7 Alarming Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women You Should Never Ignore

Many women all over the world experience pelvic pain on a regular basis. Unfortunately, not all of them rush to the gynecologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment. However, you should understand that untreated conditions can progress and lead to severe, even life-threatening, complications. In this article, we have gathered seven alarming causes of pelvic pain in women you should never ignore.

1. Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea means pain that occurs before and during the first days of periods. If the pain is mild and can be easily eliminated with the help of home remedies or pain medications, it is primary dysmenorrhea. But if your pain is so severe that you can’t maintain your daily activities, it can be secondary dysmenorrhea. Another difference between these conditions is that secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by certain underlying conditions while primary dysmenorrhea is a naturally occurring pain.

2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (inner uterine lining) starts to grow on the pelvic organs. Due to the fact that this endometrial tissue sheds during periods as the endometrium in the uterus, women with this condition often have severe menstrual cramps. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, light vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting), heavy blood flow during periods, lower back pain, and infertility.

3. Ovarian torsion
Ovarian torsion is a condition that occurs when the ovary twists around itself. This leads to impaired blood supply in the ovary that can result in tissue necrosis. That’s why ovarian torsion should be treated as soon as possible. Women with ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop this condition. Symptoms of ovarian torsion include:
- severe pain in the pelvic area
- cramping
- nausea
- vomiting

You should know that this condition never occurs without pain. So if you have the aforementioned symptoms, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist right now. Timely treatment can help save the ovary and prevent further complications.

4. Ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that develops on the ovaries. In most cases, cysts disappear throughout the menstrual cycle but some of them may remain for a long time and cause unpleasant symptoms. The most common of them are pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, irregular periods, pain during sex, heavy blood flow during periods, and frequent need to urinate. If the ovarian cysts bursts, you need to seek medical attention immediately. This condition manifests itself through vaginal bleeding, unbearable pelvic pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. That’s why it is better to undergo an examination and treatment right after the occurrence of the symptoms.

5. UTI
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition in which the bacteria from the anus penetrate the urinary tract and cause inflammation. It usually manifests itself through pelvic pain, pain, and burning sensations during urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, and blood in eth urine. In the initial stages, UTI usually affects only the urethra and bladder. If left untreated, it can spread to the ureters and kidneys and cause more severe symptoms.

6. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition that occurs when the pelvic organs become infected and inflamed. This inflammation develops due to untreated vaginal infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to the development of the following symptoms:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Vagonal bleeding between periods (especially after sex)
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal vaginal discharges with an unpleasant smell
- Fever
- Burning sensations during urination

It is essential to treat pelvic inflammatory disease as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to the development of pus in the pelvic organs and scars that can affect your fertility.

7. Cancers of the female reproductive system
There are five main types of female reproductive system cancers, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. But you should understand that cancer can occur everywhere throughout the internal or external genitals. The main problem is that the early stages of cancer usually develop asymptomatically. A woman may experience pelvic pain, pain during sex, vaginal bleeding, and other symptoms only when cancer progresses. That’s why regular Pap tests and pelvic exams are extremely important. A professional gynecologist can define cancer in early stages and recommend the most suitable treatment plan.

The bottom line
It is important to understand that pelvic pain doesn’t usually occur on its own. If you experience persistent pelvic pain, your condition should be evaluated by a gynecologist. Timely and proper treatment can help ease your symptoms and prevent the development of serious complications. Additionally, you should understand that the sooner you start the treatment the more effective it will be.