Non-Menstrual Pelvic Pain
Persistent pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area that is present whether you are on your period or not.
- Pain that lasts for more than six months is considered chronic.
- Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant.
- The pain may be dull or sharp and can vary in intensity.
- It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, painful urination, painful intercourse, and menstrual cramps.
Non-Menstrual Pelvic Pain related to the reproductive tract:
Endometriosis
This is a condition in which tissue from the lining of your womb (uterus) grows outside your uterus. These deposits of tissue respond to your menstrual cycle, just as your uterine lining does — thickening, breaking down and bleeding each month as your hormone levels rise and fall. Because it’s happening outside your uterus, the blood and tissue can’t exit your body through your vagina. Instead, they remain in your abdomen, where they may lead to painful cysts and fibrous bands of scar tissue (adhesions).
Fibroids
These noncancerous uterine growths may cause pressure or a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen. They rarely cause sharp pain unless they become deprived of a blood supply and begin to degenerate.
Adenomyosis
This is a benign condition when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus, pelvic pain, and painful, heavy periods can result.
Pelvic Adhesions
This can occur if a long-term infection, often sexually transmitted, causes scarring that involves your pelvic organs.
Non-Menstrual Pelvic Pain that are not gynecologic:
Interstitial Cystitis
This condition is associated with recurring pain in your bladder and a frequent need to urinate. You may experience pelvic pain as your bladder fills, which may improve temporarily after you empty your bladder.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome — bloating, constipation or diarrhea — can be a source of pelvic pain and pressure.
SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) When gut bacterial growth gets out of whack, it can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping – symptoms that are similar to endometriosis. In fact, many women who suffer from endometriosis also have SIBO.
There’s a rapid breath test called lactulose hydrogen breath test that can be done to rule out SIBO.
If you are diagnosed with SIBO, the treatment is a two-week course of antibiotics. If GI symptoms don’t improve after completing antibiotic therapy, endometriosis may be the source of your pain.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain are very common but are often overlooked. The muscles, joints and nerves in the pelvis can be injured just like any other part of your body. Conditions affecting your bones, joints and connective tissues (musculoskeletal system) can lead to recurring pelvic pain:
- Fibromyalgia
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension
- Inflammation of the pubic joint (pubic symphysis)
- Hernia
- Hip Joint Instability
There are many possible causes of chronic pelvic pain, and in some cases, the cause of chronic pelvic pain may be a combination of involved organ systems.
If you’re suffering from pelvic pain and it’s interrupting your day, please make an appointment with us.
The providers at County Obstetrics & Gynecology have the knowledge, experience, and resources to identify the cause of your pain expertly and accurately. Our provider will then discuss available treatment options and assist you in selecting treatment plan that best meets your needs.