. You may also feel pressure in your lower pelvis, urinate often, and have an urgent need to urinate. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine or a poor stream are other symptoms. A UTI can usually be successfully resolved with antibiotics.

Sexually transmitted diseases

STDs can often cause pelvic pain. If you’re sexually active and don’t use protection with a male or female condom, you’re at risk of contracting an STD. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common examples of STDs that cause pelvic pain as well as discomfort when you urinate, bleeding between periods, and abnormal vaginal discharge. When caught early, these STDs can be treated with antibiotics.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Inflamed and infected Fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus can cause serious pelvic pain. Usually pelvic inflammatory disease resulted from a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. The infection leaves scars on these organs, causing chronic pelvic pain.

In addition to pelvic pain, you may also experience extremely intense menstrual cramps, pain during sex, irregular periods, frequent and painful urination, unusual vaginal discharge, and lower back pain. If you have an existing infection, antibiotics can treat it – but will not reduce scarring that occurred due to the condition.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids grow in and on the walls of your uterus. Fibroids are noncancerous and extremely common. They don’t cause pain in all women. However, if you have an especially large fibroid or one that is positioned awkwardly, you may have pelvic pain along with heavy periods, feelings of pressure in your abdomen, constipations, pain and cramping during your period, and the need to urinate frequently.

Fibroids may be removed with surgery or temporarily relieved with hormonal treatments.

If you have pelvic pain, don’t hesitate to call Abundant Life Healthcare for evaluation. Often your pain can be resolved to improve your quality of life and preserve good gynecological health.