Overview
Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of your abdomen and pelvis. In women, pelvic pain might refer to symptoms arising from the reproductive, urinary or digestive systems, or from musculoskeletal sources.
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 sometimes radiate to your lower back, buttocks or thighs. Sometimes, you might notice pelvic pain only at certain times, such as when you urinate or during sexual activity.
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.
Occasionally, pelvic pain might be caused by irritation of nerves in the pelvis.
Examples of possible causes of pelvic pain — in women or men — include:
- Appendicitis
- Colon cancer
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
- Diverticulitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Inguinal hernia
- Interstitial cystitis (also called painful bladder syndrome)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Kidney stones
- Pelvic floor muscle spasms
- Prostatitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)