Although most women think that pelvic pain is due to problems in the genital organs it can occur because of many causes. Some of them may be serious, so women should consult a doctor and undertake appropriate investigations to know the underlying cause of the pelvic pain, and then take proper, adequate treatment so that they become healthy.

Main Causes of Pelvic Pain

As the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and other reproductive organs are situated in the pelvic region, any condition which affects them can cause pain. An infection in the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and the most common cause of pain in the lower abdomen in women. It can occur to any woman but it is common after abortion or delivery. If it is not treated properly initially, it may become chronic PID, which is quite troublesome and difficult to treat.

PID causes fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, tenderness in the lower abdomen and pelvic region besides pain. Chronic PID can make women weak and irritable. Sometimes, they are unable to conceive and bear children. PID should be treated promptly and adequately by antibiotics. Sometimes, if it is serious, and their family is complete then, the uterus and Fallopian tubes have to be removed by operation to give permanent relief from problems due to PID.

Sometimes, a tumour in the uterus (fibroid) or ovaries (ovarian cyst) can also cause lower abdominal pain.

Besides these, many other genital organ diseases can also cause pelvic pain.

Women suffering from pelvic pain should consult the gynecologist without hesitation. They will find out the cause of the pain after examination and necessary investigations and will be treated accordingly.

Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy should never be ignored as it may have serious consequences. It may be indicative of abortion if associated with bleeding. If pregnant ladies experience abdominal pain, they should immediately   consult the doctor, preferably an obstetrician and gynecologist, who will examine and do the necessary tests to know the status of pregnancy and foetus, and will treat accordingly.

In early pregnancy, severe lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, bleeding and fainting may be due to ectopic pregnancy   —   i.e.,   when, instead of the uterus, the foetus has been implanted in the wrong place like the Fallopian tube.  Ectopic pregnancy is very serious and life-threatening if not treated promptly and energetically by a gynecologist by operation and life- supportive treatments.

Lower abdominal pain in later pregnancy may be due to early labour pains and should be immediately reported to a specialist doctor, especially when associated with vaginal discharge and/or bleeding.

In all pregnant women abdominal pain is not because of obstetrical reasons. It can also be due to the enteritis which also causes loose motions, constipation, amoebiasis, and worm infestations which are very common problems in our country. They can also cause abdominal pain in women. These diseases can be easily confirmed by stool  examination and other necessary tests. They must be treated properly and adequately.

The urinary bladder, ureter and urethra lie in the pelvic, while the kidney is situated slightly higher up. Infections, stones and other diseases of the urinary tract can cause lower abdomen and pelvic pain. These conditions also   cause   frequency   of urination, burning and/or pain   during   urination and sometimes fever with chills.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is very common in women, especially during pregnancy and after delivery.  After confirming UTI by urine examination and urine culture, it should be properly and adequately treated. If women ignore UTI, or take inadequate treatment, it can recur again and again, and may become resistant to antibiotics.

Stone in Kidney

Stone in kidney, or ureter or urinary bladder usually causes attacks of very severe pain, usually starting from the back and radiating to the pelvis and groin along with burning, frequent urination and sometimes blood in the urine. Urinary bladder stones can cause severe pain in the pelvic region.

The stones in the urinary tract can be confirmed by an X-ray, ultrasound and other tests of the abdomen. Treatment depends upon the symptoms and finding of investigations.

Besides the above common causes of pelvic pain, many other conditions such as bone diseases like spondylitis, prolapsed discs, osteoporosis, osteopenia and many other diseases can sometimes cause lower backache which may radiate to the pelvic region. After excluding the above causes these diseases should   be considered.