Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on Feb. 14.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pelvic pain in women is incredibly common. One in six women of childbearing age have experienced pelvic pain in the past few months. It’s not a minor inconvenience. Pelvic pain can interfere with daily activities such as work and exercise, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong.
This round-up of the types of pelvic pain in women is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be used for self-diagnosis. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain of any kind, the AMITA Health Women’s Health Institute recommends making an appointment with a gynecologist as soon as possible. But in the meantime, inform yourself by matching up the types of pelvic pain with some corollary symptoms and what they might mean.
Pain in the Center of Your Pelvis
Do You Also Have:
Strong, persistent need to urinate
Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
Burning sensation when you urinate
It Might Be a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Caused by a bacterial infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra, a urinary tract infection can be extremely painful and demands immediate attention.
Slight Pressure or Pain in Pelvis
Do You Also Have:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Periods lasting longer than a week
Frequent urination
It Might Be Uterine Fibroids
When the muscle cells of the uterus become overgrown, they can interfere with some of the organs in the pelvis.
Dull Ache in Your Lower Abdomen
Are You Also Feeling:
Fullness or pressure in your abdomen
Bloating
Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
It Might Be Ovarian Cysts
These small sacs of fluid are rarely cancerous and often don’t even cause symptoms. But if they are painful, you might need medication or surgery.
Ovarian Cysts and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pain in Your Lower Belly or Pelvis
Do You Also Have:
Heavy, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
Bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
Fever or chills
It Might Be Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
This infection of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and/or uterus is caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Contact a gynecologist right away.
Persistent Pressure in Your Pelvis
Do You Also Have:
Aching lower back
Pain during sex
Urinary problems such as leaking
Constipation
It Might Be Organ Prolapse
Organ prolapse occurs when the tissues supporting the organs in the pelvis relax too much, causing those organs to drop down and press against or bulge into the vagina. It may feel like pressure or like something is falling out.
Sharp, Stabbing Pain
Does It Happen When:
You are having your period
You are having sex
During bowel movements
It Might Be Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that develops inside the uterus grows on the outside of the uterus instead.
It Might Also Be Pelvic Adhesions
These bands of scar tissue that form between internal tissues and organs as a result of infections or surgeries.
Severe Abdominal Pain
Are You Experiencing:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Extreme lightheadedness or fainting
It Might Be an Ectopic Pregnancy
This serious condition occurs when an embryo begins to develop outside of the uterus. This can be life-threatening. Visit an Emergency Room (ER) immediately.
Visit a Gynecologist
You might be feeling concerned about all the conditions your pelvic pain might be hiding right now. That’s okay. The best way to assuage your fears (or address them) is by going to a gynecologist for a check-up.
To diagnose your pelvic pain, the doctor might order blood/urine tests, ultrasounds or laparoscopy to inform their diagnosis. Treatments could include medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics, hormonal therapy, physical therapy or counseling services. You might also need surgery, if the problem is something like an ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
Talk to your gynecologist if you experience any kind of pelvic pain or discomfort. If you don’t have one, find an AMITA Health gynecologist near you.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital
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