A Closer Look at Pelvic Pain
Whether due to endometriosis, fibroids, a urinary tract infection, adhesions, irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic pain can be internal or external, mild or intense pain below the belly button. Pelvic pain can include menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse or urination as well as chronic pain that affects everything from relationships to work, activities to self-confidence and lasts six months or more. The causes of pelvic pain are equally varied, including scar tissue from surgeries, issues with the reproductive system, urinary tract or bowel maladies, slipped discs, and physical and sexual abuse. Endometriosis is the most common cause of pelvic pain and occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus and attaches to other organs, including the ovaries, bowels or abdominal organs; the growths can lead to painful bleeding during menstruation and develop scar tissue. Likewise, pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection of the pelvic organs, often caused by bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus and genital tract during intercourse. Other sources of pelvic pain can be determined through an examination.
While up to 25 percent of women may suffer from chronic pelvic pain, only about one-third seek medical attention. Most of these issues can be treated with birth control pills, medicine or hormone treatments, lifestyle changes, surgery, nutrition, biofeedback and counseling, depending on the type of pelvic pain. Call your doctor today if you are suffering from pelvic pain.
