Chronic Abdominal Pain 101: Common Causes
Abdominal pain or Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) may affect about 15% of childbearing women in the US, according to the National Institutes of Health. Abdominal pain has been so normalized for women, it is estimated that only a third of affected women seek help, and about 50% of cases go undiagnosed.
What complicates CPP is that it usually presents simultaneously with other conditions such as pelvic floor tension myalgia, vulvodynia, ovarian cysts, bacterial vaginosis, or even a combination of conditions. The pain could be intermittent or ongoing; it can be triggered after prolonged sitting or sexual intercourse and can be linked with menstrual cycles.
Last month, we talked about some of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain. This month, we’re tackling more reasons why you may be suffering from chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. These causes, too, can be diagnosed and treated when you visit a caring physician who listens to your concerns.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition in women between the ages of 15-44.
The cause of BV is unknown, but we know that the condition usually occurs in sexually active women and is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria generally found in a woman’s vagina. Having a new sexual partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, increases the risk. BV can also increase your chances of getting STDs.
BV rarely affects women who have never had sex and you can’t get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
Not all women with BV experience symptoms, but common indications include:
A thin white or gray vaginal discharge
Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
Burning when urinating
Itching around the outside of the vagina
What is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition of the vulva, the outer female genitals including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. It is the leading cause of painful sex among women who haven’t gone through menopause. Many women don’t discuss the problem with their doctor, and It’s easy for doctors to diagnose vulvodynia as something else.
There are two main types. Generalized vulvodynia is a pain in different areas of the vulva. Localized vulvodynia is a pain in one area of the vulva.
Symptoms of vulvodynia include but are not limited to:
Burning, stinging, or rawness
Aching, soreness, or throbbing
Itching
Inflamed or swollen vulva (not always present)
Burning is the most common symptom. It has been described as a knife-like pain or acid-burning sensation.
What is Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia?
Pelvic floor tension myalgia, or pelvic floor dysfunction, is chronic pelvic pain caused by the inability to control your pelvic floor muscles. The muscles feel tight and constantly contracted; it is uncomfortable and can lead to long-term damage.
Pelvic floor muscles support your reproductive organs and bladder. Typically, these muscles tense and relax as needed; however, the pelvic floor muscles can spasm or remain in a state of tension.
Symptoms may include:
Pain that intensifies with specific movements or that is relieved by repositioning the body
Pain during sexual intercourse
Difficulty urinating
Frequent or painful urination
Urinary incontinence
Difficulty passing stool
Bloating and constipation
Lower back pain
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts can be either solid or fluid-filled pockets in or on your ovary. They are common, especially in women who are pregnant or who haven’t gone through menopause yet.
Typically, the cysts are painless and harmless. You could get them every month as part of your menstrual cycle. You may never know the cysts are there—in fact, most cysts go away independently without treatment. If the cyst doesn’t go away or gets bigger, however, it can become painful.
There’s also the possibility of cancer, but this is very rare. The chances of cancer go up after menopause.
Most ovarian cysts are small and don’t cause any problems. When there are symptoms, you might have pressure, bloating, swelling, or pain in one side of your lower belly. This pain may be sharp or dull, and it can come and go.
See your doctor right away if you have:
Sudden, severe belly pain
Pain with fever
Vomiting
Dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint
Fast breathing
These symptoms could mean your cyst has burst or caused the ovary to twist.
Chronic Abdominal Pain Can Be Treated
Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain, no matter what form it takes, can be scary. To make things worse, it can cause serious quality of life issues that can impact the ability to perform daily functions and enjoy life to the fullest. But you don’t have to live with uncomfortable symptoms—talk to a trusted physician today to begin the journey to a pain-free life.
Are you experiencing Chronic Pelvic Pain? Make an appointment today!
As a Statesboro Women’s Health Specialist and Director of Statesboro Women’s Surgery Center, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan has spent his life helping women with chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Sullivan is a member of the American Academy of Pain Management and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. If you’re ready to live without abdominal pain, call (912) 871-2000 or visit us online here.