Common Causes Of Pelvic Pain
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| Pelvic Pain & Its Causes |
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is typically referred to as pain in the area of women's reproductive organs. It can affect both sexes and come from a variety of other conditions.Most people experience pelvic pain in the lower abdomen. During your period, you may experience pain if you are a woman. It can also occur during sexual activity. The pain may be constant or intermittent. It can be a dull, dispersed pain or a sharp, stabbing pain in a single location. If the pain is severe, it may prevent you from doing the things you normally do.
Pelvic pain can be caused by an infection, pain in the pelvic bone, or pain in non-reproductive internal organs. However, in women and people with AFAB, pelvic pain may indicate a problem with one of the reproductive organs in the pelvic area—the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina. A problem with your prostate may be the cause if you're a man. In both men and women, it can be a sign of an infection, an issue with the urinary tract, lower intestines, rectum, muscle, bone, or both. Multiple causes of pelvic pain can occur simultaneously in some women.
To determine what's causing the pain, you may need to undergo imaging, lab, or other medical tests. The cause, severity, and frequency of the pain will all play a role in the course of treatment.
Causes Of Pelvic Pain
Here, We'll discuss the most common causes of pelvic pain in males and females in detail.Constipation
Constipation can cause pain in the pelvis, mainly if it affects the lower colon. Having a bowel movement typically relieves this kind of pain.Intestinal Diseases
Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen can be caused by some other intestinal conditions. These are diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID, also known as a pelvic inflammatory disease, is an infection that affects the reproductive organs of women. A sexually transmitted disease (STI) usually causes it. PID is characterized by changes in the menstrual cycle, pain in the pelvis or low back, and unusual vaginal discharge.Pain During Ovulation
During the middle of a menstrual cycle, ovulation pain, also known as "mittelschmerz," is a mild to moderate amount of discomfort. Pain during ovulation can last for a few minutes or several days. The pain may be sharp and sudden or resemble a cramp. It does not point to any underlying issue.Scar Tissue or Adhesions
Infections or surgeries in the past can cause adhesions or scar tissue in the pelvis. This type of scar tissue can lead to chronic pelvic pain.Adenomyosis
Endometrial tissue that grows deep into the uterine muscle is known as adenomyosis. This condition typically causes heavy periods and severe pelvic pain in affected women.Endometriosis
The tissue that looks like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus in endometriosis. During a woman's menstrual cycle, this tissue may bleed and adhere to other organs, causing pain and other symptoms.The location of the tissue implants determines where the pain is felt. While some women only experience symptoms during their period, others also experience pain throughout their cycle.
Fibroids
Uterine growths that are not cancerous are called fibroids. They might hurt the lower back and pelvis. Additionally, fibroids may put pressure on your bladder or rectal area, making you feel like you need to use the bathroom more frequently.Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
The majority of STIs don't cause any symptoms, but a few can cause pelvic pain or cramping. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two examples. Some STIs can result in PID, which can also cause pelvic pain, if not treated.Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps can cause pain in the pelvis. Menstrual cramps can last for several days and typically begin just before a woman's period. They are found on the pelvic floor. Because menstrual cramps could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or adenomyosis, a person might want to talk to a doctor about testing.Ectopic Pregnancy
It is a serious condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause death and requires immediate medical attention. In addition to the fallopian tubes, it can occur anywhere in the pelvis or abdomen. As it grows, it causes cramps and pain by pressing on nearby organs or nerves.Loss Of A Pregnancy
Loss of pregnancy can also cause pelvic pain and cramping. Although some cramping during early pregnancy is normal as the fetus develops, severe or persistent pain should be reported to a doctor.Appendicitis
The appendix is a short tube that connects your large intestine to your stomach. The appendix becomes inflamed in appendicitis.At some point in their lives, 5 to 9 percent of people suffer from this condition. Appendicitis can affect people of any age, including older adults, but it is more prevalent in adolescents and early 20s.
The pain of appendicitis can be severe and begin suddenly. Most of the time, it's in the lower right side of your abdomen. Alternately, the discomfort may begin near your belly button and spread to your lower right abdomen. When you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze, the pain often gets worse.
Hernia
A hernia is an opening through which the body's organs can move. Pelvic pain can occur if the hernia is in a muscle in the lower pelvis. A visible bulge at the site of the pain could be one of the additional signs.The bulge should either disappear when you lie down or you should be able to push it back in. When you cough, laugh, bend over, or lift something, your hernia pain gets worse.
Muscle Spasm
Spasms in the pelvic floor are caused by muscle spasms. The pelvis is supported by some muscles that support the bowel, reproductive organs, and bladder. The pelvic floor muscles can spasm, just like other muscles, causing pain and discomfort.Kidney Stones & Infections
Stones in the kidney occur when minerals like calcium and uric acid clump together in your urine to form hard rocks. People who have a male reproductive system typically have a higher incidence of kidney stones.The majority of kidney stones do not cause symptoms until they begin to travel through the ureters, which are the tiny tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The small and rigid tubes are unable to stretch to move the stone through, resulting in pain.
The ureter's reaction to the stone by clamping down on it to try to squeeze it out can also cause pain. Spasms can result from this.
The stone can back up into the kidney, resulting in pressure and pain if it blocks the flow of urine. This pain is very bad.
Problems With The Prostate
A man's prostate is located in the lower area of the pelvis. Pelvic pain can be brought on by prostate inflammation or infection. Whether cancerous or benign, a growth on the prostate can also cause pelvic pain or discomfort.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A bacterial infection of the urinary tract is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are all included in this. UTIs occur frequently, particularly in females who have a reproductive system. At some point in their lives, between 50% and 60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI), which typically affects the bladder.A UTI typically presents with burning pain during urination and more frequent urges to urinate. Pelvic pain or cramping may occur in some cases, particularly in those with severe or persistent infections.
Intestinal Cystitis
The inflammation of your bladder is known as cystitis. Especially when delaying urination, interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition, can cause pain and pressure in the lower pelvis and belly. In most cases, people with interstitial cystitis have frequent and immediate urinal needs.Ovarian Mass
A growth that presses on nearby nerves or organs can cause pelvic pain. An ovarian cyst, a benign tumor, or ovarian cancer are all possible masses.Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)
Varicose veins develop around your ovaries in pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Varicose veins, which can develop in the legs, are comparable to these thick, tangled veins. The valves that normally direct blood through the veins in the right direction no longer function. Your veins may swell as a result of this and experience blood backup.Varicose veins in the pelvis can also happen to men, but women are much more likely to get them.
The most common symptom of PCS is pelvic pain. The discomfort may be dull or achy. Especially if you have spent a lot of time sitting or standing, it will frequently get worse during the day. Additionally, you may experience pain during sex and your period.
Prolapse Of The Pelvis
The muscles and other tissues that support the female pelvic organs keep them in place. These muscles can become weaker with age and childbirth, allowing the bladder, uterus, and rectum to fall into the vagina.Women of all ages can develop pelvic organ prolapse, but older women are more likely to experience it. Your pelvis may feel heavy or under pressure as a result of this condition. Additionally, you might feel a lump coming out of your vagina.
Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture is a condition in which the urethra narrows or becomes blocked due to swelling, injury, or infection. The obstruction slows down the rate of urine expulsion from the penis.Urethral stricture affects less than one percent of men as they age. Although restrictions can occur infrequently in women, the problem is much more prevalent in men.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland that is not caused by cancer. The size and shape of this gland, which adds fluid to the sperm, typically approximates a walnut. As you get older, the prostate continues to expand.The prostate presses down on your urethra as it grows. To expel urine, the bladder muscle must exert more effort. You may experience urinary symptoms as a result of a weakening of the bladder muscle over time.
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome
A vasectomy is a method of male contraception. The vas deferens, a tube that prevents sperm from entering the sperm and fertilizing an egg, is cut during surgery.After a vasectomy, about 1% to 2% of people experience pain in their testicles for more than three months. Post-vasectomy pain syndrome refers to this. The damage to testicular structures or the pressure on nearby nerves are two possible explanations.