Many women suffer from pelvic pain. Whether chronic or acute, this pain of varying intensity can have several origins. It is then necessary to identify the main cause, both to treat it correctly and to best relieve the pain.
Where is the pelvic pain located?
Pelvic pain refers to pain in the lower abdomen , THE basin and/or the pubis. Sometimes they can even irradiate posteriorly up to the buttocks or in the spine and cause lower back pain.
Although men can also suffer from pelvic pain, it is well more common in women.
Let us also point out that the vulvar pain differ from pelvic pain. Same, in the event of discomfort or feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, we will then talk about pelvic gravity.
The different types of pain in the lower abdomen, in general, we distinguish two forms of pelvic pain : acute and chronic.
Acute pelvic pain
First, we have the acute pains. They appear suddenly and last less than 4 months. Fromlight to strong intensity, they can be constant or intermittent .
Urinary problems (like a cystitis acute), pelvic infection linked to an STI or ovarian torsion… Acute pelvic pain can result from a variety of issues. Here are the main ones:
Pelvic pain during pregnancy
First, many pregnant women experience pelvic pain, usually diffuse and global.
In fact, the size of the uterus increases during pregnancy, gradually compressing the organs of the urinary and digestive systems. This compression can then cause pain. Likewise, the pelvis slowly changes in preparation for childbirth, which is potentially painful.
So, if you suffer from pelvic pain during your pregnancy, talk to your obstetrician-gynecologist. He will prescribe suitable exercises to relieve you, while maintaining the necessary mobility in this area.
Furthermore, severe pelvic pain sometimes occur at the beginning of pregnancy, during first trimester . In this case, immediately consult a healthcare professional . A miscarriage or a ectopic pregnancy could be the cause of this pain...
In postmenopausal women
Then, menopause is also conducive to the appearance of pelvic pain. It causes great hormonal changes which then modify the entire functioning of the body.
For example, when menopause causes digestion problems or the constipation, pelvic pain may occur. Likewise, the reduction in estrogen often causes intimate dryness of the vaginal wall, which potentially triggers pain.
Pelvic pain after sex
Then, acute pelvic pain sometimes occurs after sexual intercourse – to be distinguished from dyspareunia (pain during the act). Very temporary, they often result from involuntary muscle contractions .
However, if these pains are too frequent and/or annoying , a consultation is preferable. The aim is then to rule out a possible endometriosis or a sexually transmitted infection .
During the menstrual cycle
Acute pelvic pain can also be related to menstrual cycle . This is then acute pain cyclical, which occur at the same time in the cycle and with the same intensity.
Depending on the woman, they occur before, during or after their periods. It is also possible that theovulation be painful.
Pelvic and lower back pain in women
Finally, the lumbar maintains a close link with the digestive, urinary and genital organs. Which includes the pelvic floor, more commonly also called perineum.
On the one hand, the different organs are fixed on the lumbar vertebrae . When these organs suffer, they can pull on the lower back and cause pain.
On the other side, the nerves connected to these organs come directly from the lumbar area. Thus, a problem in this region (lumbago, lower back pain or other ) can cause pain in the belly and pelvic sphere.
Chronic pain
Then, when the discomfort lasts more than 4 months, we rather talk about chronic pelvic pain. As variable as the acute version, these can be spontaneous or not, mild to strong, constant or not .
Chronic conditions and infections
Like the acute form, persistent and recurring pain has a wide variety of potential causes. But more often, we will suspect affections or chronic infections (cystitis, constipation, chronic cough, etc.).
After a surgical procedure, such as a cesarean section, scar adhesions can also cause chronic pelvic pain.
Furthermore, such pain is also one of the main symptoms of endometriosis.
Cystocele and other organ descent
Finally, it is possible that a cystocele (descent of the bladder into the vagina) is involved. In addition to vaginal gravity, this form of genital prolapse sometimes leads to difficulty urinating and one urinary incontinence.
Furthermore, the degree of severity depends on the stage of organ descent. The fourth and final stage corresponds to a bladder which comes completely out of the vagina.
If you suffer from the main symptoms of cystocele, so consult without delay. A simple perineal rehabilitation could solve your problem. And in the most severe cases, surgical treatment will be necessary.
What are the causes of lower abdomen pain?
In summary, the causes of pelvic pain are therefore difficult to identify . Potentially numerous, they can have varied origins and even be combined.
However, let's summarize the most common causes:
- genitourinary,
- gynecological,
- digestive,
- neurological,
- muscles.
In addition, some pelvic pain is closely linked to pathologies such as:
- endometriosis,
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
- appendicitis,
- uterine fibroid,
- etc.
What to do in case of pelvic pain?
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, the first step is to see a doctor. doctor. He will guide you as best as possible according to your situation.
In addition, certain causes relate to the emergency and require immediate treatment. For example: appendicitis, peritonitis or even torsion of the ovary.
In all cases, the healthcare professional will start with a anamnesis. This interview will help to identify the type of pain, its occurrence and its potential causes.
Generally, he will then make a clinical examination, external and/or gynecological. A vaginal examination will make it possible to more precisely identify the painful area.
If necessary, he may also prescribe additional examinations as :
- A pregnancy test to detect a possible pregnancy.
- A urine analysis to make sure there is no infection.
- A ultrasound to highlight cysts.
- A scanner to visualize the pelvic organs.
- A MRI to detect endometriosis.
How to relieve pelvic pain?
Finally, depending on the cause and severity of the pelvic pain, the doctor will suggest one or more several solutions to relieve them.
The treatments will then be medicinal and/or surgical :
- Analgesics,
- Anti-inflammatories,
- Medicines specific to certain pathologies,
- Physiotherapy sessions, particularly for perineal rehabilitation.
- Surgical intervention, in the most critical cases.
Finally, whatever your pelvic pain, think about yourself moisturize. Place a heat source on the area will also help alleviate pain.
