Immediately consulting with a pelvic pain specialist is an essential first step towards addressing it. However, despite it being a common experience among women, the majority of them will not seek treatment, risking their quality of life.
Leaving pelvic pain unaddressed can disrupt your life in many ways. For one, it can be the symptom of an underlying issue like endometriosis, which can lead to further complications. Another is that, when left untreated, it can progressively worsen and make activities of daily living hard to do. Eventually, it snowballs into challenges that chip away at your well-being.
If you’ve been experiencing pelvic discomfort, it’s crucial to know what may be causing it. Understanding how pain manifests in different conditions will help you decide when to seek expert evaluation and care. This guide offers clear, actionable information on pelvic pain and when to consult a specialist.
What Causes Pelvic Pain?
Around 5% to 26% of women globally experience pelvic pain, making it one of the most common issues faced among the gender population. It can arise from several causes, whether related to pregnancy, menstrual health, or other underlying conditions.
Some causes of pelvic pain are straightforward, but others may be difficult to pinpoint without medical evaluation. Below, we explore the most common conditions that contribute to pelvic pain and how they manifest.
- Endometriosis. This condition occurs when tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, with the overgrowth being the main culprit of the pain. Pelvic pain in endometriosis often intensifies during menstruation and can affect the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower back.
- Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic discomfort that can be felt as a dull ache or sharp pain. The severity of the pain depends on the fibroids’ size and location and can be accompanied by heavy periods.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction. Pain can also occur when the muscles in the pelvic floor become tight or weak, which is a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition can sometimes cause the muscles to remain in constant tension, causing chronic pelvic discomfort.
- Lower back and hip issues. Pain originating from the lower back to your hips can radiate to the pelvic area. Structural problems, such as herniated discs or hip misalignment, may cause referred pain that feels like pelvic discomfort. Addressing these issues often requires a comprehensive approach involving physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Other Possible Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain isn’t always rooted in gynecological or musculoskeletal issues, it can also stem from gut and urinary problems such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This condition affects your digestive system, often causing abdominal cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Women with IBS may experience increased pelvic pain, particularly during flare-ups. The discomfort can become more pronounced after eating or during stressful situations.
- Interstitial cystitis. This chronic bladder condition, also known as painful bladder syndrome, causes frequent urination and pelvic pain. It often leads to discomfort during urination and a constant sensation of bladder pressure. The pain may vary in intensity and may affect daily routines, including sleep.
Determining the exact cause of your pelvic pain is vital to mapping out a care plan that helps you target it effectively. Now that you’re aware of them, the next step is to learn when exactly is the best time to speak to a pelvic pain specialist so that you can appropriately address it.
Recognizing When to See a Pelvic Pain Specialist
Occasional pelvic discomfort is not uncommon and is often manageable with over-the-counter medications. However, when you notice the pain persisting or worsening, that’s the time you must seek specialized care. Let’s break that down below.
1. Your pain persists for a few weeks.
If pelvic pain lasts for several weeks without improvement, it could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Persistent pain should never be ignored, especially if it starts to make activities of daily living challenging. Moreover, worsening pain should also be brought to a specialist’s attention before it progresses.
2. Simple activities like walking or sitting start becoming difficult.
Pelvic pain can make simple tasks like walking, standing, or sitting should be a solid sign to call a specialist. Pain that disrupts these activities may indicate more urgent pelvic floor issues or musculoskeletal problems that must be promptly addressed. Seek medical attention immediately when pain hinders you from doing these activities.
3. There is pain during sex.
Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, often points to pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or other conditions. Consequently, painful intercourse may cause you to lose interest in it. Although it doesn’t seem as urgent as other complications of pain, this might strain intimate relationships and chip away at self-esteem.
4. Unexpected vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge.
If pelvic pain is accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge, it may indicate an underlying infection, hormonal imbalance, or fibroids. Unexpected vaginal bleeding or discharge, particularly malodorous ones, may signal infections that must be treated medically.
5. Severe menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea.
Experiencing mild discomfort during menstruation is common, but when menstrual pain becomes severe or disrupts daily life, it may signal a more serious condition. If your periods leave you unable to work, socialize, or engage in routine activities, consulting with a specialist is vital to explore treatments.
6. Fever and chills.
Fever and chills with pelvic pain may indicate an infection, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a bacterial infection affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, often caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea following childbirth, miscarriage, or specific pelvic procedures.
PID-related pain is typically persistent and aching, centered in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It may worsen with movement, sexual intercourse, or during menstruation. Some women also experience pain radiating to the lower back or thighs.
If you notice pelvic pain with fever, chills, or unusual vaginal discharge, seek immediate care. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent long-term damage and restore your reproductive health.
No More Pain: The Importance of Early Treatment
Timely evaluation and treatment for pelvic pain can significantly improve quality of life. Early intervention helps identify the root cause, enabling specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that effectively target the underlying issue.
The longer pelvic pain is left untreated, the higher the risk of complications, including chronic pain, fertility challenges, or recurring infections. Pelvic pain doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Seeking care from a pelvic pain specialist ensures you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment, improving your physical and emotional well-being.
At Northside/Northpoint OBGYN, we are committed to helping you find relief and restoring your quality of life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t wait to seek care. Schedule a consultation with our expert team today and explore treatment options tailored to your needs. Our compassionate specialists are here to help you take the first step toward lasting relief and better pelvic health.
