Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain may include:

• Severe cramping during periods 
• Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding 
• Pain during sex 
• Pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement 
• Pain in certain postures or positions 

The pain can range from mild to severe or from dull to sharp.

Pelvic pain may be caused by problems in the reproductive system. These include endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Other causes include scar tissue in the pelvic area after an infection or surgery, urinary or bowel diseases, and problems with the muscles, joints and ligaments in the pelvis, lower back or hips.

Your doctor will ask about your health and symptoms and do a pelvic exam to check for problems with your reproductive system. You may have tests, such as blood and urine tests to check for infection.

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause. Common treatments include birth control pills or hormone treatment for problems related to your periods, or surgery to remove a growth, cyst or tumor. You may also receive medicine to relieve pain or to help treat the problem that is causing the pain.