Pelvic pain is mainly noticed in both genders, but women seem to be experiencing it with higher frequency. This discomfort can occur from various disorders that affect the reproductive, urinary or the gastrointestinal tracts. If one is experiencing this problem, it is advisable to find the cause of the pain and look for ways through which this pain can be managed or eradicated.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
1. Gynecological Causes
- Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Considering that dysmenorrhoea is a common problem for numerous women and the cause originates in the contractions of the muscular walls of the uterus. It may occur before or during the menstrual cycle and usually lasts from a few hours to several days.
- Endometriosis: It is also referred to as endometriosis when the tissues resembling the endometrium grow in areas within the abdomen that are outside the uterus, take up the cystic structure and cause prolonged pelvic pain particularly during menstruation. Pain in sex, constipation, and even urination may also occur due to the condition.
- Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts refer to accumulations of fluid on the ovary and although most are painless, they can lead to painful twinges, sharp or dull pelvic discomfort in case they burst or become twisted. These are the reasons and some of the symptoms include bloating and hormones in relation to menstrual cycles.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An inflammation of the reproductive organs of a woman that falls from sexually transmitted diseases, STIs. It can lead to significantly painful experience with such symptoms as severe pelvic pain, fever, altered vaginal discharge, and dyspareunia or dysuria.
- Uterine Fibroids: Some benign uterine tumors can lead to dysmenorrhoea and other symptoms such as pelvic pain, prolong menstrual blood loss, pelvic pressure causing pain on the bladder or rectum. For further information refer to a urologist in Karachi.
2. Urinary Causes
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Some of the symptoms of bacteria infection in the urinary tract include pelvic pain, pain or burning during urination, increased frequency in how often one is urinating or to have to urinate and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Also referred to as interstitial cystitis, I. C is a condition that results in chronic pelvic discomfort as well as discomfort and pressure in the bladder along with urges to urinate more frequently than is normal. This occurs especially with activities that cause pressure on the abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, or when her bladder is full showing relief soon after she urinates.
3. Gastrointestinal Causes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A type of dyspepsia that affects the gastrointestinal tract, involving abdominal pain, distension, flatulence, and alterations in bowel movement patterns, including diarrhea and/or constipation.
4. Musculoskeletal Causes
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles can cause chronic pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, and difficulties with bowel and bladder function.
5. Other Causes
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): A condition involving ongoing pain in the pelvic region without a clear cause, affecting both men and women. It may be associated with psychological factors, muscle tension, or nerve pain.
Remedies for Pelvic Pain
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Heat Therapy: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen can help relax muscles and alleviate pain.
- Dietary Changes: For gastrointestinal-related pelvic pain, adjusting your diet to avoid trigger foods (such as spicy, fatty, or gas-producing foods) can help manage symptoms.
- Hydration and Cranberry Juice: Drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice can help prevent and manage UTIs by flushing out bacteria.
- Antibiotics: For infections like PID or UTIs, a course of antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider is essential to treat the infection and alleviate pain.
The above home remedies can prove to be effective but they are not a substitute for a proper treatment plan. For severe pelvic pain problems refer to the best Urologist in Lahore for diagnosis and treatment.