What is Pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain can be divided into two types depending on the duration and the severity of the symptoms.
Acute or minor pelvic pain lasts from a few days to weeks and usually does not require extensive treatment. In non-pregnant patients, pelvic pain can be a lower genital tract infection like candidiasis, or a sexually transmitted infection. Some other issues include menstrual cramps, issues with the uterus or ovaries such as endometriosis, urinary tract infections, and even constipation.
Chronic pelvic pain can be described as a pain in the pelvis region that lasts for at least three to six months. This pain is not associated with the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Chronic pelvic pain can affect a woman’s quality of life as well as carry a heavy economic and social burden.
Causes
Minor pelvic pain in non-pregnant women is generally not linked to any serious underlying condition. Pelvic pain is common during periods that last for about a week and then go away when the periods are over.
In extreme cases, pelvic pain can lead to inflammation of the abdominal cavity, which can cause severe complications.
Pelvic pain can have many causes, including diseases that affect the bladder, vagina, or rectum, gynecological disorders of ovaries, fallopian tubes or cervix, and disorders affecting the lower abdomen such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
The following are some symptoms of pelvic pain and their possible cause:
- Location – central pelvic pain may be more likely to involve the uterus or bladder, while pain to the sides could be associated with the appendix or ovaries
- Gradual onset of pain is suggestive of an inflammatory or infectious process
- Fever and chills are also more suggestive of an inflammatory or infectious process
Treatment
Minor pelvic pain in non-pregnant patients does not require extensive treatment. The pain usually goes away after taking analgesics such as ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory medication.
If the diagnosis shows the presence of a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are prescribed which helps eliminate the infection and therefore cures the pain.
If the pain involves muscles, then rest, heat, or physical therapy may help. In some cases, a medical health professional will suggest muscle relaxant exercises.
Pain that is not relieved with less invasive measures will require a more thorough evaluation. A complete history and physical by a medical provider can narrow the possibilities for pelvic pain. Tests including blood lab work, pelvic exams, ultrasounds and CT or MRI scans can be helpful in determining the cause of the pain.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If your experience pain in the lower abdomen region of the pelvis, you should seek medical care to rule out any possibility of serious complications.
Treatment for minor pelvic pain is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.