Most people tend to confuse pelvic pain with period pain. The pain you experience below your belly button and above your legs may not necessarily be caused by a painful menstrual cycle.
Most people who suffer from chronic pelvic pain experience discomfort on most days for six months or more. So if you or your loved one feels pain in the pelvic area more than usual, it is advisable to seek help from the team at Chicago Center for Women's Health that strives to help women experiencing pelvic pain in Naperville.
What Are The Causes Of Pelvic Pain?
Acute and chronic pelvic pain can be caused by several factors including:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is a disease that attacks the female reproductive organs. The condition is caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. At first, you will hardly experience the symptoms. But when the STDs are left untreated, PID can cause severe complications such as chronic and severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen.
Endometriosis
Woman holding stomach in pain
Any woman of the reproductive age stands the risk of contracting endometriosis. The condition occurs when the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. With time, the tissue affects the uterus, causing it to thicken and shed during the menstrual cycle.
Suffering from endometriosis can cause a woman to experience mild to severe pain. It gets worse when you are on periods. It can also happen during intercourse, or when the bowel or bladder moves. Though the pain is centered in the pelvic region, it can also extend into the abdomen.
When left untreated, endometriosis can cause infertility. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications or refer you to a surgeon to perform a laparoscopy to relieve you from the pain.
Ovulation
A process where an egg is being released from the ovary is called ovulation. If you experience pain during this period, chances are you could be suffering from a condition known as mittelschmerz. The condition is treatable using OTC pain medications.
Menstruation
Menstruation or cramps can also cause pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Most women suffering from this condition may use over-the-counter medications to relieve them from the pain.
If you experience pain before your periods start, you could suffer from a condition known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Pain that is so severe that it can affect your daily activities is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
So whether you have PMS or PMDD accompanied by other symptoms, it would be best to see a gynecological expert or a pelvic pain specialist for assistance.
When To See A Pelvic Pain Specialist
Pelvic pain, whether moderate or severe, can affect how you perform your daily tasks. Do not ignore the warning signs, no matter how frequent they are. Chances are the pelvic pain could be a symptom of an underlying disease or condition.
By seeing a pelvic pain specialist, you will rest assured that your days will be better. To learn more about the causes of pelvic pain and treatments, book an appointment online with your experienced doctor