Most Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pain in your lower belly and pelvis results from problems with your reproductive or urinary systems. Pain differs from person to person and can range from mild to severe. If you have endometriosis, for example, your pain may feel more or less intense than someone else with the same condition.

When you have pelvic pain, it’s important to find out what’s causing it so you can get proper treatment. Women in the Denton, Texas, area trust the experts at OB/GYN Specialists to get to the root of pelvic pain and develop the best treatment plan. Both Dr. Daniel McDonald and Dr. Marc A. Wilson are known for providing high-quality, compassionate care to all patients.

Monthly menstrual cramps are probably the best known cause of pelvic pain, but there are many other possible causes. Here are some of the most common:

Fibroids

Fibroids are fibrous growths that arise from muscle tissue in your uterus. They’re usually not cancerous, but they can cause pelvic pain or pressure when they grow large enough or if you have many of them. Fibroids contain estrogen receptors, so as the hormone preps your body for pregnancy each month, it may signal the fibroids to grow.

Endometriosis or adenomyosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue from your uterine lining (the endometrium) grows outside of your uterus. Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of your uterus. These conditions can cause heavy bleeding, cramps, and pain.

Sexually transmitted infections

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common bacterial infections spread through sexual contact. They can cause painful urination, pain during intercourse, and even abdominal pain.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is a serious infection of the female reproductive system caused by bacteria from STIs that get into your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. It causes pain when you urinate or have sex. If not treated, scar tissue could form, making it difficult for you to get pregnant.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Many women are all too familiar with the pain and burning that come with a UTI. If the infection spreads to your kidneys, it becomes more serious. 

Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants in your fallopian tubes or elsewhere outside of your uterus. As the embryo develops, it can cause excruciating pain, and it requires emergency medical care. Miscarriage — losing a baby before the 20th week — causes bleeding, cramping, and pain.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on your ovaries. They’re common and often dissolve on their own. Most women don’t even know they have one unless it ruptures, causing pelvic pain.

Cancer

Sometimes, pelvic pain is caused by cancerous tumors in any of the reproductive or urinary tract systems. 

Pelvic pain can affect your quality of life and lead to complications if not treated. Find out what’s causing your pelvic pain by scheduling an appointment with OB/GYN Specialists today. Call us at 940-202-0566.