Pelvic Pain Flashcards
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is localized in the lower part of abdomen and pelvis. In woman pelvic pain results from conditions of the urinary system, the reproductive system or it may even have a musculoskeletal cause.
Depending from its cause, pelvic pain can be…
Acute – Acute pelvic pain is characterized by a sudden, sharp or brief pain
Chronic – chronic pain is usually more moderate and it is present over a long period of time
Depending from its source, pelvic pain can also be…
Consistent Intermittent Mild Moderate Severe
Pelvic pain may also be sharp or dull and even radiate to …
Lower back
Buttocks
Thighs
In some cases, pelvic pain occurs only during sexual activity or while urinating.
What causes pelvic pain?
As mentioned before, pelvic pain in woman results from conditions that affect the urinary system, the reproductive system or the musculoskeletal system.
Pelvic pain that results from the reproductive system can be caused from:
Menstrual cramps – many woman experience menstrual cramps before and during menstrual periods. Menstrual cramps are usually mild to moderate, however in some cases menstrual cramps are severe.
Ovulation – is the process of producing the egg in the female reproductive system. The pain is usually mild to moderate, while in some cases it can be severe. The ovulation pain in the pelvis occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and lasts only a few hours.
Sexually transmitted diseases – STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia
Endometriosis – is a condition that affects woman in their reproductive life. It is one of the main causes of infertility among woman. Pelvic pain caused by endometriosis usually occurs around the time of the period or while having sexual intercourse.
Pelvic inflammatory disease – is the infection of the reproductive system. The bacteria usually get inside the uterus travelling from the vagina and cervix. The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include pelvic and abdominal pain, high fever, vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.
Miscarriage – is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 24th week. Miscarriage usually occurs before the 13th week and it is characterized by vaginal spotting and vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain and pelvic pain.
Ectopic pregnancy – is the pregnancy outside of the uterus. The symptoms can get worse over the days, or the pain might also have a sudden onset. Vaginal bleeding is also often present.
Ovarian cysts – are sacs created inside the ovary, which are filled with fluid. Most of the ovarian cysts are benign and do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the pain caused by ovarian cysts is severe.
Ovarian cancer, etc.
Other conditions that cause pelvic pain include:
Urinary tract infections – is considered the infection of the bladder, urethra, ureters or the kidneys. Pelvic pain is also accompanied by frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, a persistent urge to urinate, etc.
Chronic constipation – occurs when bowel movements are irregular and there is a difficulty with passage of stools. The problem persists for couple of weeks and usually there are less than three bowel movements in a week.
Appendicitis – is the inflammation of the appendix. Usually the pain starts in the middle of abdomen and travels to the lower right side of the abdomen. Other signs and symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, constipation, frequent urination, etc.
Pelvic floor muscle spasm, etc.
How Is the Cause of Pelvic Pain Determined?
Your Doctor will ask you questions that will help him/her to determine the cause of pelvic pain. Your doctor will also run some tests, like:
Blood test Pregnancy test Stool test Abdominal and pelvic X-Ray Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis Hysteroscopy Lower endoscopy CT-Scan
How is pelvic pain treated?
The treatment of pelvic pain depends from its cause. The treatment usually varies from certain medications, including Laparoscopic surgery treatment if necessary.
