What is chronic pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is considered chronic when it lasts six months or longer. It may be:
- Intermittent or consistent
- Severe or dull
- Accompanied by sharp pains, cramping, or deep pressure
Often, pelvic pain follows the same pattern. It may always occur before or during your menstrual cycle, for example, or it may mostly happen:
- As you urinate
- During sexual intercourse
- After you eat
For some women, pelvic pain emerges after sitting too long.
What causes chronic pelvic pain?
Ongoing pelvic pain can have a multitude of causes. Even though just one underlying problem may be at its root, pelvic pain may also symptomatic of coexisting problems that contribute to the condition. Common gynecological causes of chronic pelvic pain include:
Uterine fibroids
These noncancerous growths affect the uterine wall, often causing pelvic pain and pressure. They usually emerge during childbearing years, and are most common in women who are in their 40s or 50s. Fibroids can be:
- Small and virtually undetectable
- Large, bulky masses that distend the uterus
Endometriosis
In this common disorder, the tissues that normally line the uterus, called endometrium, are found growing outside the organ, often:
- On ovaries
- On the fallopian tubes
- On the outer surface of the uterus
- Along the tissues that line the pelvis
Pelvic pain is one of the main symptoms of endometriosis, especially during menstruation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of PID, which is caused by an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs. Although PID can result from any bacteria that travel from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, it can often be linked to gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Other causes include:
- Chronic stress or emotional anxiety
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
How do doctors diagnose chronic pelvic pain?
Successful treatment requires a proper diagnosis. To reach the right diagnosis, your OB/GYN will begin with a comprehensive physical exam, including a pelvic exam and detailed medical history. The exam may also include:
- Lab tests to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection
- Blood work to assess your cell counts
- A urinalysis to check for a urinary tract infection
Ultrasound imaging can help your doctor at Connecticut Women OB/GYN determine if there are any masses or cysts on your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or elsewhere in your pelvic region.
