Pelvic pain is a symptom of many conditions affecting the reproductive organs, and many women will experience it at some point in their life. In some cases it is short term (acute), and others it can become long-lasting (chronic) unless treated.
Many women will experience pelvic pain at some point in their life. Let’s take a look at the possible causes.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you should see your gynaecologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Let’s take a look at some of the common gynaecological causes of pelvic pain in women:
Endometriosis is a condition where the innermost layer of the uterus – the endometrium – grows outside of it, causing painful adhesions on the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and bowel.
Adenomyosis – also known as “uterine endometriosis” or endometriosis interna – is a common condition where the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) encroaches or breaks into the myometrium (the muscle wall of the uterus). This can cause the uterine wall to grow thicker, and result in pelvic pain.
Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumours that grow within the uterine wall. They are also known as uterine fibromas, myomas, uterine fibromyomas, fibromas or leiomyomas.
Fibroids can range in size from very small to quite large, up to 20 cm in diameter. Often they are often undiagnosed and do not require treatment. However, occasionally they are associated with pelvic pain.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
Some women experience more severe periods than others. This can be due to primary causes, where there is no underlying condition in the uterus – pain is caused by contractions of the muscles in the uterus to dislodge the thickened lining; or secondary causes – an underlying condition. Painful periods can result in pelvic pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease – abbreviated as PID – is an infection of the upper part of the female reproductive system namely the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the inside of the pelvis.
Ovarian cysts are small, closed, fluid-filled sacs that grown on the ovaries. They are quite common. Most women will experience ovarian cysts at least once in their life, and often they do not cause pain, are symptomless, and come and go unnoticed. But they can also result in pelvic pain if they grow, rupture or twist (torsion).
Ovulation – Mittelschmerz
Some women experience sharp pelvic pain when an egg is released during ovulation. This is called ‘Mittelschmerz’, a German word meaning pain in the middle, both in the middle of your body, and in the middle of your cycle. It usually only lasts a few hours but can be quite severe in some women.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, or if you have any questions regarding gynaecological conditions and would like to book an appointment with a gynaecologist and obstetrician in the Hills District, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will strive to offer advice and compassionate care in every way possible.