Pelvic pain

Updated: 2021-07-03

Definition

Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of your abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic pain might refer to symptoms arising from the reproductive, urinary or digestive systems, or from muscles and ligaments in the pelvis.

Depending on its source, pelvic pain can be dull or sharp; it might be constant or off and on (intermittent); and it might be mild, moderate or severe. Pelvic pain can spread to your lower back, buttocks or thighs. You might notice pelvic pain only at certain times, such as when you use the bathroom or have sex.

Pelvic pain can occur suddenly, sharply and briefly (acute) or over the long term (chronic). Chronic pelvic pain refers to any constant or intermittent pelvic pain that has been present for six months or more.

Causes

Several types of diseases and conditions can cause pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain can result from more than one condition.

Pelvic pain can arise from your digestive, reproductive or urinary system. Recently, doctors have recognized that some pelvic pain, particularly chronic pelvic pain, can also arise from muscles and connective tissue (ligaments) in the structures of the pelvic floor.

Pelvic pain might also be caused by irritation of nerves in the pelvis.

Female reproductive system

Pelvic pain arising from the female reproductive system might be caused by conditions such as:

• Adenomyosis
• Ectopic pregnancy (or other pregnancy-related conditions)
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Miscarriage (before the 20th week) or intrauterine fetal death
• Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain)
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine fibroids
• Vulvodynia

Other causes in women or men

Examples of other possible causes of pelvic pain — in women or men — include:

• Appendicitis
• Colon cancer
• Constipation
• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Inguinal hernia
• Interstitial cystitis (also called painful bladder syndrome)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Kidney stones
• Past physical or sexual abuse
• Pelvic floor muscle spasms
• Prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate)
• Ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

When to see a doctor

Sudden and severe pelvic pain could be a medical emergency. Seek prompt medical attention.

Be sure to get pelvic pain checked by your doctor if it's new, it disrupts your daily life, or it gets worse over time.