Here are a few things that could cause your painful pelvis:
A lot of important things happen in the pelvic region! Your body digests food, expels waste, purifies your blood, produces hormones, and enjoys sexual activity. It’s a pretty important area, all things considered. If you’ve ever experiences a painful pelvis, there’s probably a good reason for it… like one of these:
- Endometriosis -– If cells similar to those that line your uterus migrate to other parts of your body, they may break down in time with your period every month. This can make period cramps even worse, and the pain can spread up to your back and down to your legs. It’s estimated that up to 5 million women suffer from endometriosis.
- Ectopic pregnancy –– Normal pregnancy involves a fetus that that grows in your uterus for 9 months. However, with an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg remains in your fallopian tubes, or it may attach to some other organ, the horn of your uterus, or even your cervix. This is a VERY dangerous type of pregnancy, and requires emergency treatment.
- Interstitial cystitis –– It’s estimated that up to 3 million women suffer from this problem, which is marked by recurring pain in your bladder. It may be the result of mucin cells breaking down on the surface of your bladder. When these cells break down, they leave your bladder unprotected from the acid in your urine. It’s like a burning, stabbing pain when you pee or when your bladder is full.
- Miscarriage –– Miscarriage is the loss of the fetus before it has reached its 20th week. It’s estimated that up to 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is often marked by heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, severe cramps, fever, and weakness.
READ MORE: 4 Signs of Cervical Cancer
- Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia –– This is the fancy name for chronic tension in your pelvis, a problem that can be caused by emotional, psychological, and physical issues. Difficult childbirth can cause the muscles of your pelvic floor to tighten, making your pelvis feel achy or heavy, and causing an itching and burning pain in your urethra and vagina.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease –– PID is an infection of your reproductive organs. It’s one of the worst complications of STDs, as it can lead to irreparable damage to your ovaries, uterus, and other reproductive organs. It is actually one of the main causes of female infertility, and yet it’s fully preventable.
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome –– If you develop varicose veins in your pelvis, they can cause pain. The valves in your veins weaken and are unable to close properly, leading to blood pooling in the veins. The pressure on your veins can be painful, almost to the point of debilitating in some cases. You may feel a dull ache or throbbing in your pelvis, one that worsens throughout the day.
- Ovarian Cysts –– Your ovaries are responsible for producing the eggs that are fertilized by sperm to form a fetus. However, like the rest of your body, they are at risk for developing cysts, fluid-filled sacs that may form in your ovaries. They’re most common during your child-bearing years, and can be very painful. PCOS is one of the most common cystic disorders, but there are others.
- Vulvodynia –– Chronic vulvar pain is a surprisingly common problem, with over 6 million women suffering from it. Its causes are unknown, but it’s believed that yeast infections make women more susceptible to the disorder. Nerve damage can also cause pain around the entrance to the vulva.
