There has been much discussion on whether pelvic pain is being always properly diagnosed.

It is common and can have a number of causes, and in many cases can go undiagnosed so make sure you know the warning signs..

What is pelvic pain?

If you have pain below your belly button and above your legs, it counts as pelvic pain. It can be caused by a lot of things. It may be a harmless sign that you’re fertile, a digestive disorder, or a red flag that you need to go to the hospital.

These conditions are serious and need immediate attention

1. Appendicitis

If you have a sharp pain in the lower right part of your belly, are vomiting, and have a fever, it could be appendicitis. If you have these symptoms, go immediately to hospital.

An infected appendix may need surgery and, if it bursts, it can spread the infection inside your body. This can cause serious complications.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy

This happens when an embryo implants somewhere outside of the uterus and begins to grow. This usually happens in the fallopian tubes. Sharp pelvic pain or cramps (particularly on one side), vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness are symptoms.

Get medical help right away as this is a life-threatening emergency.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This is a complication of sexually transmitted diseases and is the No. 1 preventable cause of infertility in women. It can cause permanent damage to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Belly pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or urination can be symptoms. Get it treated right away to avoid damage.

4. Ovarian Cysts

Ovaries release eggs when you ovulate. Sometimes a follicle doesn’t open to release the egg. Or it recloses after it does and swells with fluid. This causes an ovarian cyst. They’re usually harmless and go away on their own.

But they may cause pelvic pain, pressure, swelling, and bloating. And if a cyst bursts or twists, it can cause sudden, severe pain.

They can be diagnosed during a pelvic exam or ultrasound.

These conditions are common and need treatment

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, heavy periods, and treatment options include pain relievers, hormones, and surgery.

As well as  those options you could also use bioidentical natural progesterone to deal with the bleeding.

2. Uterine Fibroids

These grow on or in the wall of the uterus and are not  cancerous. Fibroids are common in women in their 30s and 40s and they usually don’t cause problems.

But some women may have pressure in the belly, low back pain, heavy periods, painful sex, or trouble getting pregnant.

Smaller fibroids can successfully be treated with bioidentical progesterone but if they are very large no hormones at all should be used.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Unfortunately there is no agreement on what causes this and it can have a variety of symptoms including stomach pain, cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea or constipation that keeps recurring.

Stress may also make the situation worse and helpful lifestyle changes include diet changes, stress management, homoeopathy has been found helpful as well.

4. Painful Ovulation

Ever feel a painful twinge between periods? You may be feeling your body ovulate. When you do, the ovary releases an egg along with some fluid and blood. It can cause irritation.

This happens midway through your monthly cycle and pain may switch sides from month to month. It isn’t harmful and usually goes away in a few hours.

5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Pelvic pain is a warning sign of some STDs and two of the most common are chlamydia and gonorrhoea. You often get both at the same time and they don’t always cause symptoms.

But when they do, you may have pain when you pee, bleeding between periods, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

See your doctor and it’s also important to get partners checked and treated, too, so you don’t pass the infection back and forth.

6. Urinary Tract Infection

Do you have to pee often, or does it hurt when you do? Or do you feel like your bladder is full?

It could be a UTI and happens when germs get into your urinary tract. Treating it quickly can keep it from it getting serious.

But if it spreads to the kidneys, it can cause serious damage. Signs of a kidney infection include fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in one side of the lower back.

7. Chronic Pelvic Pain

If you have pain that lasts at least 6 months, it’s considered chronic. Always best if it continues to see your doctor for a diagnosis.

8. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

This can occur as women age and the bladder or uterus drops into a lower position. It usually isn’t a serious health problem, but it can be uncomfortable.

You may feel pressure against the vaginal wall, or your lower belly may feel full. It may also give you an uncomfortable feeling in the groin or lower back and make sex hurt.

Treatment is usually surgery or a vaginal ring, but for prevention then exercises like Kegel’s can help.

9. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

We’ve all seen varicose veins in legs bur they can sometimes happen in the pelvis, too. When blood backs up in veins, they become swollen and painful.

It tends to hurt more when you sit or stand and lying down may feel better. It usually can be treated with surgery using very small incisions..

10. Vulvodynia

Does it hurt when you ride a bike or have sex? If it burns, stings, or throbs around the opening of your vagina, it could be this. The feelings can be ongoing or come and go.

Before you’re diagnosed with this, your doctor will rule out other causes first. Treatment options range from medication to physical therapy.

11. Painful Sex

This can be caused by many things and most are treatable. It could be a vaginal infection, or you just may need more lubrication.

Painful, dry, sex can be helped by a combination of progesterone and oestrogen.

12. Scar Tissue

If you’ve had surgery or an infection, you could have ongoing pain from this.

Adhesions in your belly can cause pain and other problems, depending on where they are. In some cases, you may need a procedure or surgery to get rid of them

Helpful information: 

Any kind of persistent pain needs to be investigated so always report it to your doctor.

Hormone balance is worth checking, and endometriosis is certainly a major concern for many women so the following article may also be helpful.

https://anna.blog.wellsprings-health.com/9-lifestyle-changes-that-may-help-with-endometriosis/