Pelvic pain is extremely common and has many underlying causes.
If you were asked to locate the pain, you’d probably sweep your hand over the entire lower abdomen area rather than point to one specific spot. It can be steady or it might come and go.
If you have severe pain, it is likely to get in the way of your daily activities, and cause you confusion and concern, so here are a few facts to help you understand the condition and erase your fears:
Gynecological problems are the main source of pelvic pain
Several gynecological problems are actually root causes of chronic pain. In addition to gynecological problems, other health disorders which cause pelvic pain include irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
Other common causes of chronic pain include tension in pelvic floor muscles, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian remnant, pelvic congestion syndrome, endometriosis and fibroids.
Pelvic pain is not absolutely restricted to one specific spot
For most people, this is a very common pattern with pelvic pain. If your pain moves from one part to another, over time, it doesn’t mean that it is not real. Many sufferers think that they are imagining that the pain is moving to another place.
But, pain caused due to endometriosis, for example, can constantly tense your abdominal muscles. In this case, you may feel that the pain has moved from where it was initially, but, in essence, more than one part of your body was involved in causing the intense pain. Ultimately, it is quite possible that the pain gradually moves to another place.
Psychological factors also contribute to pelvic pain
Though it manifests itself in a physical way, much pelvic pain is related to depression and stress. While these negative states of mind may not actually cause the pain, it can get much worse when you are depressed or suffering from severe stress.
Other than depression and stress, psychological factors which contribute to pelvic pain include sexual or physical abuse and emotional trauma. Emotional trauma intensifies the pain, which causes a vicious circle, as the pain causes more emotional distress.
If you are inclined to seek practical reasons and solutions, remember not to overlook underlying emotional causes. Try to avoid over-stretching yourself, particularly during your regular menstrual cycle.
If you are suffering from persistent pain or if your symptoms seem to be getting worse, immediately consult your personal doctor and seek medical attention before it gets out of hand.
