Pelvic pain is pain that originates from an organ in the pelvis. The pelvis is the lowest part of the abdomen. Organs in this region include the bowel, bladder, uterus, and ovaries. In some instances, pelvic pain originates from bones lying next to these organs. It may also originate from nearby nerves, blood vessels, muscles or joints. Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine is a Miami based pelvic pain medical practice that treats patients suffering from pelvic pain caused by numerous conditions.
While it’s most common in women, pelvic pain may also affect men. It may also be a symptom of an infection. In women, it could be an indication that one of the reproductive organs in the pelvic area has a problem.
What causes pelvic pain?
Due to the many places where it may originate, there are several causes of pelvic pain. It may be acute or chronic. Acute pelvic pain occurs when the patient experiences the pain for the first time. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, on the other hand, has existed for a long time, usually more than 6 months.
Some of the causes of pelvic pain are:
Pelvic Pain and Pregnancy
Miscarriage: Pelvic pain is one of the main symptoms of a miscarriage. The other common symptom is vaginal bleeding.
Ectopic pregnancy: This is a pregnancy that tries to develop outside the uterus. Symptoms include pelvic pain which may occur sharply or develop slowly over time.
Rupturing of the corpus luteum cyst: The corpus luteum helps maintain pregnancy before organs such as the placenta develop and take over. Usually, this doesn’t cause any problems. However, sometimes it might swell too much and burst, causing a sharp pain in the pelvis. If you experience a sharp pain on one side of your pelvis within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, consult with your doctor.
Premature labor: Usually, labor starts after the 37th week of pregnancy. If you experience pelvic pains that seem to come and go regularly, consult with your midwife.
Placental abruption: Rarely, the placenta may detach from the womb. If it happens before 24 weeks of pregnancy, it’s a miscarriage. It’s an abruption if it occurs after 24 weeks. The abruption may result in pelvic pain.
Postpartum Pelvic Pain: Damage to the pelvic muscles and tissues can occur during childbirth. Weakening or loosening of the pelvic floor muscle from birth can lead to several body parts not functioning correctly.
Gynecological Pelvic Pain
Ovulation: The release of an ovum from the ovary––may result in a sharp pain on the side of the pelvis, depending on which ovary produced the egg that month. Usually, the pain shouldn’t last more than a couple of hours. However, some women may find it more severe.
Dysmenorrhea: This pain is experienced by most women during their periods. In about 9 in 10, the pain is mild. However, in some, it’s so severe they can’t go about their daily activities.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection in the womb caused by bacteria which usually originate from the vagina or cervix. In most cases, this is caused by STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms of PID.
Rupturing of the ovarian cyst: The ovarian cyst is the fluid-filled sac in which an ovary develops. Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. Some may cause pain and irregular bleeding. Pain occurs when they rupture or twist (torsion). Certain types of ovarian cysts require no treatment and go away on their own with time.
Endometriosis: This is a condition that’s most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30’s and is more common in women who have trouble conceiving. It causes pain during their period and/or during sex.
Pelvic Pain in the Bowel/bladder
Appendicitis: This is the inflammation of the appendix and is a common condition. An operation should be done to remove the inflamed appendix and prevent it from perforating.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common gut problem whose cause isn’t clearly known. Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms of IBS, which comes and goes.
Cystitis: This is a urinal infection in the bladder that is more common in women. Usually, it poses no serious danger and will clear with medication.
Adhesions: After surgery, tissues may become sticky. Because of this, they might accidentally stick together, resulting in pain.
Sexual Health and Pelvic Pain
Pain During Intercourse (dyspareunia): emotional and physical stress can cause deep pain in the pelvic region manifest during intercourse.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD): unrelenting genital arousal in women is a symptoms often dismissed by specialists unfamiliar with PGAD.
Erectile Dysfunction: pelvic floor compressions can prevent the outflow of blood to the deep dorsal vein in the penis.
Diagnosing Pelvic Pain
To help determine the cause of the pain, your doctor will start by asking your some questions. They may then examine you and, based on what they find, advise you to have further examinations.
If you’re unsure, you may be asked for a urine sample or a pregnancy test. If they suspect a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, an ultrasound will be arranged.
Gynecologists may also conduct a laparoscopy, where they examine your pelvis through a small cut on your navel.
Pelvic Pain Miami Specialists
There are various causes of pelvic pain. Depending on the seriousness, simple medication may work sometimes. If you’re certain about the cause of the pain, you can take a painkiller.
However, if you’re not absolutely sure what’s causing the pain, contact Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. With Pelvic Pain as our central focus we are able to properly assess and diagnose your Pelvic Pain. If necessary we will work with other specialists once we determine the best treatment plan to help bring you relief from pelvic pain.