Pelvic pain is no laughing matter, and let’s be real – it’s not exactly a walk in the park, either. If you’re experiencing burning and throbbing down there, you’re probably wondering what the heck is going on! Well, ladies, let’s wonder no more and shed some light on the situation.
First things first, let’s talk about some possible causes of pelvic pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes include:
- Endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside of it)
- Interstitial cystitis (a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the reproductive organs)
- Vulvodynia (chronic pain and discomfort in the vulva)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It’s important to note that pelvic pain can also be caused by other serious conditions, such as ovarian cancer, so it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing ongoing pain.
Now, onto the better news: what can you do to get some relief?:
- Try some home remedies: Heat therapy can be a lifesaver when it comes to pelvic pain. Try using a heating pad or taking a warm bath to help relax your muscles and ease the pain. There are also some amazing gentle products and specific pelvic pain exercise guides available that can bring relief to your discomfort, depending on the type and severity of your pain.
- Keep a pain diary: This may sound tedious, but it can be incredibly helpful in pinpointing the cause of your pain. Keep track of when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and what you were doing at the time. This information can be invaluable to your healthcare provider when trying to get a more accurate picture of what’s going on.
- Don’t be afraid to seek help: Pelvic pain can be a difficult, and for some, an embarrassing thing to deal with. It’s important to know that it is not uncommon, you’re not the first to experience this, and you deserve to live your life free from pain and discomfort. Don’t be afraid to take that step and talk to your doctor or a specialist, such as a gynecologist, pelvic pain therapist or urologist. They’ll be able to help you find the best course of treatment for your particular situation.
Let’s face it, pelvic pain may not be the most glamorous topic to chat with a group of friends or family about, but we should, because 1 in 3 women will experience some form of pelvic health issue in their lifetime. It’s therefore important we shake off stigma or any feelings of shame, your pelvic health is an important function of your amazing body. So understand what may be causing your pain and what steps you can take to find relief. Remember, there are no medals for suffering in silence!
Sources:
- The Neuroscience of Pain
- Pelvic Pain, Mayo Clinic
- Slideshow: What’s Causing Your Pelvic Pain?, WebMD
- Evaluation and Treatment of Female Sexual Pain: A Clinical Review, Monitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler, National Library of Medicine
- Treating Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Disclaimer: Pelvic issues are serious conditions and should be treated accordingly. Peli health’s attempt at making the tone funny is to lighten the mood and help the reader feel more relaxed when reading about this subject. We are not medical doctors. We do not diagnose illness. The information on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. nor does it constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
