What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is common in women of all ages, though chronic pain (lasting over six months) occurs mainly during the reproductive years. Often this pain is due to more than one cause, including menstrual cramps, tissue injury, fibroids (benign growths within the uterus), and urologic, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal problems.

There may also be a psychological factor involved. Patients may experience burning, numbness, pressure, and painful intercourse, among other symptoms. Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the diagnosis, but can involve medications, heat therapy, nerve blocks, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and in extreme cases surgery.