Pain or discomfort, ranging from a sharp jerk to a dull ache in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic pain can have causes that are not because of an underlying disease. Examples include constipation, pregnancy, full bladder, sexual pain, menstruation, or trauma.
Pelvic pain mainly occurs in the area of the lower abdomen. The pain can be constant or come and go. It can be a sharp, stabbing pain in a specific place or a dull ache that spreads. If the pain is severe, it could interfere with your daily activities.
Women can experience the symptoms of pelvic pain during their periods. It can also happen when you have sex. Pelvic pain can be a sign of a problem with an organ in your pelvic region, such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina.
Prostate problems may cause the symptoms of pelvic pain in males. In both men and women, it can be a symptom of infection or a problem with the urinary tract, lower intestines, rectum, muscles, or bones. Some women have more than one cause of abdominal pain simultaneously.
What is Pelvic Pain or Abdominal Pain?
Pain or discomfort, ranging from a sharp jerk to a dull ache in the lower abdomen and pelvis, is known as Pelvic or Adbomen pain. Pelvic pain can have causes that are not because of an underlying disease. Examples include constipation, pregnancy, full bladder, sexual pain, menstruation, or trauma.
Causes of Pelvic Pain in Men
Find the list of most common causes of pelvic pain in men:
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. UTIs are a common complaint, and their most common symptom is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Some STIs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, also cause pelvic pain in men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2.86 million chlamydia infections occur in the United States each year.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Fever
Pain in the pelvis
Inflammation of the urethra
Discharge from the penis
Chlamydia can also infect the rectum or anus, possibly causing pain there as well. A condition called lymphogranuloma venereal can result from different versions of the bacteria that cause chlamydia, which can lead to pelvic pain that is difficult to treat.
The CDC notes that lymphogranuloma venereum can cause outbreaks of proctitis, or inflammation of the anus and rectum, in men who have sex with men.
The infection can cause symptoms such as pain and discharge from the penis. If it affects the rectum, it can cause a discharge from the anus or painful stools.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, a tiny gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate produces fluid, which enters the semen.
Types of Prostatitis
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
This condition results from a bacterial infection of the prostate. Bacteria can reach the gland through the urethra, and as they spread, they can cause pain in the pelvis, groin, or lower back.
Acute bacterial prostatitis can also cause discomfort in the penis or testicles. Pain may accompany other symptoms, including:
A bacterial infection of the prostate can be severe, and anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. A urologist can treat a bacterial infection with antibiotics.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a common infection of the prostate. Its symptoms are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis, although they may be less severe.
A urologist usually treats it with a low dose of antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics over a longer period.
If the problem is causing difficulty passing urine, the urologist may prescribe medications called alpha-blockers to help relax the bladder and surrounding muscles so the body can release urine.
Non-Bacterial Prostatitis
Long-lasting prostate inflammation can result from non-bacterial prostatitis, a type of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Doctors are not sure of the exact cause of this condition. It's important to understand that the inflammation has nothing to do with a bacterial infection so it won't respond well to antibiotics.
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
Prostatitis can cause virtually no symptoms. Blood tests may show a higher number of white blood cells, and doctors will want to rule out prostate cancer before making a diagnosis.
Hernia
Sudden lower abdominal pain can indicate a hernia. A hernia develops when a piece of tissue or intestine pushes through a weak spot in the muscles. It often forms a slight painful swelling in the area.
The pain may get worse when the person puts a strain on the muscles, such as laughing, coughing, or lifting.
Appendicitis
Pain in the lower abdomen can indicate appendicitis. It is caused when the appendix is filled with mucus or parasites, which makes it swell. If ignored, the appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased.
If sharp pain in the lower right abdomen accompanies any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Surgery may be necessary.
Urinary Stones
Urinary stones are formed when salts or minerals, such as calcium, build up in the urine, and the body has difficulty getting rid of them. These minerals can clump together and crystallize in urinary stones.
Stones tend to cause symptoms only when the body tries to pass them, and pain in the pelvis or lower back is standard. Other changes include difficulty passing urine and blood in the urine.
Doctors may prescribe pain relievers to help pass the stones, and some medications can break up the stones. Larger stones require surgery in some cases.
Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually resulting from infection. It causes pain in the pelvis, accompanied by symptoms such as;
A doctor will usually use a short course of antibiotics to treat a bladder infection.
Urethral Stenosis
A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra shrinks or blockages, making it difficult for the urine to flow. In addition to lower abdominal pain, symptoms include:
BPH occurs when the prostate gets more extensive due to something other than cancer. As the prostate enlarges, it puts pressure on the urethra, which can cause difficulty passing urine and pain in the pelvis. Eventually, the muscles of the bladder may weaken from the tension, which makes symptoms worse.
Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain
Determining what is causing your chronic pelvic pain often involves a process of elimination, as many disorders can cause pelvic pain.
In addition to a detailed interview about your pain, personal medical history, and family history, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your pain and other symptoms.
