Pelvic Pain: What Could Be Causing It?

What Is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, groin, or lower back area. It can be:

• Sudden or gradual in onset
• Mild, moderate, or severe
• Constant or intermittent
• Sharp, dull, aching, or cramping

The symptoms may occur occasionally or become a persistent problem that affects daily activities, exercise, work, and overall quality of life.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women

Endometriosis – Endometriosis occurs when tissue like the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful periods
• Pelvic pain between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain when using the toilet
• Difficulty conceiving

Early diagnosis can help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve quality of life.

Ovarian Cysts – Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries.

While many cysts cause no symptoms, some can lead to:

• Pelvic pain
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Pain during intercourse

If a cyst ruptures or twists, urgent medical assessment may be required.

Fibroids – Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb.

Symptoms may include:

• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Frequent urination
• Lower back pain

Large fibroids can significantly affect comfort and daily activities.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs.

Symptoms can include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Irregular bleeding

Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of complications.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Men

Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause pelvic discomfort and urinary symptoms.

Signs may include:

• Pain in the pelvis or groin
• Painful urination
• Difficulty passing urine
• Discomfort when sitting

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Hernias – A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area of muscle, often in the groin.

Symptoms may include:

• A noticeable lump
• Pelvic or groin pain
• Discomfort when lifting or exercising
• A feeling of heaviness

Some hernias may require surgical treatment.

Pelvic Pain Caused by Muscles and Joints – Not all pelvic pain originates from internal organs.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles become weak, overactive, or injured, they can cause:

• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Bladder symptoms
• Bowel issues
• Pain during physical activity

Specialist assessment and physiotherapy can often help improve symptoms.

Musculoskeletal Problems – Conditions affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves around the pelvis can result in ongoing pain.

Possible causes include:

• Sports injuries
• Hip problems
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Lower back conditions
• Nerve irritation

These conditions may require assessment by orthopaedic specialists or physiotherapists.

Digestive Causes of Pelvic Pain – Several gastrointestinal conditions can cause discomfort in the pelvic region.

These include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diverticular disease
• Constipation
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms often occur alongside:

• Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain
• Digestive discomfort

Urinary Causes of Pelvic Pain – Conditions affecting the bladder and urinary tract may also contribute to pelvic pain.

Common examples include:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Symptoms may include:

• Burning when passing urine
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic discomfort
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Interstitial Cystitis – Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this chronic condition can cause:

• Pelvic pain
• Bladder pressure
• Frequent urination
• Urgency to urinate

Specialist assessment is often needed for diagnosis.

You should seek medical advice if pelvic pain:

• Persists for more than a few days
• Continues to return
• Is becoming more severe
• Interferes with daily life
• Occurs alongside unusual bleeding
• Causes urinary or bowel symptoms
• Is associated with a lump or swelling
• Develops suddenly and severely

Early diagnosis is often key to identifying the underlying cause and accessing effective treatment.

How Sussex Premier Health Can Help

At Sussex Premier Health, our consultants provide expert assessment for a wide range of conditions affecting the pelvis, abdomen, urinary system, and reproductive health.

Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include:

• Specialist consultations
• Ultrasound scans
• MRI scans
• Diagnostic imaging
• Blood tests
• Gynaecological assessments
• Urological assessments