Experiencing pelvic pain can be due to a variety of causes
Pelvic Pain in Women
Pelvic pain is discomfort experienced in the region below the navel in the lower abdomen, including the sex organs. Experiencing pelvic pain can be due to a variety of reasons, each one involving specific treatment to remedy the discomfort. Reasons can include menstrual cramps and painful ovulation to diseases such as appendicitis. For most people, a specialist medical professional like gynaecologist Dr Sharon Li should investigate pelvic pain.
Painful Ovulation, PMS and Menstrual Cramps
Short-term pelvic pain that occurs during ovulation is called mittelschmerz. This pain occurs just before, and during ovulation as the membrane that covers the ovary stretches to release the egg. The blood and fluid that are released during ovulation also may cause discomfort or pain. This type of discomfort usually resolves itself and does not require medical assistance, however, Dr Sharon Li may suggest a mild painkiller to help with any short term discomfort.
PMS pain
In contrast to painful ovulation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) presents longer-term pain that is usually experienced in the lower back, lower abdominal area and may be accompanied by headaches and tender breasts. You may be prescribed medication to help alleviate these symptoms as well as possibly suggest some lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.
Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps, on the other hand, is described as a pelvic pain that occurs when the uterus contracts to remove the blood and endometrial lining that accumulates monthly when an embryo is not implanted in the uterus. The pain may last about 1 to 7 days during a female’s menstrual cycle and can be treated with lifestyle changes as well as prescribed and over-the-counter medication.
Secondary Menstrual Cramps
These types of menstrual cramps are associated with other underlying issues such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease etc.
Endometriosis
This is a painful disorder where tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Endometriosis can cause severe pain particularly during your period. There are effective treatments available for this condition ranging from prescribed medication to surgical procedures aimed at destroying the endometriosis deposits via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) which is performed by Dr Sharon Li.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled areas within the ovary formed by fluid that accumulates when a follicle fails to release an egg, or when the follicle recloses after egg release. Although most cysts resolve on their own, some may require treatment via prescription medication or surgery to remove the cysts.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
This disease is an infection and inflammation of a woman’s pelvic organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia, however some types of bacteria may be responsible. The treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease involves antibiotics.
Pelvic Pain Brisbane & Gold Coast
Pelvic pain can range from mild to severe, fortunately, there are several treatment options available if you are experiencing this type of discomfort. For medical advice on alleviating pelvic pain, click here to book a consultation with Dr Sharon Li.