Pelvic pain tends to be one of the most common symptoms that affect women all over the world. Indeed, the female reproductive system is extremely vulnerable to various conditions and infections.
It is essential to understand that there are many factors that can contribute to the development of pelvic pain. Even though some of them may be harmless, others may require immediate medical attention. To stay on the safe side, it is better to contact a top gynecologist for diagnosis and treatment if needed. In this article, we have gathered five common causes of pelvic pain you should know about.
1. Periods
Many women of reproductive age experience pain or discomfort that occurs during periods. In some women, it can be mild while others can suffer from severe cramping and other symptoms. Even though pain during periods can be often reduced with the help of painkillers, it is better to avoid the regular use of pain medication since they can affect your overall health.
If your pain during periods is extremely severe and interferes with your normal activity, it can be a sign of a certain underlying medical issue. You should know that there are a lot of conditions that can affect your uterus and enhance painful sensations during menstruation. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help you get rid of pain and improve your well-being during periods.
2. Ovulation
Pain during ovulation is another common issue that can bother a woman of reproductive age. In most cases, this pain is harmless and can signal the beginning of ovulation. But if you are going to conceive a child, pain and discomfort can interfere with normal sex life. Additionally, if the pain during ovulation is accompanied by spotting or other symptoms, it is better to visit a gynecologist for an exam.
3. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition in which pelvic organs become inflamed due to the infection. In most cases, PID is caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection or bacterial vaginosis (overgrowth of bacteria that inhabit your vagina).
The most common symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and fever. Due to the fact that untreated PID can lead to the formation of scars and adhesions, many women with this condition can experience fertility issues.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) starts to grow on the pelvic organs. This condition can cause pelvic pain, severe cramping during periods, and heavy blood flow during menstruation. Unfortunately, endometriosis can’t be cured completely, but certain surgical treatments and medication (painkillers and hormonal therapy) can help ease your symptoms.
5. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. Many women have ovarian cysts that appear and disappear throughout the menstrual cycle. In most cases, these cysts don’t cause any serious symptoms and don’t require any treatment.
But there are cysts that can cause severe symptoms and lead to dangerous complications. If you are diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it is essential to treat it and monitor your condition since it can burst. Ovarian cysts rupture is a life-threatening condition that manifests itself through sharp severe pain, bleeding, fever, and fatigue. It is essential to visit an emergency room if you have noticed the aforementioned symptoms.
The bottom line
Due to the variety of factors that can contribute to pelvic pain, it is essential to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Fortunately, modern medicine can provide a lot of treatment options that can help you get rid of pain and discomfort.
