Pelvic Pain

Pelvic Pain - Overview

Pelvic pain is felt in the lower abdomen. This pain can vary and either be acute (sudden and severe pain) or chronic (lasting over 6 months).

Pelvic Pain Symptoms

Pelvic pain can vary significantly. It may only affect a small area or the whole of the pelvis. Pain can include:

• A sharp, burning pain which goes away immediately.
• A gradual pain that does not go away.
• A dull or heavy ache or pressure
• A twisted or knotted feeling
• Cramping or throbbing pain which may come and go
• Pain only when doing something like exercise, sexual intercourse or urination.

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

There are lots of potential causes of pelvic pain, such as an infection or condition affecting the bladder or bowel. Most causes are not serious, but a few conditions do require emergency treatment, such as appendicitus and peritonitis. Please see a specialist if you are concerned. Other causes include:

• Constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs)

Pelvic Pain in Women:

Pelvic pain is more common for women and can be caused by more issues:

• Period Pain
• Conditions which effect female reproductive organs, i.e. ovarian cysts or endometriosis
• Pelvic pain during pregnancy

It can, rarely, be something more serious like an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer or womb cancer.

How can Pelvic Pain be Treated?

Treatments for Pelvic Pain depend on the cause of the pain. These can include:

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers
• Physiotherapy
• Hormone Treatments

Other specialist treatments will be recommended to you by your specialist if necessary.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Your pelvic muscles can be strengthened with kegel exercises, helping to reduce the extent of your pelvic pain. To perform these exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to hold back urine. Hold the muscles tight for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this 10 times. You can do this up to four times a day and these exercises can be done anywhere. For more information please click here.