Tests or exams your doctor might suggest include:
Pelvic exam
This may reveal signs of infection, abnormal growths, or tight pelvic floor muscles. Your doctor checks for areas of tenderness. Tell your doctor if you experience any discomfort during this test, especially if the pain is similar to the pain you felt.
Lab tests
During the pelvic exam, your doctor may ask labs to check for infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your blood count and a urinalysis to look for a urinary tract infection.
Ultrasound
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of the structures in your body. This procedure is especially useful for finding lumps or cysts in the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes.
Other imaging tests
Your doctor may recommend abdominal x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help find abnormal structures or growths.
Laparoscopy
During this surgery, your doctor makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a thin tube attached to a small camera (laparoscope). The laparoscope allows your doctor to view your pelvic organs and look for abnormaltissue or signs of infection: this procedure is especially useful for detecting endometriosis and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
Finding the underlying cause of chronic pelvic pain can be a long process, and sometimes a simple explanation may never be found.
Treatment of Pelvic Pain
Treatment for pelvic pain varies depending on the cause, the intensity of the pain, and how often the pain occurs. Sometimes pelvic pain is treated with medication, including antibiotics. If the pain results from a problem with any of the pelvic organs, treatment may involve surgery or other procedures. Physiotherapy can sometimes be helpful. Plus, since living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and overwhelming, studies have shown the benefit of working with a trained counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist most of the time. A doctor can provide more information about the different treatments for pelvic pain.
Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women
The most common causes of pelvic pain in Women:
Menstrual Pain and Cramps
Menstrual pain and cramps are common causes of pelvic pain in women. More than half of women who have their period will experience pain for at least 1 to 2 days in each cycle.
Period cramps usually occur immediately before a woman starts her period because the uterus contracts and loses its lining. The pain may look like a muscle spasm or a stinging pain. Using a warm heating pad can ease the sensation.
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), can also help relieve pain. In case of severe pain due to menstruation, doctors may recommend other medications.
Ovulation
When a woman ovulates, the ovaries release an egg and other fluids. The egg travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. Fluid released by the ovary can travel to the pelvic area, sometimes causing pelvic irritation and pain.
The discomfort can last for a minute or hours and change sides of the body, depending on which ovary released the egg. The pain is temporary and does not require any specific treatment.
Interstitial Cystitis
It is also possible that a woman suffers from continued inflammation of the bladder with no known cause. The medical term for this is interstitial cystitis, and doctors currently don't know why this happens.
Interstitial cystitis can cause pelvic pain and symptoms such as painful urination, the need to urinate frequently, and pain during sex. Treatment often involves managing the symptoms as well as possible.
Cystitis
Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder due to a bacterial infection. It happens because bacteria from the vagina, rectum, or skin can enter the urethra and travel to the bladder.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur anywhere in the system, while cystitis only happens in the bladder. Both conditions are common in women. Sometimes, these infections will go away on their own, but a short course of antibiotics will usually treat cystitis and other UTIs.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Pelvic pain may indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. STIs occur in sexually active people. In addition to pelvic pain, other symptoms of STIs can include painful urination, bleeding between periods, and changes in vaginal discharge.
Anyone who experiences these changes should see their doctor, who will be able to diagnose an STI and prescribe treatment, usually including antibiotics. It is also essential to let sexual partners know about the infection to prevent it from spreading.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus that can damage surrounding tissue. PID can occur if bacteria from the vagina or cervix enter the uterus and settle. It is usually a complication of an STI, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
In addition to pelvic pain, women may experience other symptoms, including abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding. IRS increases the risk of infertility in women. The CDC notes that 1 in 8 women who have had PID also have trouble getting pregnant.
Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. However, they cannot treat scars, which is why early treatment is crucial.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, or tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can be a source of chronic and lasting pelvic pain in some women.
When a person's period begins, this tissue outside the uterus responds to hormonal changes, which can cause bleeding and inflammation in the pelvis. Some people may experience mild to severe pain. Endometriosis can make it difficult for some women to get pregnant.
Doctors may recommend a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes pain and symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Symptoms of IBS tend to flare up and go away over time, especially after a bowel movement. There is no cure for IBS, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms through changes in diet, stress levels, and medications.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small organ located in the lower right abdomen. It is caused by infection and is common but can be serious.
Anyone experiencing sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, along with other symptoms such as vomiting and fever, should see a doctor immediately, as this can be a sign of appendicitis.
Urinary Stones
Stones in the urinary tract are made up of salts and minerals, such as calcium, which the body has difficulty passing through urine. These minerals can build up and form crystals in the bladder or kidneys, which often cause pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Stones can also cause urine to change colour, often turning it pink or reddish with blood. Some stones do not require treatment, but passing them can be painful. At other times, a doctor may recommend medicine to break up the stones or surgery to remove them.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants anywhere outside the uterus and begins to develop. A woman may experience very sharp pain and cramps in her pelvis, which is usually concentrated on one side.
Other symptoms include nausea, vaginal bleeding, and dizziness. Anyone who suspects an ectopic pregnancy should see a doctor immediately, as it is a potentially fatal condition.
