Pelvic pain can range from mildly annoying to incredibly painful — and, as a woman, you’re likely to experience some form of it sooner or later. Learn more about some of the common causes of pelvic pain in women.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis happens when the appendix is inflamed due to infection, causing a sharp pain in your lower right abdomen.
Cystitis
Cystitis happens when you have a bacterial infection in your bladder causing inflammation and pain.
Ectopic Pregnancy
In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants itself into the blood-rich lining of the uterus to begin growing and developing. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere outside the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition and you should see your doctor right away if you believe you have this condition. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea and vaginal bleeding
Interstitial Cyst
Interstitial cysts can form when there’s chronic inflammation of the bladder.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition that causes pain.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are comprised of salts, and minerals like calcium, that your body is having a hard time eliminating through urine. When kidney stones form, they can cause severe pain in the pelvic area.
Endometriosis
When uterine tissue begins to grow outside of where it should, this is called endometriosis. This condition starts to affect other organs and the most common symptom is pelvic pain, which often worsens during a woman's period, along with abnormal bleeding.
Ovarian Cysts
Each month during a menstruating woman’s ovulation, one ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes. Sometimes, the ovary fails to fully release the egg for some reason. In this case, a growth called a cyst forms around the egg.
Ovulation
Each month during a menstruating woman’s cycle, an ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes. Sometimes, a woman may feel a fairly short burst of pain on one side of the pelvis when ovulating.
Pelvic Adhesions
A pelvic adhesion is scar tissue that has connected two areas of bodily tissues that aren’t naturally connected, causing pressure, pulling and pain in the pelvic area. Pelvic adhesions are most commonly caused by prior infection or endometriosis.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when your bladder or uterus drops into a lower than natural position. While it isn’t generally a serious health problem, it can be quite painful.
Tumor
In rare cases, a growth in your reproductive system, gastrointestinal system or urinary tract may be the cause of pelvic pain.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are lumps of fibrous tissue and muscle inside the uterus. Common signs of uterine fibroids are:
- Discomfort or Pain in Lower Back
- Excessive Bleeding During Menstruation
- Severe Cramping During Menstruation
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI is an infection in your urinary tract. Symptoms of this common condition may include feeling like you have a full bladder, frequent urination or painful urination.
Know the Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women
Some types of pelvic pain quickly disappear, while others are chronic (pain that lasts for at least six months). Our Health Navigation Team can help you get started treating your symptoms and putting you in touch with a care provider. Visit HerHealthNavigator.com to get started.
