pelvic pain

How to treat chronic pelvic pain in women

Fact Checked

Pelvic pain among women is pain felt below the belly button of a woman. It can be categorized as chronic pain or long-lasting if present for at least 6 months. The pain varies for each woman. In addition, the pain can be severe which makes it hard to sleep, work and enjoy life.

Causes of pelvic pain

  • Endometriosis is a condition where the tissues that line the uterus grows outside and result to accumulation of tissue in the abdomen causing cysts and adhesions.
  • Tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor. Lactic acid accumulates in the area and result to sharp and dull excruciating pain.
  • Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
    Pelvic pain
    A persistent, intermittent, constant, aching and cramping pain felt in the pelvis.
  • Ovarian residue during surgical operation such as complete hysterectomy or removal of fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.
  • Fibroids which are benign growths found in the uterus which puts significant pressure on the lower abdomen.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome which cause discomfort and pressure on the pelvic area.
  • Interstitial cystitis is chronic swelling of the bladder and there is an urge to urinate regularly.
  • Psychological factors such as stress and depression.

Symptoms

  • A persistent, intermittent, constant, aching and cramping pain felt in the pelvis.
  • A growing cyst puts plenty of pressure on the pelvis.
  • Pain when urinating and during bowel movement. The pressure exerted when urinating and bowel movement causes pelvic pain.
  • Pain after long hours of sitting and standing that lying down lessens

Treatment

  • Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lessen the pain and inflammation.
  • Apply a combination of heat and cold compress on the affected area to lessen the pain and inflammation. Another option is taking a hot bath to relax the muscles and lessen the pain and cramping.
  • Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower belly to promote proper flow of blood in the area and relieve pelvic pain. In addition, avoid sleeping with a heating pad or hot water bottle in the afffected to prevent burns.
  • Elevate the legs when lying down to lessen the pain in the back. Elevate the legs by placing a couple of pillows under the knees and when lying on the side, bring the knees toward the chest to lessen pain.
  • Perform some relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation to lessen stress.
  • Perform regular exercises every day to increase the flow of blood and lessen pain. Seek the help of the physical therapist for some stretching exercises, massage and other relaxation techniques to improve chronic pelvic pain.

FACT CHECK

https://www.webmd.com/women/features/relief-from-chronic-pelvic-pain#1

https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/causes-symptoms-chronic-pelvic-pain#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-pelvic-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20354368

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