When you were a child, probably a week didn’t go by when you didn’t complain of having tummy ache. Your mom might have given you coke syrup, given you a pep talk before a big test, or perhaps even scolded you for eating too much of the pizza. But as you got older, you began to realize there was a lot more to a stomachache than just not wanting to take an algebra exam or eating too much fast food.
In fact, you realized that what you used to refer to as your stomach – the pelvic region – actually includes your abdomen, bowels, and bladder; for women, it also includes the uterus and ovaries. And the one thing you don’t procrastinate with is pelvic pain.
The pelvic region is the lower part of the trunk, forming the base of the spine, as well as the sockets of the hip joints. A woman’s pelvis is usually wider and lower than a man’s pelvis.
Men and women may suffer from pelvic pain due to a number of conditions, including:
· Urinary Tract Infections. UTIs cause pelvic pain in the urinary tract. Symptoms include fever and nausea. Most all UTIs respond to antibiotics, so do not procrastinate and seek medical care as soon as possible.
· Kidney Stones occur when crystals formed in the kidney or ureters do not get passed during urination. Kidney stones can be very painful, so seek medical attention to have them broken up or removed surgically.
· Appendicitis involves the inflammation or infection of the appendix. If you are experiencing pain in the right side of your pelvis, which is accompanied by nausea, fever, and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Should your appendix burst, it could infect the peritoneum causing peritonitis, a life-threatening condition.
· Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a chronic disease of the pelvic and abdominal area that causes painful cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. If your symptoms become so acute that they impact your quality of life, your doctor can prescribe medication, or may refer you to a nutritionist or therapist if the symptoms are diet- or stress-related.
· Interstitial Cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition in which patients feel pain or pressure in their bladder area. Additional symptoms include increased urination frequency, painful sexual intercourse for women, and discomfort in the penis or scrotum for men.
Causes of pelvic pain that only occur in women include:
· Secondary Menstrual Cramps. Primary menstrual cramps are common and accepted as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. While uncomfortable, primary cramps are temporary and can be relieved with heating pads, exercise, sleep, hydration, and anti-inflammatory medications. Secondary menstrual cramps, however, are more problematic and could be the sign of a condition or disease such as endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Do not procrastinate if your pain does not resolve itself during the first few days of your period, or if the pain persists throughout the month.
· Ectopic Pregnancy. When an embryo develops outside the uterus, it’s called an ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, sharp pain, and nausea. Do not procrastinate if you believe you may be pregnant. If a Fallopian tube ruptures, it is considered a life-threatening medical emergency and medical treatment should be sought immediately.
· Ovarian Cysts are filled with fluid and formed within the ovary when the follicle fails to release the egg. Symptoms include irregular menstruation, pressure in the pelvic region, and sharp pains. Do not procrastinate if the pain become acute – while some cysts resolve on their own, more persistent cysts may require medication or surgery.
· Fibroids are tumors that grow on the uterine wall. While they almost always are benign, they can cause pain and interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. Do not procrastinate if the pain become too severe; fibroids may require medication or surgical removal.
· Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The tissue can also attach to other organs, including the ovaries, intestines, and bladder. Over time, the tissue breaks down but may leave remnants that cause pelvic pain. Seek medical care if you have this condition, as surgery or medication will be required.
Pelvic pain is not always a cause for alarm; however, many conditions that cause it require medical attention. Do not procrastinate if you believe you are experiencing any of the above or similar symptoms in your pelvic region.
Contact the experts at Ironwood Urology who can determine the severity of your condition and ensure proper action is taken. To learn more, call Dr. Desi Avila Jr. at (480) 961-2323, or request an appointment online.
