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Pelvic pain is a common concern for many women, but it’s often misunderstood or dismissed. At The Female Health Doctor Clinic in Milton Keynes, we’re passionate about empowering women with evidence-based advice and personalised care. In this guide, we’ll explore what pelvic pain is, what causes it, and how you can find relief.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain refers to any discomfort, aching, or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It can be occasional or constant, dull or sharp, and may feel burning, crampy, or stabbing. Pelvic pain can affect your daily life and is sometimes a sign that something else is going on with your health.
What Causes Pelvic Pain in Women?
Pelvic pain can arise from several different body systems, including the reproductive organs, bladder, bowel, muscles, joints, or nerves. Here are some of the most common causes:
Gynaecological Causes
- Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, causing painful periods, pain during sex, and sometimes fertility problems.
- Adenomyosis: Like with endometriosis, tissue similar to the womb lining grows in the wrong place, not outside the uterus, but into the muscle wall, leading to heavy, painful periods.
- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. Most are harmless, but some can burst or twist (ovarian torsion), causing sudden, severe pain.
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pressure, heavy periods, and pelvic pain.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs, often from an STI, causing pain, fever, and unusual discharge.
- Period Cramps (Dysmenorrhoea): Severe or worsening cramps may be linked to conditions like endometriosis.
Bladder and Urinary Causes
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Cause pelvic pain, burning when urinating, and increased frequency.
- Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome): Chronic pelvic pain, bladder pressure, and frequent urge to urinate.
- Kidney Stones: Sharp pain that may radiate from the kidney into the pelvis.
Digestive System Causes
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Causes cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Constipation: Straining can lead to pelvic pressure and pain.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
- Appendicitis: Sudden, sharp pain on the right lower side; seek urgent care.
Muscle, Joint, and Nerve Causes
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weak or tight pelvic muscles can cause pain and discomfort during sex or toileting.
- Myofascial Pain: Tight or knotted pelvic muscles cause aching, especially when sitting or moving.
- Hip or Back Issues: Pain from arthritis or joint strain can radiate into the pelvis.
- Pudendal Neuralgia: Irritation or compression of the pudendal nerve causes burning, tingling, or sharp pain.
- Trapped Nerves: Surgery, injury, or muscle tension can lead to stabbing pelvic pain.
Pregnancy-Related Causes
- Round Ligament Pain: Sharp pain from stretching ligaments.
- Pelvic Girdle Pain: Discomfort due to joint changes in pregnancy.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilised egg implants outside the womb and requires urgent medical attention.
Mind-Body Connection
Chronic pelvic pain isn’t always due to a single physical cause. Central sensitisation (the body becoming extra sensitive to pain) can play a role, as can mental health, anxiety, or past trauma. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health in managing pelvic pain.
When Should You See a Doctor About Pelvic Pain?
Contact your GP or a women’s health specialist if:
- Your pelvic pain is severe, sudden, or persistent
- It interferes with your daily activities
- You have symptoms like fever, unusual bleeding, or changes in bowel/bladder habits
You may need investigations like ultrasound, blood tests, or a referral to a specialist to find the cause.
How We Can Help
At The Female Health Doctor Clinic, our Pelvic Pain Package is designed to investigate many of these causes and provide personalised care. You don’t have to suffer in silence—support and answers are available.
Ready to get help? Book a consultation or learn more about our Pelvic Pain Package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pelvic Pain
What are the most common causes of pelvic pain in women?
Gynaecological conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids are common, but bladder, bowel, and musculoskeletal problems can also cause pelvic pain.
Can stress make pelvic pain worse?
Yes, stress and anxiety can heighten pain sensitivity and make symptoms worse.
Is pelvic pain always serious?
Not always, but sudden, severe, or persistent pain should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic pain can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With the right care and support, things can and do get better. Don’t wait, reach out for help today.
Until next time,
Dr Nikki
Resources on Pelvic Pain & Women’s Health
-
NHS – Pelvic Pain
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-pain/ -
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) – Acute & Chronic Pelvic Pain
https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/acute-and-chronic-pelvic-pain-patient-information-leaflet/ -
British Menopause Society – Resources
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-patient-information-leaflets/ -
Endometriosis UK – What is Endometriosis?
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ -
Women’s Health Concern (part of BMS) – Gynaecological Health
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/ -
Tommy’s – Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pelvic-pain-pregnancy -
The Eve Appeal – Gynaecological Cancer Awareness
https://eveappeal.org.uk/ -
Versus Arthritis – Pelvic Pain and Musculoskeletal Causes
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/pelvic-pain/
