Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of the stomach area and pelvis. It can refer to symptoms that come from the:
Pelvic pain also can refer to symptoms that come from muscles and connective tissue called ligaments in the pelvis.
Depending on its source, the pain can be:
The pain can spread to the lower back, buttocks or thighs. You might notice it only at certain times, such as when you use the bathroom or have sex.
Pelvic pain can come on suddenly. It may be sharp and last for a short time, also known as acute pain. Or it can last a long time and happen over and over again. This is called chronic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is any constant or off-and-on pelvic pain that lasts six months or more.
Many types of diseases and other health conditions can cause pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain can be due to more than one condition.
Pelvic pain can start in the digestive, reproductive or urinary systems. Some pelvic pain also can come from certain muscles or ligaments — for example, by pulling a muscle in the hip or the pelvic floor.
Pelvic pain also might be caused by irritation of nerves in the pelvis.
Pelvic pain might be caused by problems linked with organs in the female reproductive system. These problems include:
Pregnancy complications might lead to pelvic pain, including:
Pelvic pain also may be caused by symptoms tied to the menstrual cycle, such as:
Other health conditions may cause pelvic pain. Many of these problems start in or affect the digestive system:
Some problems in the urinary system that may cause pelvic pain are:
Pelvic pain also might be due to health issues such as:
Sudden and severe pelvic pain could be an emergency. Get medical care right away.
Be sure to get pelvic pain checked by your doctor or other health care professional if it's new, it disrupts your daily life or it gets worse over time.
