By EKalman April 28, 2025 - 1:57am

Pelvic discomfort is commonly characterized as a dull aching, soreness, or pressure in the abdomen beneath the navel. The pain may be persistent or intermittent. Other symptoms may include irregular vaginal bleeding and lower back pain. Treatments for pelvic pain vary due to the wide range of possible reasons.

6 common causes of pelvic pain
There are numerous reasons for pelvic pain, including:

1. Constipation
Constipation can cause pelvic pain, particularly when it affects the lower intestine. This type of pain typically goes away when a person has a bowel movement.

2. Other intestinal problems
Other intestinal problems may produce pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. This includes:
- diverticulitis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- ulcerative colitis

3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue comparable to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue can leak during a person's menstrual cycle and adhere to other organs, producing discomfort and other symptoms.

The pain is determined by the position of the tissue implants. While some women have symptoms just during menstruation, others feel pain at other times during their period.

4. Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They may produce pain throughout the pelvis and lower back.

Fibroids can also produce rectal or bladder pressure and the sensation of wanting to use the restroom more frequently.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection that affects the female reproductive tissues. It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

PID causes pelvic or low back pain, abnormalities in menstrual cycles, and atypical vaginal discharge.
6. Ovulation pain
Ovulation pain, also known as "mittelschmerz," is a mild to severe discomfort experienced during the middle of a menstrual cycle.

Ovulation pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. The discomfort could seem like a cramp or be intense and quick. It does not indicate any underlying concern.

6 ways to ease your chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as discomfort in the area below your belly button and between your hips that lasts at least 6 months. It could be caused by various conditions (reproductive, urinary, and digestive), or it could be completely unrelated. If you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain, visit your doctor. They'll work to figure out what's causing it. In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to feel better. This article describes six of them.

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers.
Taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an excellent initial step toward CPP alleviation. Take these as prescribed to minimize swelling, which can lead to chronic pelvic pain.

2. Get moving.
It may be difficult to consider exercising when you feel unable to leave the couch—but you must. Exercise promotes blood flow. Furthermore, when you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals, which doctors refer to as "endorphins." These are your body's natural painkillers. Just 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise, such as fast walking, five or six days per week can help ease your discomfort.

3. Take the heat.
It improves blood flow, which may help alleviate your pain. Sit in a tub of warm water to get relief during flare-ups. If you don't have a bathtub, you can use a heating pad or warm compress on your tummy instead.

4. Make a change.
Simply changing some of your routines can help you feel less discomfort. If you smoke, you should stop. Nicotine, the main element in tobacco products, inflames nerves and causes discomfort. If you are overweight, losing weight may help decrease nerve pressure and, as a result, reduce discomfort.

5. Try supplements.
Chronic pelvic discomfort is sometimes associated with low blood levels of important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D, vitamin E, and magnesium supplements may help relieve persistent pelvic pain. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter nutritional supplements. Herbs may also provide relief from chronic pain. Dong quai, licorice, evening primrose oil, and willow all have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Again, consult your doctor before taking any herbs.

6. Relax.
Meditation, yoga, and even deep breathing techniques can help to relieve the stress and tension that can exacerbate chronic pain. Another benefit: they may help you sleep better.