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Pelvic pain is something many women deal with every day, and some simply believe it comes with having a female reproductive system. If you’re among those women, we have some good news for you.
Constant, consistent, and/or severe pelvic pain shouldn’t be something you have to endure, and it can also be a sign that you’re dealing with a more serious problem, one that may require treatment in order to minimize your discomfort.
Dr. Lena Speck Hopkins and the rest of our team at her Harlingen, Texas, office want to make sure you know exactly what is causing your pelvic pain, as well as to help you determine how best to deal with the issue.
Pelvic pain is discomfort you experience between the bellybutton and the groin. The pain can range from mild to severe, sometimes causing so much discomfort that it may create nausea and even vomiting.
If you’ve been living with pelvic pain, and especially if you’re a woman, people might insist it’s not a problem. “That’s just how it is. Don’t worry. You just have cramps,” they might say.
While it may be an issue caused by menstrual discomfort, pelvic pain is nothing to simply ignore. It may only happen to you from time to time, but it can still be extremely difficult to bear. In addition, an estimated 1 in 6 women experience chronic pelvic pain, which lasts for more than six months. Don’t you think you deserve to know what is actually causing your pelvic pain?
A number of pelvic pain causes are indeed associated with the female reproductive system.
Endometriosis develops when the tissue that is meant to grow inside the uterus grows outside it instead. It causes extremely intense pain during your menstrual cycle. It can also cause fertility problems and potentially even cancer. Some women are able to find relief with pain medications or birth control, but sometimes, a hysterectomy is the only way to relieve the pain.
Adenomyosis is the name for a condition that causes the endometrial tissue to grow into the uterus’ muscular walls. The condition itself is not usually considered harmful, but the pain can be so severe that certain measures, such as medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, might be necessary. A hysterectomy might also be necessary to stop the pain for good.
Ovarian cysts are pockets in or on the ovaries that are filled with fluid. Sometimes, these cysts cause no pain or discomfort, while for some women, they can cause immense pelvic pain. Treatment for severely painful ovarian cysts can include medication, such as birth control, and surgery.
PID is an infection caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. It can cause a number of complications, including chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and possibly even infertility. Treatments include antibiotic meds and temporary abstinence.
Fibroids can cause a lot of pain in the pelvic region, but they’re usually not cancerous. When they do cause pain or other problems, a handful of treatments, from medications to surgery, may be applicable.
An ectopic pregnancy develops when a fertilized egg begins to grow outside of the uterus. Depending on the stage of the ectopic pregnancy, medication, a laparoscopic procedure, or emergency surgery might be necessary to treat the issue.
Ovarian cancer can be a possible cause of pelvic pain. It can also lead to quickened feelings of fullness when eating, weight loss, bloating, and frequent urination. If you notice some of the other symptoms, it’s important to check with your doctor. Even though ovarian cancer offers few severe symptoms, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
It is true that menstrual cramps can cause your pelvic pain, but it doesn’t mean you should just grin and bear it. Anything from at-home remedies like a heating pad to doctor-prescribed treatments like birth control can be useful for treating menstrual cramps and minimizing pain.
Not every instance of pelvic pain is associated with the female reproductive system. For example, here are a number of other common issues that could be causing this discomfort.
Whatever the issue, it’s important to seek help for severe, consistent, or constant pelvic pain.
To get the full picture about what could be behind your pelvic pain, make an appointment with Dr. Speck Hopkins. Call our office at 956-257-9488 today to set up your consultation. You can also send us a message here on our website.
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Pelvic pain is common in women and may vary in frequency and intensity. However, no matter the symptoms, the cause of the pain is often unclear. To learn more about common causes of pelvic pain, click here.