Pelvic pain is the pain below the belly button. Chronic pelvic pain can last for more than six months or longer.
In a majority of the cases, the identification of the cause of chronic pelvic pain remains elusive. In some cases, identifying a single cause may not be possible. However, the major goal of a specialist doctor is to identify the cause, reduce the pain and other associated symptoms and improve the quality of life.
How does it feel when you have chronic pelvic pain?
Chronic pelvic pain is more severe. It is intermittent – the pain comes and goes. Sometimes, the pain is dull aching and sometimes becomes sharp or cramping pain. You may feel heaviness or pressure deep within the pelvis. The pain is felt in the entire pelvic area. In addition, you may also experience pain while urinating or having a bowel; during intercourse, or when you sit for a long period of time. Pelvic discomfort intensifies after standing for a long and may diminish after lying down or taking rest. Severe pain can make it difficult for you to sleep, work or exercise.
The causes of chronic pelvic pain can be many. It could be a symptom of another condition or a condition on its own.
Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have many causes including a single known cause or the result of several gynecological issues – for instance, endometriosis and interstitial cystitis. Both these conditions can cause pelvic pain.
The main cause of chronic pelvic pain can be endometriosis. It is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. It leads to the formation of thick fibrous bands of scar tissue (adhesions) and painful cysts.
Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) – A woman with this condition may feel persistent pain in her bladder and a frequent urge to urinate. When the bladder fills, it may lead to pelvic pain which improves after emptying the bladder.
Fibroids can cause heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen and dull pelvic pain.
Other causes of pelvic pain include pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hernia, inflammation of the pubic joint (pubic symphysis), pelvic floor muscle tension, and fibromyalgia, and other bone and joint (musculoskeletal system) conditions.
Bottom Line
In addition to the gynecological, musculoskeletal, and urological factors, psychological factors, such as chronic stress, depression, or a history of sexual or physical abuse may increase the risk of severe pelvic pain. Furthermore, if you are emotionally distressed, your pelvic pain can become worse – and also, living with chronic pain can lead to emotional distress. Both these factors can often become a vicious cycle.
If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain which is not getting better then meet me personally for a thorough physical examination and evaluation of your medical history.
