Pelvic Pain Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Pelvic pain is characterized by the feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen below the umbilical cord. Pain is an unpleasant sensation that causes emotional and physical discomfort. The pelvic area may involve uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina. Pelvic pain is the major symptom of any disease or infection in these organs. The nature and intensity of pain may fluctuate from mild to sharp stabbing pain. It affects both sexes but is more common in women as compared to men. The causative factors are different in both genders. But this pain could be an indication of any problem with the urinary tract, lower intestines, rectum, muscle or bones in both sexes.

Causes

The pelvic pain in women develops as a result of following conditions,

• Intrauterine fetal death
• Mittelschmerz
• Vulvodynia
• Adenomyosis
• Menstrual cramps
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine fibroids
• Miscarriage
• Dysmenorrhea
• Ovarian cancer
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Cancer (cervix, uterus, or ovaries)
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian disorders
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Fibroids

The pelvic pain in men develops as a result of the following conditions,

• kidney stones
• Intestinal disorders
• Nerve conditions
• Appendicitis
• Bladder disorders
• Hernia
• Pelvis disorders
• Broken pelvic bones
• Psychogenic pain
• Urinary tract infection
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Kidney infection
• Colon cancer
• Constipation
• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Prostatitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Interstitial cystitis
• Intestinal obstruction

Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of pelvic pain are discussed below,

• Menstrual cramps
• Extreme pain during menstrual cycle
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge (Foul-smelling)
• Painful or frequent urination
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating or gas
• Blood in feces
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Fever
• Chills
• Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, hip area, groin area, lower back
• Fatigue
• Abdominal cramps
• Bright red spotting
• Heavy bleeding during menstrual cycle

Treatment

The aim of treatment in pelvic pain is to treat the underlying causative conditions. For the treatment of pain, your doctor will prescribe over the counter painkillers. The most commonly used painkillers for mild pain are ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Narcotics are recommended for severe pain such as tramadol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for the reduction of pain and swelling. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors can also be given for the reduction of pain. The NSAIDs used are aceclofenac, acemetacin, azapropazone, dexibuprofen, dexketoprofen, diclofenac, etodolac, fenbufen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen and piroxicam. Celecoxib and etoricoxib are the most commonly used cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors. Your doctor can also prescribe antibiotics if the pelvic pain is caused by any infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of pelvic pain are cefoxitin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone and doxycycline. This antibiotic course lasts for about 14 days. Your doctor can also prescribe antidepressants for the treatment of irregular or disturbed sleep patterns, pain and fatigue. The most commonly used antidepressants are duloxetine and milnacipran HCL. Your doctor can also recommend acupuncture techniques. It is a therapeutic technique in which fine needles are inserted into certain body points. As a result, a natural substance is produced in your body. These natural substances are responsible for useful effects experienced with acupuncture technique. Acupuncture is used for different kinds of pain. There are certain points or places in your body where the blood flow can be increased. These certain places include muscles, nerves and connective tissue. When the blood flow increases, it stimulates the activity of the body's natural painkillers. You can also use a hot compress or hot water bottle on your abdomen. You should take a bath with warm water during pelvic pain. You should elevate the legs above the pelvic area during severe pelvic pain.  You should exercise regularly as it will reduce pain, tenderness, stiffness, and disturbed sleep patterns. The surgical procedures recommended for the treatment of pelvic pain are laparoscopic surgery, oophorectomy, salpingectomy and hysterectomy. Oophorectomy involves the removal of ovaries, salpingectomy removes fallopian tubes. In hysterectomy, the uterus is removed.