Pelvic pain can be a common occurrence in women of all ages. There are many different reasons for suffering from this type of pain, so how do you know what is causing you pain and discomfort? It’s important to understand the different symptoms that are associated with pelvic pain, and if the pain is persistent, then you must seek medical advice. Below we explore five possible causes of chronic pelvic pain.
1. Urinary tract infection
One of the most common reasons for persistent pelvic pain is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is when there is a bacterial infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. This is usually resolved with antibiotics. Other symptoms can include pain when passing urine, cloudy urine, foul smelling urine and lower back pain. Blood may also be present in the urine.
2. Endometriosis
One reason for suffering from chronic pelvic pain can be due to endometriosis, a condition in which the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb, on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes or even rectum. This chronic pain is usually coupled with pain during sexual intercourse, pain passing bowel movements, back pain and spotting between your periods.
3 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS can also cause chronic pelvic pain, although other symptoms can come and go during flare-ups. These may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and increased urgency to empty the bowel. If you do have any of these symptoms then you should see your doctor.
4. Interstitial cystitis
This is the term used for when you have a chronic bladder inflammation and the cause is unknown. Symptoms do include chronic pelvic pain, alongside pain during sex, pain when passing urine and having to urinate more frequently than usual.
5. Period pain
Most women will have some kind of pelvic pain during the time of the month. This may be accompanied by heavy bleeding, bloating, backache and a dragging type pain in the pelvic area. This type of pain should pass. If it remains as a constant pain after your period then it’s best to seek medical advice.
If you are concerned about chronic pelvic pain and would like to see a female gynaecologist in London, then please do get in touch with us today.