Pelvic pain is quite a common occurrence amongst women. There are various reasons for this. Let’s see why women suffer from this pain more often than men.
Pelvic pain is a cause for a lot of discomfort in women. What are the causes of this pain? Why is it more common in women than men? There are varied causes for this sort of pain.
Causes
This pain is more often due to gynecological problems. Other reasons can be irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis. Various other causes for this pain are explained below.
Endometriosis
In this condition, the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus. As this happens outside the uterus, the tissue cannot be eliminated from the body by the monthly menstrual cycle, and gets trapped in the abdomen. This leads to cysts and pain in the pelvic region.
Ovulation Pain
Ovulation pain in most women is not very significant. This pain is called mittelschmerz. Lower left or lower right pelvic pain is experienced during ovulation. It is not a very serious issue, unless the pain is unbearable. Although, such a pain could be relieved by the certain OTC drugs, it is best to consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy can cause left or right pelvic pain. This is a condition in which the fetus grows in the fallopian tube. The pain depends on which side the fetus is implanted. This condition is categorized as critical and must be attended to immediately. It may also be a cause for chronic pain, as it may continue for a couple of months.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are formed during ovulation. Pain develops due to these ovarian cysts, depending on which ovary has the cysts. The cysts are surrounded by a thin wall in the ovary. The size of the cyst varies, and can be as small as a pea to as big as 5 cm.
Menstruation
Sometimes, before the period, a cystic gland is formed in one of the ovaries. The gland causes the ovary to become larger and a little heavier till the menses begins. At times, the veins of the pelvis swell due to the progesterone secreted before the period, which causes a throbbing pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
This disorder is caused due to the inflammation of various parts of the reproductive system in women, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which leads to scarring of tissues, and is the cause of pelvic pain.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be another cause for this problem in women as well as men. This pain is acute and needs immediate attention.
Treatment
The pain may vary from dull aching to severe and steady. Cramping and sharp pain are often observed in acute conditions. Any pelvic pain that lasts for more than a week must be consulted with a doctor. Often, the treatment will depend upon the cause. For example, the treatment given for ectopic pregnancy will be different than that given for endometriosis. Chronic pelvic pain may also require psychological help. Psychotherapy for pain management is offered in such conditions. Surgical intervention is also opted for if the pain is due to some sort of obstruction in one of the abdominal organs.
Pelvic pain is more common due to gynecological problems. Most of the time, the pain is not that significant and goes away without any medical attention. However, chronic pain is always a cause for concern and must be managed in time.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.
