Abdominal pain can be caused by pelvic conditions. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, pelvic pain usually manifests in the lower abdominal area. The NIH states that pelvic pain may be constant or intermittent, and that it can significantly affect a person's activities of daily living. Pelvic pain may signal a serious underlying condition in one of the organs in the pelvic area.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause pelvic abdominal pain. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development--a division of the National Institutes of Health--endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions among North American women, affecting more than 5.5 million people. Endometriosis is characterized by pain and infertility. The NICHD states that endometriosis occurs when uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. Common sites for extra-uterine tissue growth include the surfaces of pelvic and abdominal organs, such as the ovaries, bowel and bladder. Common signs and symptoms associated with endometriosis include extremely painful cramps or periods, chronic pelvic pain, low back pain and pain during or after sex. According to the NICHD, approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile or unable to reproduce.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can cause pelvic abdominal pain. The Mayo Clinic website states that ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs located within or on an ovary's surface. The ovaries--almond-sized organs--are situated on either side of the uterus. The ovaries are responsible for storing eggs or ova and releasing them once per month during a woman's childbearing years. According to the Mayo Clinic website, many women develop ovarian cysts at some point throughout their lives. Although most ovarian cysts cause little or no pain, some cysts--particularly cysts that have ruptured--can cause serious health complications. Possible signs and symptoms associated with ovarian cysts include menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain that radiates to other parts of the body, pelvic pain during sexual intercourse, the sensation of abdominal fullness, nausea and vomiting, and painful bowel movements.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pelvic abdominal pain. According to the NIH, pelvic inflammatory disease is characterized by an infection and inflammation of a woman's reproductive organs. Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar the fallopian tubes--tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Scarring of the fallopian tubes can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus and pelvic pain, among other health problems. The NIH states that pelvic inflammatory disease is the leading preventable cause of infertility among American women. Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia, although other types of bacteria can cause this condition too. Common signs and symptoms associated with pelvic inflammatory diseases include lower abdominal pain, fever, irregular bleeding, strong smelling vaginal discharge and painful intercourse.
