Pelvic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, is pain located below your belly button and between the hips. If the pain lasts longer than six months it is considered chronic, and while this may be a sign of another disease, it can be a condition unto itself. In many cases, the exact cause of pelvic pain in women is difficult to find, and some never receive an exact diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic continues to state that whether a cause is identifiable or not, treatment is still available.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that causes the tissue of your endometrium (uterine lining) to grow outside of your uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic. This lining then attaches itself to other structures within your pelvis, such as your fallopian tubes, ovaries and intestines.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, the pain is a result of cysts and scar tissue that form when the tissues of your uterine lining break down during your menstrual cycle. Because this break down occurs outside of your uterus, the blood and tissue become trapped in your abdomen rather than exiting the body through the vagina.
Scar Tissue
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center notes another reason for pelvic pain in women are bands of scar tissue, medically known as pelvic adhesions. These bands of scar tissue bind organs together. Some common causes include infections such as appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and pelvic surgery.
The UCSF Medical Center adds that pelvic adhesions--while difficult to diagnose--can sometimes be found during a pelvic examination if the ovaries and uterus are the affected organs. In most cases a definitive diagnosis is made during exploratory surgery such as a laparoscopy.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A non-gynecologic cause, irritable bowel syndrome may cause constipation, diarrhea or both. Bloating--according to the Mayo Clinic--is another symptom, and all three may be a great source of pelvic pain and discomfort.
The UCSF Medical Center adds that stress and diet may worsen the condition, and that a bowel movement can provide relief from the pain. In some cases your gynecologist may refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Both the Mayo Clinic and the UCSF Medical Center concur that pelvic pain in women may result from spasms of the muscles lining the pelvis, otherwise known as the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs such as the bladder, rectum and uterus. When spasms in these muscles occur, the pain you experience may be specific to these areas.
