Online resources, quoting medical experts, report that chronic pelvic pain in women is a common problem posing a major challenge to medical specialists because of its unclear causes, involvement of complex body organs, and poor response to treatment. This condition has become prevalent in the United States where 39 percent of women are of child-bearing age encounter these symptoms -- with almost a half of them claiming to have decreased productivity at work, according to findings of a recent study.
Chronic pelvic pain, as distinguished from acute pelvic pain, may be defined as a non-cyclic pain occurring below the belly button which may last from six months or more. This pain which is felt in the pelvic area should be severe enough to affect the woman’s functional ability and may require medical attention.
The following are among the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain:
Interstitial Cystitis
Probably the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain among women is interstitial cystitis or IC which is responsible for over 33 percent of all reported cases. An inflammation of the bladder due to an infection has been traced as cause of this condition which usually affects women in their 30s and 40s. The exact cause of this disease has yet to be established although symptoms may be relieved by the use of antibiotics.
The disorder is usually indicated by the need to urinate frequently which may be many times in just a span of one hour. This condition may also be manifested in the form of pressure above the pubic area, pain during sex, and painful urination.
Endometriosis
Although found in females between the ages of 13 and 50, this condition is usually diagnosed in women in their 30s especially those who may have problems conceiving. Growth of endometrial tissues outside the uterus usually in the ovaries, bladder, fallopian tubes, intestines, and other nearby organs characterizes this condition.
Even if endometriosis may not be a serious health problem, this may cause extreme pelvic pain particularly during certain periods of the month. Due to the formation of scar tissues, women with endometriosis may find it very difficult to get pregnant. While no cure has yet been discovered for this condition, there are treatments available that may alleviate the symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
More commonly known as IBS, this condition may not affect the reproductive organs of a woman but may still cause severe and chronic pelvic pains. The exact cause of this medical condition has not yet been known although doctors agree that IBS is associated with digestive disorders.
Symptoms may differ from one person to another with the most common signs reported to include recurring abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea or constipation. There are medications available to alleviate these symptoms but not to completely cure the disorder. This condition may also be addressed by other strategies such as diet changes and stress management.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Women who have given birth and those in the advancing years are most commonly affected by this condition. Pelvic organ prolapse or POP occurs when a pelvic organ such as bladder and uterus descends into a lower position. While this disorder may not be considered serious, it may be very disruptive and uncomfortable.
Among the indications of POP are chronic pain in the pelvic area, pressure against the vaginal wall, a feeling of being full in the lower belly, and pain during sex. Pelvic exercises, lifestyle changes, medical devices and surgeries are among the several options available in the management of this condition. This last option which may include vaginal mesh surgeries has become controversial in recent years due to alleged complications resulting from the use of these devices which have in fact led to numerous vaginal mesh lawsuits.
References:
- emedicine.medscape.com/article/258334-overview#a0199
- uptodate.com/contents/chronic-pelvic-pain-in-women-beyond-the-basics
- patient.co.uk/health/pelvic-pain-in-women
