The pelvic region is comprised of the ilium, ischium and pubis bones, which come together right beneath the navel. From a functional standpoint, the pelvis helps support the upper body when you stand or sit. When pain develops in the pelvis, your functional ability can be compromised; this pain can be due to a number of causes that range from minor to serious. Never try to self-diagnose or self-treat pelvic pain; consult your doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment options.
Endometriosis
The uterus is the area of the female anatomy where a baby grows. Endometriosis is a condition that causes uterine tissue to grow outside of the uterus in areas like the bladder and ovaries. According to the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia, pain in the pelvic region is one of the main symptoms of this condition. Endometriosis also causes other symptoms, such as heavy menstrual periods and infertility. A treatment plan for this condition involves conventional medicine, and in the worst of cases, surgery.
Irritable Bowle Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal condition that affects men and women. The colon, which is found in the stomach and pelvic area, is the location through which stool passes and is eliminated from the body as feces. Normal movement of waste through the colon is called motility. When the rate of motility is too quick or too slow, IBS can develop. This is accompanied with diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both. Pain, discomfort and a bloated feeling are other symptoms that arise with this condition. Treating IBS can be somewhat complicated. A doctor will often prescribe medication to treat constipation and diarrhea, but the diet also has to be taken into consideration. Certain trigger foods need to be identified and eliminated. This is a trial-and-error process that involves keeping a journal and recognizing how the body reacts when various foods are consumed.
Prostatitis
The prostate is a gland in the male anatomy found just below the bladder. The main function of this gland is to regulate the flow of urine through the urethra and to produce semen. Prostatitis is a condition that causes painful urination and pain in the pelvis, testicles, lower back and penis. According to MayoClinic.com, this condition is mainly caused from a bacterial infection; treatment can include prescription and over-the-counter medications and prostate massage from your doctor.
Interstitial Cystitis
The bladder is a triangle-shaped organ that houses urine before it is excreted from the body. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes the bladder to become red, inflamed and rigid. This, in turn, causes a frequent urge to urinate, though little urine ends up passing. You also might experience pain in the pelvis, along with pain during sexual activity. Dietary changes and conventional treatments, such as oral medicine and bladder instillation are often used to treat this condition. Bladder instillation involves a doctor filling the bladder with medicine by way of a catheter, FamilyDoctor.org explains. The medicine is held in the bladder for up to 15 minutes, then urinated out. Eliminating certain foods and beverages from the diet is a lifestyle adjustment also used to treat interstitial cystitis.