Pelvic Adhesions
An adhesion is scar tissue that occurs inside the body and connects two issues that should not be connected. It can lead to pain, as the body has a hard time adjusting to the grip. Scar tissue can form due to an old infection, endometriosis, or other problems in the area.
Pelvic adhesions can lead to chronic pelvic pain in some women, and they can cause other symptoms, depending on where the scar tissue appears. A doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgeries to help reduce adhesions and relieve symptoms.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts occur when the ovaries fail to release an egg. The follicle containing the egg may not fully open to release the egg, or it may be clogged with fluid. When this happens, a growth called a cyst forms in the area, which can cause bloating, pressure, or pelvic pain on the side of the body with the cyst.
In many cases, ovarian cysts go away on their own. In some cases, a cyst can bleed or burst, which can cause severe, severe pain in the pelvis and may require medical treatment.
Doctors can identify ovarian cysts using ultrasound, and they can recommend treatments ranging from watchful waiting to surgery.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are pieces of muscle and fibrous tissue in the uterus. Although they are not cancerous and do not tend to cause symptoms, these growths can be a source of pain. They can cause discomfort in the pelvis or lower back or pain during sex. Fibroids can also cause excessive bleeding or cramping during menstruation.
Some fibroids do not require treatment. If a woman finds her symptoms challenging to manage, doctors may recommend one of the many treatments, including medications, non-invasive procedures, or surgery.
Tumor
In rare cases, malignant growth of the reproductive, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems can cause pelvic pain. Depending on where it appears, it can also cause other symptoms.
Doctors must perform a thorough evaluation, often using blood tests and imaging, to identify a tumor. Once they diagnose the problem, they will recommend possible treatments.
Diagnosis of Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
Determining what is causing your chronic pelvic pain involves a process of elimination, as many disorders can cause pelvic pain.
In addition to a detailed interview about your pain, personal medical history, and family history, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your pain and other symptoms.
Tests or Exams to Detect Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam may reveal signs of infection, abnormal growths, or tight pelvic floor muscles. Your doctor checks for areas of tenderness. Tell your doctor if you experience any discomfort during this test, especially if the pain is similar to the pain you felt.
Lab Tests
During the pelvic exam, your doctor may ask to get a few lab tests to check for infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your blood count and a urinalysis to look for a urinary tract infection.
Ultrasound
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of your body's structures. It is beneficial for finding lumps or cysts in the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes.
Other Imaging Tests
Your doctor may recommend abdominal X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help find abnormal structures or growths.
Laparoscopy
During this surgery, your doctor makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a thin tube attached to a small camera (laparoscope). The laparoscope allows your doctor to view your pelvic organs and look for abnormal tissue or signs of infection. This procedure helps detect endometriosis and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
Finding the underlying cause of chronic pelvic pain can be a long process, and sometimes, a simple explanation may never be found.
Treatment of Pelvic Pain
Treatment for pelvic pain varies depending on the cause, the intensity of the pain, and how often the pain occurs. Sometimes, pelvic pain is treated with medication, including antibiotics. If the pain results from a problem with any of the pelvic organs, treatment may involve surgery or other procedures.
Physiotherapy can sometimes be helpful. Plus, since living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and overwhelming, studies have shown the benefit of working with a trained counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist most of the time. A doctor can provide more information about the different treatments for pelvic pain.
When to See a Doctor?
Temporary or mild pelvic pain is nothing to worry about. If the pain is severe or persists for more than a week, make an appointment with your doctor.
You should see the physician if you experience:
Blood in urine
Foul-smelling urine
Difficulty urinating
Inability to have a bowel movement
Bleeding between periods
Fever
Chills
Home Remedies of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain often responds to over-the-counter pain relievers, but be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
In some cases, rest can help. In others, gentle movements and light exercise will be more beneficial. Try these tips:
You can place a hot water bottle on your abdomen to see if it helps relieve the cramps or take a warm bath.
Elevate your legs. It can help relieve pelvic pain, which affects the lower back or thighs.
Try yoga, prenatal yoga, and meditation, which can also be helpful for pain management.
Take herbs, such as willow bark, which can help reduce pain. Obtain your doctor's approval before using it during pregnancy.
In women, pelvic pain can be a sign of menstrual cramps, ovulation, or a gastrointestinal problem such as food intolerance. It can also develop because of more severe problems. Sometimes, pelvic pain indicates an infection or a problem with the reproductive system or other organs.
Where is the pelvic region?
The pelvis is the bottom part of the torso. It is located between the abdomen and the legs. This area supports the intestines and also contains the bladder and reproductive organs. There are structural differences between the female and male pelvis.
What does pelvic pressure look like?
Pelvic pressure in the pelvis and rectal area looks like cramps (similar to menstrual cramps) and discomfort in the groin and is often accompanied by lumbar back pain. It is also more likely to occur in the second and subsequent pregnancies.
What organs are in the pelvic area?
The pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus and cervix, vagina, and rectum, which are part of the intestine.
Can IBS cause pelvic pain?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain symptoms in both men and women. IBS can cause cramps in the lower abdomen. The problems with bowel function include diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
