The entire upper body rests on the pelvis so it is no wonder many people experience pelvic pain. Yet, the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain can be elusive. Endometriosis, uterine descensus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and appendicitis can all cause similar pain in the pelvic region. Pelvic pain can even radiate and be mistaken for leg pain.
The pain may be mild, or it may be bad enough to interfere with normal daily activities. The pain may be a steady or it may come and go. It can feel like a dull ache, or it can be sharp. If asked to locate your pain, you might sweep your hand over that entire area rather than point to one spot.
Chronic pelvic pain can be designated as a condition in its own right, or it can be a symptom of another disease. The pain may come and go or be constant. It can be a sharp or dull ache. Intensity can vary from being extreme enough to interfere with normal activities, to being relatively mild. Pain during intercourse, cramping or sharp pains, heaviness or a feeling of pressure inside the pelvis, extreme and constant pain, intermittent pain, dull ache and pain during bowel movements are some of those signs and symptoms. You may have any one of these symptoms, but most likely you won’t have them. Standing for a long period of time may also find your pain worsens and improves when you lie down. The intensity of the pain will also vary between different women, and even vary within a specific individual. It has many possible causes and treatment health plans that should be tailored to each patient depending on the underlying cause.
All women feel pelvic pain or discomfort from time to time, for instance, cramps before or during menstruation. The most common causes are a urinary disorder such as a bladder or kidney problem, a bowel problem or a condition involving the reproductive system which is the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In many cases, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the pain, but certain features will help you and your doctor to a likely diagnosis. In addition, pain travelling from the back and around to the front might suggest a kidney infection or kidney stone. Typical symptoms of infections are a burning sensation when passing urine and a need to empty the bladder more frequently.
Chronic pelvic pain can cause pain during pregnancy. Pelvic pain causes such discomfort that movement is limited and the ability to walk is impaired. You may develop aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area in your pregnancy progresses. This is a normal sight that your pelvic girdle is preparing for childbirth.