MayoClinic.com defines pelvic pain as discomfort felt in the area below the belly button and between the hips. The pain may range in severity from a dull ache to a sharp sensation. Although pelvic pain may occur as an independent symptom, it often indicates underlying conditions. Most conditions that cause pelvic pain affect women more often than men.
Endometriosis
The endometrium is the tissue that lines in the inside of a woman's uterus. Endometriosis occurs when the same tissue that makes up the endometrium grows outside of the uterus on the surfaces of the reproductive organs, such as the uterus, bladder and ovaries. It is the leading cause of infertility in the United States, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pain during sex, intestinal pain, painful urination, heavy periods and spotting between periods. The first stage of treatment for endometriosis focuses on relieving the symptoms of pain through pain medication and hormone therapy. Once pain is controlled, surgery is usually needed to remove the areas of excess tissue growth.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a condition characterized by the chronic inflammation of the bladder wall. Interstitial cystitis affects women 10 times more often than men, but the exact cause is unknown, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis include pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, urinary discomfort, frequent urge to urinate and urination urgency.
Since there is no known cause for interstitial cystitis, treatment is difficult. Most cases can be treated with a medication called Elmiron that coats the bladder and eases symptoms. Other medication treatments includes painkillers and antihistamines. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that appear on a woman's uterus. Uterine fibroids develop when a cell in the muscular tissue of the uterus multiplies rapidly, causing a growth that ranges in size from extremely small to incredibly bulky. It is not known what causes these cells to multiple, but a combination of hormones, genetic factors and naturally occurring chemicals in the body play a role, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids include pelvic pain and pressure, heavy and prolonged periods, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation and pain in the back. Since uterine fibroids do not typically cause any complications, treatment is usually not necessary. When treatment is required, it consists of medications aimed at reducing hormones responsible for the development of uterine fibroids or surgery. Surgical options include removal of the fibroids or removal of the entire uterus.
