Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is described as discomfort felt in the lower back and lower abdomen. It can manifest suddenly and severely (acute pelvic pain) or persist as a continuous mild pain felt for months (chronic pelvic pain).

Because the reproductive organs are located in this area, many women seek help from a gynecologist for these complaints. Sometimes, despite all examinations, no specific cause can be found in women.

Acute pelvic pain mainly involves conditions that may require urgent treatment. These include:

1. Ovarian cysts: If an ovarian cyst ruptures and bleeds into the abdomen, or if it twists around itself (torsion), it can cause severe pain.
2. Acute pelvic infections: Especially chlamydia and mycoplasma infections can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing acute pelvic pain. Immediate antibiotic treatment is necessary.
3. Appendicitis or peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining.
4. Urinary tract infections.
5. Constipation or bowel spasms.
6. Rarely, endometriosis and intra-abdominal abscesses can cause acute pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is described as continuous or intermittent pain lasting for more than six months. One in every six women has chronic pelvic pain.

Among the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain are endometriosis, chronic pelvic infections, and irritable bowel syndrome. Rare causes include ovarian cysts, urinary tract infections, uterine prolapse, adenomyosis, fibroids, chronic interstitial cystitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and hernias, which affect various systems and can lead to chronic pelvic pain.

The diagnosis is made through the examination of all these systems. Treatment is directed towards the cause.