Understanding the Different Causes of Pelvic Pain

If you have pelvic pain, you’re not alone. By some estimates, pelvic pain affects about 15% of women of childbearing age in the United States.

Pelvic pain can be more than just an inconvenience. In addition to interfering with your quality of life, it can cause you to miss days of work or school. Pelvic pain may also make it harder for you to exercise, enjoy sex, take care of your children, or keep up with your everyday responsibilities.

Here at Albany Obstetrics & Gynecology, our care providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a full range of conditions that cause pelvic pain. We’d like to help you understand some of the different causes of pelvic pain and what to do if pelvic pain is affecting you.

Below the belt

Pelvic pain is any pain that occurs in your pelvic region, which is the area around your lower belly, genital area, lower back, or buttocks. If it continues for more than six months, it’s referred to as chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain typically comes and goes. It may be sharp, dull, or stabbing. It’s often related to specific situations, such as your menstrual period or sexual activity. Or it may occur when you need to go to the bathroom.

Other symptoms that may occur with pelvic pain include heavy periods, bloating, infertility, itching, or urinary or fecal incontinence.

Causes of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have one or more causes, including the following:

Endometriosis

This is a condition that occurs when tissue from within your uterus grows in places where it shouldn’t, such as on your ovaries, in your pelvic cavity, or around your fallopian tubes.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur in the muscular walls of your uterus.

Ovarian cysts

These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in one or both of your ovaries.

Pelvic floor disorders

Pain-causing conditions may occur when the muscles in your pelvic floor, which hold your pelvic organs in place, become weakened.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that occurs in your reproductive organs. It may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases. 

Urinary or bowel conditions

Pelvic pain can result from problems with your urinary tract or your intestines. For example, pelvic pain may accompany irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation.

Have your pelvic pain checked

Our providers perform various types of tests to determine the cause of your pelvic pain. Once we arrive at a diagnosis, we work with you to create a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

Don’t put up with pelvic pain any longer. We can help you reduce or eliminate your pelvic pain, so you can get back to doing the activities you enjoy. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office in Albany, New York, or use our contact form to get started.