Addressing Pelvic Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Posted on 07/04/2023 by Dr. C. P. Dadhich

Do you often experience pain in your groin area? If yes, then it can indicate pelvic pain which is an intricate and distressing condition often affecting individuals, no matter what their gender is, at different phases of their lives. It is identified to be a highly subjective experience, as its severity, duration, and location can differ from individual to individual. While both males and females can experience pelvic pain, however, it is commonly experienced by females due to the nature of the reproductive system. 

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of pelvic pain, you must not delay getting in touch with a healthcare expert. You can consult one of the best multispeciality hospitals in Jaipur, Rukmani Birla Hospital. You will find the best patient care under the supervision of experienced and highly skilled healthcare professionals. 

In this blog, we will discuss it detail about pelvic pain, and explore its potential causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is a threatening condition that affects both men and women. This condition is found more in females than males. It is referred to as any pain or discomfort experienced in the lower abdomen, between the hip bones, and pelvic area. The pelvis is an essential body part as it is home to different organs such as the bladder, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. There can be many underlying causes and this poses a challenge when it comes to diagnosing and managing the condition efficiently. 

Pelvic pain can be an indication of problems with the muscles, nerves, skin, or organs. There are times when the pain is experienced from more than one source. Hence, it is essential to know the primary causes of pelvic pain. It will be useful for you in understanding what is normal, what’s not, and when you must seek clinical assistance.

How to identify pelvic pain symptoms?

Pelvic pain is a condition that is accompanied by various symptoms and every individual might experience them according to their body type. Here are some of the most common pelvic pain symptoms: 

• Pelvic pain in women causes the symptoms like vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge.

 

• Females might experience severe menstrual pain.

 

• Painful urination is another noticeable symptom.

 

• Bloating and gas are also experienced by people with pelvic pain.

 

• Pain during sexual intercourse is also one of the telltale signs which must not be ignored. 

 

• Rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and hip pain are also symptoms that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

 

• Fever or chills are also experienced by an individual with pelvic pain.

What are pelvic pain causes?

There are various reasons which contribute to the development of pelvic pain and become the primary causes. Let’s have a look at some of these pelvic pain causes:

• Bladder disorders like urinary tract infections 
• Appendicitis
• Kidney infection 
• Kidney stones 
• Nerve conditions like pinched nerves 
• Hernia 
• Psychogenic pain 
• Broken pelvic bones 
• Sexually transmitted infections 
• Pelvis disorders like colitis or diverticulitis

There are many other potential causes of pelvic pain in women which include:

• Pelvic pain during pregnancy 
• Miscarriages 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Pregnancy 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Menstrual cramps 
• Ovarian cancer 
• Ovulation 
• Uterine fibroids
• Cervical cancer 
• Endometriosis 
• Uterine cancer

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

A healthcare expert will initiate pelvic pain diagnosis by reviewing the patient’s clinical history and symptoms. A physical evaluation or other tests are useful in identifying the pelvic pain causes. Here are some of the steps followed to diagnose pelvic pain: 

• Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
• Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age 
• Blood and urine tests 
• Vaginal or penile cultures for detecting sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Stool sample to identify the poop blood signs 
• Hysteroscopy to assess the uterus area 
• Laparoscopy to have a look at the pelvis and abdomen structures 
• Ultrasound is used to gain access to internal organs by using sound waves as it generates images 
• Lower endoscopy helps in examining the rectum and colon inside 
• CT scan of pelvis and abdomen for producing cross-sectional body images

What are the options available for pelvic pain treatment?

There are various options available for pelvic pain treatment which completely depends on different factors. It includes pain frequency, intensity, and cause. Here are some of the commonly used treatment options for pelvic pain:

• Medicine: Antibiotics are given to treat pelvic pain at times if required depending on the patient’s condition
• surgery: It is recommended when the pelvic pain becomes unbearable and causes issues with one of the pelvic organs. 
• Physical therapy: Another treatment is a physical therapy which is recommended for people with severe pelvic pain. It helps in easing the pain efficiently. 

Life with chronic pelvic pain can be overwhelming and distressing. According to studies, working with a psychologist can prove to be helpful in some cases. Depending on the case severity, the healthcare profession can offer comprehensive information about available treatment options for pelvic pain. 

At-home treatment options

There are various options that can be used at home for pelvic pain treatment and it includes: 

• Over-the-counter pain relievers- OTC drugs like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen are helpful in reducing the swelling that causes pelvic pain. 
• Exercise- Regular exercise is beneficial in increasing blood flow and decreasing the feeling of discomfort. 
• Apply heat- Applying a heating pad or warm compress over the affected area, or taking a long hot bath can help to ease the pain.
• Quit smoking- Tobacco-related products can cause pain and nerve inflammation. Restricting or presenting the habits proves to be helpful in relieving pain. 
• Supplements-If the reason for pelvic pain is because of mineral or vitamin deficiencies, then including supplements can prove to be helpful as it soothes discomfort. It is recommended to get in touch with a healthcare professional before consuming any supplements.

Conclusion

Pelvic pain is among the concerning conditions which require immediate medical attention as it can be a symptom of underlying conditions. If you suspect that you might be suffering from a pelvic pain condition, then make sure to consult healthcare services like Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur. You will not only find the best care but also exceptional patient care. Make sure to book your appointment today. 

FAQs

 

How to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy?

Why does pelvic pain occur?

Pelvic pain can occur in any gender and might develop from infections, internal organ anomalies, or pain from pelvic bones. 

Is pelvic pain a sign of pregnancy?

Yes, some females might experience pelvic pain during pregnancy.