Many women and men will complain of stabbing pelvic pain at some point in their lives. This pain can sometimes interfere with day-to-day life function. It may affect sex, sleep, work, family and mental health. Stabbing pelvic pain should be brought to the attention of a doctor to rule out serious illness and find appropriate treatment.
For Women
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that the most common causes of stabbing pelvic pain in women are ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cysts. An ectopic pregnancy is a rare but serious condition in which an embryo implants itself in a fallopian tube as opposed to the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Ovarian cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs that may either pop and recur with menstruation or remain on the ovaries for months.
For Men
The most common cause of stabbing pelvic pain in men is prostatitis, a condition that affects the prostate gland. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is the No. 1 reason men younger than 50 see a urologist. Other symptoms include a constant need to urinate even when there is little urine, a burning sensation during urination and, occasionally, blood in the urine.
Interstitial cystitis is another cause of pelvic pain in men. Other symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate despite having little urine and painful sexual intercourse. Those with food allergies, asthma, arthritis and fibromyalgia are more susceptible to the condition.
Diagnosis
There are many causes of pelvic pain, so doctors will want to know more about the nature of the pain---whether it is constant or intermittent, always stabbing or alternating between stabbing and dull, whether it is random or occurs only at certain times. A family and personal history will also be taken. Pelvic or prostate exams, urinalysis, ultrasounds and blood tests are useful diagnostic tools.
Treatment
Because there are so many causes of pelvic pain, there also various treatments. Treatments are often multilateral, and include diet modification, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, pain medication, antibiotics or surgery.
Warning
Early intervention is key to successful treatment of stabbing pelvic pain. Patients should report symptoms to their doctors as soon as they occur. Occasionally this kind of pelvic pain indicates a life-threatening condition that can be treated only with emergency surgery.
