Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can happen to anyone, and it can have many different causes. The pain might feel sharp, stabbing or burning. It can come and go or last all the time.

Your pelvis has muscles, nerves, and organs like your bladder and intestines. Problems in any of these areas can cause pain. Sometimes, it’s from muscle tension or nerve irritation. Other times, it’s from infections or chronic medical conditions.

Because pelvic pain can be serious and affect your daily life, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They can find the cause and help you find relief.

What are other symptoms of pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain may be accompanied by other symptoms or signs. Some of the most common include:

• Vaginal bleeding or irregular vaginal discharge
• Menstrual cramps
• Pain when you pee
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating or gas
• Rectal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Fever or chills
• Hip pain
• Low back pain
• Pain in your groin

What are the most common causes of pelvic pain?

You can have pelvic pain for many reasons. There are several organs in your pelvic region. Issues with any of these organs can lead to pain. Nerves, muscles and other tissues in this area can also cause pain if they become irritated or injured.

Some of the most common causes of pain are:

• Appendicitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Kidney infection or kidney stones
• Diverticulitis or colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Nerve conditions
• Hernia
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Broken bones
• Prostate issues (males only)

If you’re female, pelvic pain can point to a problem in your uterus, ovaries or vagina. Some causes include:

• Pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Cancer

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

To find out what’s causing your pelvic pain, your healthcare provider will talk with you about your symptoms and health history. They’ll do a physical exam and run a few tests to get more answers. Your provider will begin with basic tests, then move to specialized tests if the cause isn’t clear.

Some of those tests might include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Pregnancy tests
• Cultures to check for sexually transmitted infections
• Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

How is it treated?

The treatment depends on the cause, severity and frequency of pain. Common pelvic pain treatments include:

• Medication: You may be able to use nerve pain medication, muscle relaxers or prescription-strength pain relievers to help your pain. If the pain is due to an infection, you’ll take antibiotics.
• Surgery: If the pain is from an issue with one of your organs, treatment might involve surgery.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles, prevent straining and improve coordination. This is a good option if the pain is from muscles and ligaments in your pelvis.

Living with chronic pain can be stressful and upsetting. But your healthcare team is here to help you. They can offer additional options for treating your pain.

How can I treat it at home?

If you have chronic pelvic pain, there are a few things you can do at home for relief. For example:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers. These can help reduce swelling that leads to pelvic pain.
• Make time for exercise. Even though you may not feel like moving, exercise helps increase blood flow and may help reduce your discomfort.
• Stretch. Gentle stretches can help tight or overactive muscles and improve blood flow.
• Apply heat. Place a heating pad or warm compress over the area or take a long soak in a hot bath.
• Stop smoking. Tobacco products can inflame nerves and cause pain. Avoiding these habits can help relieve pain.
• Practice relaxation exercises. Yoga, mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and tension.

Can pelvic pain be prevented?

You can’t always prevent pelvic pain, but small steps in your daily routine can make a difference:

• Don’t overuse your pelvic muscles. Limit activities that require standing or sitting for long periods. This can put strain on your muscles, ligaments and nerves.
• Exercise regularly. Staying physically active helps keep your joints and muscles in good condition.
• Stretch your muscles. Warm up before exercising to help reduce the risk of injury.
• Eat more fiber. This is particularly helpful if your pelvic pain is due to digestive issues.
• Visit your healthcare provider regularly. Routine exams can help your provider detect issues early on.

When should my pain be treated by a healthcare provider?

While not all pelvic pain is serious, seeking medical care for severe symptoms is important. Some red flags to watch for are:

• Sharp, severe or sudden pain that doesn’t improve with rest or pain relief
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (filling a pad every hour for several hours in a row)
• Blood in your pee or poop, or difficulties peeing or pooping
• Fever and vomiting

Contact your pregnancy care provider if you’re pregnant and have pelvic pain that doesn’t go away when you change positions or rest.