The female pelvic region has various organs and structures, such as the uterus (womb), cervix, vagina, ovaries, and vulva. Also, it provides support for your intestines. Generally, pelvic pain and discomfort emanate from normal reproductive processes, especially period or ovulation pain. However, consult your doctor if you suspect a serious, unusual condition is causing pelvic pain. Dr. Leela Patel South Charleston will evaluate your symptoms, review your health history, and perform a pelvic examination to diagnose the specific cause of your pelvic pain and discomfort.
Remember, if you leave pelvic pain untreated for a long time, the underlying condition can worsen, and thus, treatment becomes difficult, or you will have to live with chronic pain.
Below are common serious female health problems that can cause pain and discomfort in your pelvic region.
- Endometriosis
The Office on Women’s Health reports that over 6.5 million American women have endometriosis. This condition involves the endometrial lining, which covers the walls of the uterus, occurring in other organs, particularly the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Each month, the endometrial tissue becomes thicker and enriches itself with blood to make it ready to hold a fertilized egg and support the growth and development of the fetus.
If you do not get pregnant after ovulation, the additional blood and tissue become unnecessary and are released through menstruation.
- Cystic ovarian mass
Also called ovarian cysts, cystic ovarian masses are very common among women. Ovarian cysts are small sacs or pockets filled with semisolid material or fluid formed in or on one or both ovaries.
Usually, they are harmless or only cause slight discomfort. The cysts will often disappear within one or two months without treatment.
However, if ovarian cysts do not disappear within a few months or even twist and rupture, they can cause severe symptoms and complications.
For example, an ovarian cyst that twists and ruptures can cause severe bleeding and pain in the pelvis. An ovarian cyst is at higher risk of twisting and bursting if it is larger.
Moreover, a larger ovarian cyst can cause painful ovary twisting.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection affecting your reproductive organs. It can affect the vagina, womb, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
Sexually transmitted infections are the typical cause of pelvic inflammatory disease. Without prompt treatment, you risk complications like infertility.
- Ectopic pregnancy
Also called extrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy involves the implantation of a fertilized egg away from your womb, especially in the fallopian tube.
If a fertilized egg grows outside your uterus, it will cause damage to adjacent organs leading to irregular bleeding and abdominal pain.
- Uterine fibroids
These abnormal, non-cancerous growths, consisting of uterine muscle and tissue, develop in the uterus during the childbearing years. They tend to shrink and disappear when you reach menopause.
See your doctor immediately if uterine fibroids are causing long-lasting pelvic pain, bleeding between your menstrual cycles, and making it difficult to empty the bladder.
Contact Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc. today to schedule a consultation with a pelvic pain specialist.
