Pelvic pain

There are many symptoms of pain in and around the pelvic area. This type of pain especially affects more females than males and is mainly linked to the reproductive organs and pregnancy.

Female Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis

Pelvic pain can be a cause of endometriosis where pieces of the lining of the uterus become attached to other parts outside the uterus such as the fallopian tubes.The tissue inside the uterus continues to react to hormonal changes and can cause painful cysts and excessive menstrual bleeding. In some cases this condition can lead to infertility. Many females find themselves bedridden during times when the condition is at its peak.

Treatment

Pain relief for this can be given using over the counter medication such as the anti inflammatory ibuprofen and other painkillers. Menstruation can be stopped using specialized drugs prescribed by your doctor which will assist in keeping the condition at bay but means that you are unable to get pregnant during this treatment. The cysts after they have formed can also be removed by laser surgery.

Severe cases may be treated by the complete removal of the uterus and ovaries however this is a last resort and is usually only done on older women who have passed their child bearing years.

Pregnancy may clear up the condition but it is not advised to use this method to solely treat the condition.

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign(non cancerous) tumors of the uterus that can occur without any symptoms and therefore you may suffer from this for a long period without knowing especially if you do not suffer with any associated pain symptoms. The fibroid itself attaches to the uterine wall. They can form singly or in groups.

Large fibroids can cause heavy periods, painful intercourse, colicky pain, frequent urination and complications in pregnancy.

They are more common in females over the age of 35. They occur due to the body producing oestrogen at menstruation and tend to shrink after menopause.

Treatment

Treatment usually is dependent on a number of factors such as the amount and size of the fibroid, the age of the person being treated and the general health of the patient.

A general procedure where the walls of the uterus are scrapped (commonly known as a D and C) may be all that is required to correct the symptoms.
Ibuprofen and the contraceptive pill which limits the amount of oestrogen in the body may be prescribed.

If the symptoms are severe then surgery will be required. If the symptoms are slight then your GP will monitor the situation and may prescribe nothing at all.

Ovarian Cysts

These are fluid filled sacs which form in each ovary. They may cause abdominal and pelvic pain if the cyst itself places pressure on the bladder or ruptures. This in turn can lead to heavy and painful periods. Surgery is usually required to remove the cyst.

Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

This is common throughout the whole term of pregnancy however has a tendency to be worse at the start and at the end.

Must expecting mothers at some time during their pregnancy will experience some form of back pain. This is more common in the lower back where the back bone is attached to the pelvic bone.

On becoming pregnant hormone levels are increased, making your ligaments looser and the joints less stable.

Allergic Skin Rashes

At the start of pregnancy, pain may be felt in the lower abdomen. This is due to the organs held within the pelvic area being displaced as the uterus moves forward. This is entirely natural and is part of the body finding room for the ever increasing bundle inside you.

After 35 weeks of pregnancy the baby should be head down into the pelvic area. This is called them being engaged and ensures that there is no need for the baby to be born ‘breach’ ie legs first. The babies head will sit quite tightly within this area. This may place some added pressure on your pelvis if this is the first baby. Mothers who have more than one baby may not feel this pain as much as their pelvis has been stretched due to previous pregnancies.