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3.7 Minute

18-09-2024 Team Medicover woman-and-child

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Banam Sravanthi, Gynecologist

Common Causes of Pelvic Swelling in Women

Pelvic swelling in women can be an alarming and uncomfortable experience. Understanding the root causes can help in managing and addressing the issue effectively.

This article explores common causes of pelvic swelling in women, providing insight into potential health concerns and when to seek medical advice.

Pelvic Swelling

Pelvic swelling, also known as pelvic edema, refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pelvic area, causing swelling and discomfort. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign to serious health issues.

In some cases, women may also experience swelling in the external pubic or perineal area, known as female pubic swelling or female perineum swelling. This may be associated with infections, inflammation, or vascular issues.

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Common Causes of Pelvic Swelling

Pelvic swelling can be uncomfortable and concerning, and it may stem from various underlying health conditions. Understanding the common causes helps identify the exact issue and seek timely treatment. Among the many reasons for body swelling in women, pelvic-related conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, infections, and pregnancy complications are some of the most frequent.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary. They are common and often harmless, but larger cysts can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort in the pelvic area.
Symptoms may include bloating, irregular periods, and pain during intercourse.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They vary in size and can cause significant swelling and discomfort.
Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, and pelvic pressure.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
PID can lead to pelvic edema, pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and swelling.
This condition can lead to severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues. In rare cases, swelling may extend to the female perineum due to localized inflammation. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that requires medical management.

Certain pregnancy-related conditions can cause pelvic swelling. These include:

Ectopic Pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. It can cause severe pelvic pain, swelling, and bleeding. This is a medical emergency.
Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and swelling during pregnancy. It requires prompt medical attention to avoid serious complications.
Round Ligament Pain: Common in pregnancy, it may lead to temporary discomfort or swollen female pubis due to stretching of ligaments supporting the uterus.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections can cause swelling and discomfort in the pelvic area. Symptoms often include a frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. In severe cases, UTIs may cause visible swelling in the female pelvic region or bladder area. UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics.

Hernias

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue. In women, or femoral hernias can cause visible swelling in the groin or pubic area, which may be mistaken for female pubic swelling. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to repair the hernia.

Less Common Causes of Pelvic Swelling

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition caused by varicose veins in the pelvis. It can lead to chronic pelvic pain and swelling.
Symptoms may worsen after prolonged standing or sitting and during menstrual periods.
It may also contribute to pressure or fullness in the female perineum.

Certain gastrointestinal issues can cause pelvic swelling. These include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition affecting the large intestine, causing bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to swelling and discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Pelvic swelling can be a sign of a serious health issue, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience:

Severe or persistent pelvic pain
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
Fever or chills
Difficulty urinating or bowel movements
Any other concerning symptoms

Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the underlying cause and prevent complications.

Treatment Options for Pelvic Swelling in Women

Treatment for pelvic swelling in women depends on the underlying cause. Once the cause is identified, healthcare providers may recommend one or more of the following:

Medications

Antibiotics for infections like UTIs or PID.
Hormonal therapy for conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Pain relievers such as NSAIDs to manage discomfort and inflammation.

Surgical Interventions

Laparoscopy to remove ovarian cysts, endometriosis lesions, or fibroids.
Hernia repair surgery if a hernia is the cause of swelling.
Emergency surgery for ectopic pregnancy or pelvic tumors if indicated.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can ease pressure on the pelvic region.
Stress management and physical therapy may help relieve chronic pelvic discomfort.

Drainage Procedures

In case of abscess or fluid collection, drainage may be required to relieve pelvic edema and discomfort.

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Conclusion

Pelvic swelling in women Pelvic swelling, whether internal or external (such as female pubic swelling or female perineum swelling), can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from benign to serious health issues. Understanding the common causes and recognizing the symptoms can help in seeking timely medical attention and managing the condition effectively. If you experience any concerning symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic edema refers to swelling in the pelvic area due to fluid buildup. It can be caused by infections, inflammation, poor circulation, or certain medical conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease.

Pelvic discomfort can result from menstrual cramps, urinary infections, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, digestive issues, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Persistent pain should be evaluated by a doctor.

Fluid in the pelvis can be caused by ovulation, ruptured cysts, infections, or conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis. Small amounts may be normal, but excess fluid needs medical evaluation.

Yes, pelvic inflammation can go away with timely treatment, especially if caused by infections like PID. However, delayed treatment can lead to complications like scarring or chronic pain.

Pelvic swelling treatment depends on the cause. It may include antibiotics for infections, pain relievers, drainage of cysts, or surgery in severe cases. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications.

Yes, ultrasound can help detect signs of pelvic inflammatory disease like swollen fallopian tubes, abscesses, or fluid buildup. However, it may not show all cases, so doctors may order additional tests.