Chronic Pelvic Pain 101: Common Causes

Chronic pelvic pain is defined as pain that occurs in the area below your belly button and between your hips and lasts six months or longer. Chronic pelvic pain can be a symptom of another disease or a condition in its own right. Many women, however, suffer this pain in silence as physicians struggle to diagnose or even listen to symptoms.

It’s true that there are different reasons you could be having pelvic pain. However, many of these conditions can be properly diagnosed and treated by a compassionate physician. Read on to learn more about some of the most common causes of pelvic pain, such as Endometriosis, PID, Pelvic Congestion, and Interstitial Cystitis.

What is Endometriosis?

 Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition that happens when tissue similar to the uterus lining is found outside of the uterus. Some locations of endometrial implants include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, and tissue covering the bladder and rectum. It is an all-encompassing disease, not just some pain while you are on your period. It is known as the invisible disease, affecting millions of women. It is invisible because there are no outward indications that a woman is affected by endometriosis.

Every woman has her own journey with Endometriosis as it is not a one size fits all kind of issue. Women may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Severe period cramps

  • Chronic pelvic pain that comes and goes (throughout the menstrual cycle)

  • Painful urination 

  • Diarrhea or constipation 

  • Pelvic pain with exercise

  • Pain after a pelvic exam

  • Pain with intercourse 

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, occurs when female reproductive organs become infected. Reproductive organs affected by PID include the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. 

More than 1 million women in the U.S. get PID each year. Most people get PID through unprotected sex; however, 15% of these infections are not sexually transmitted. Sex may allow bacteria to enter the reproductive system, where they can infect the organs.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdomen.

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge.

  • Chills or fever.

  • Nausea and vomiting.

  • Pain during sex.

  • Burning when you urinate.

  • Irregular periods or having spotting or cramping throughout the month.

 What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the groin. PCS is often linked with varicose veins in the lower abdomen, groin, and ovaries.

An estimated 15 % of women are believed to have varicose veins somewhere in the lower abdominal region. Some of them remain asymptomatic. Typically, women between the ages of 20 to 45 are at risk of developing this condition, especially if they have multiple pregnancies. 

Some symptoms are:

  • Backache

  • Bleeding abnormally during menstruation

  • Depression

  • Painful menstrual periods

  • Painful sexual intercourse

  • Lethargy

  • vaginal discharge

  • varicose veins around the buttocks, legs, and the vulvar region

  • Tender abdomen

  • Vaginal swelling 

What is Interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is an inflamed or irritated bladder wall, and it can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. The bladder can’t hold as much urine as it did in the past,  causing or contributing to the symptoms of this chronic disorder.

Cystitis is bladder inflammation usually caused by an infection, in which case it’s called a urinary tract infection. It can affect any part of the urinary system such as the urethra, bladder, or kidneys.

Cystitis is the most common UTI, and it usually affects women. While cystitis isn't usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics, it can travel from the bladder to the kidneys, where it can cause more severe symptoms.

 Most people with IC find that certain foods make their symptoms worse. These include:

  • Citrus fruits

  • Tomatoes

  • Chocolate

  • Coffee

  • Potassium-rich foods

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Caffeinated beverages

  • Spicy foods

  • Some carbonated beverages

Common Symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination

  • Urgency with urination

  • Feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum (perineum)

  • Pain during sex

  • Symptoms may worsen around their period 

Are you experiencing Chronic Pelvic Pain? Make an appointment today!

As Director of Statesboro Women’s Surgery Center and Statesboro Women’s Health Specialists, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan has spent decades helping women with their chronic pelvic pain. Treatment methods vary to include medicines, hormonal treatments, minimally invasive surgeries, and holistic approaches. Dr. Sullivan is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American Academy of Pain Management.

Dr. Gary B. Sullivan: Chronic Abdominal Pain Diagnosis & Treatment

In every form, chronic abdominal pain can be frightening. Worst still, it can cause serious quality of life changes that impact our ability to perform daily functions and enjoy our lives to the fullest. To finally put an end to or manage your chronic pain, call Gary B. Sullivan to schedule an appointment today at (912) 871-2000 or visit us online here. 


pelvic painJennifer Sullivanchronic pain, pelvic pain, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic congestion syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease