What causes pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition for most women. Often worse during menstrual periods, pelvic pain occurs due to conditions like past pelvic infection, cramping pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

Here are the top five reasons for pelvic pain that you should take care to avoid.

Cramping pain. The cramping pain takes place before and during periods and happens because of the production of uterine prostaglandins in the body. These hormones aid muscle contractions, which help in regulating menstrual bleeding, making them quite sensitive. The contractions might result in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and flu-like symptoms right before the onset of menstrual bleeding. Inflammatory drugs, which help in managing cramping pain, are ibuprofen or naproxen. However, if even after taking these medicines the pain persists, then you must consult a doctor.

Past pelvic infections. Past pelvic infections can lead to scarring and pelvic pain during the ovulation period. It essentially occurs when during the ovulation period, tiny cysts occur in the ovary and as they expand, they become the main cause of pain in the pelvic region. The best way to manage past pelvic infection is taking birth-control pills under a doctor's supervision.

Fibromyalgia. You might suffer from fibromyalgia if you experience constant pelvic aches with periodic uneasiness of intense discomfort, accompanied with generalized pain and fatigue in the body. Often linked with painful periods, fibromyalgia is also linked to extreme vaginal pain, irritable bladder and insomnia. The only way to detect fibromyalgia is to go for a standard test or an X ray. Recommended ways to manage fibromyalgia are lifestyle changes, painkillers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants.

Pelvic joint instability or Endometriosis. Right after childbirth, the ligaments that stretch so that the baby can pass through, can at times lead to pelvic joint instability. Women with pelvic joint instability might suffer from discomfort in the pelvis region too. In endometriosis, the lining of the uterus develops right outside the uterus. Reaching the ovaries or fallopian tubes, endometriosis can lead to pelvic pain, which is often extreme during the menstrual period or sex. In a few unfortunate and extreme cases, endometriosis can also lead to infertility in women.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome might lead to extreme pain and bloating in women. This syndrome is most noticeable right after eating or before a bowel movement. Irritable bowel syndrome is often accompanied with diarrhea and constipation. In order to relieve the symptoms of signal irritable bowel syndrome, one should aim to eat smaller and frequent meals. Chew your food thoroughly and increase your fiber and water intake; also limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. If all these lifestyle changes fail to help you, then do visit your healthcare provider at the earliest best to check for other infections and go for prescribed medicines.

These were the top 5 reasons for pelvic pain in women. Do note that pelvic pain, at times, is not directly linked with reproductive organs. The bladder, uterus, large intestine and small intestine share space in the pelvis area. Inflammation or improper functioning of any of these can result in pelvic pain.

source: TOI