Some types of pelvic pain occur in both women and men, such as those originating in the digestive system or urinary tract. A woman’s reproductive organs are the source of other types of pelvic pain as well. Overall, women experience pelvic pain much more often than men.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, in Fort Worth, Texas, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s pelvic pain. In this blog, we’ll examine some of the most common causes, what you can live with, and when you should see Dr. Whitfield.
Generally, pain in the lower abdomen, from the belly button down, is classified as pelvic pain, which can be either acute or chronic. Some of the most common causes of women’s pelvic pain include:
Pain and cramping are the most common menstrual disorders, as well as a frequent cause of pelvic pain. Unless your menstrual pain is particularly severe or accompanied by heavy bleeding, it’s probably not a cause for concern unless there’s something unusual compared with your normal patterns.
Another naturally occurring cause of pain, ovulation pain affects one side of your body about the middle of your menstrual cycle. Pain is temporary, typically lasting no more than several hours, and usually requires no medical attention.
When the uterine lining tissue, the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, it can cause temporary or chronic pelvic pain. The tissue outside the uterus responds to hormonal changes during menstruation, resulting in bleeding and inflammation. Endometriosis may require medical attention, depending on its severity.
Also called PID, pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects the uterus, often as a result of a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent pelvic scarring, which may contribute to fertility problems.
The most common benign tumor affecting women’s reproductive systems, fibroids are growths within the uterine walls. Though they aren’t a form of cancer, fibroids can cause pain as well as menstrual complications. You may require treatment if your fibroid symptoms are tough to manage, or if they’re interfering with fertility.
Infections of the urinary tract are another common source of pelvic pain. Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder, and interstitial cystitis is bladder inflammation of an unknown origin. Urinary tract infections can affect any part of the urinary system, from the bladder to the kidneys.
Any new or unusual pelvic pain is a reason to visit Dr. Whitfield and his team. Examination and testing may be necessary to pinpoint the source of your pain before treatment can begin. Call or click to book your appointment with John A. Whitfield, MD, to investigate your pelvic pain today.
