Pelvic pain, which occurs below the belly button and between the hips, can be one of the most life-disrupting issues for women. It can impact your intimate relationships, sleep, and even comfortability with traveling or family outings. Whether you have inconsistent or chronic pain, you should see a gynecologist, who can diagnose your symptoms and create a care plan.

3 Reasons You May Have Chronic Pelvic Pain

1. Endometriosis

Approximately 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years has endometriosis, a condition in which uterine lining forms outside of the uterus. While this rogue tissue can be found anywhere in the body, it’s most commonly found in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Just like healthy, properly located uterine lining, endometriosis tissue fluctuates with your menstrual cycle, thickening and shedding each month. But unlike discarded tissue in the uterus that is flushed through the vagina each month, endometriosis remnants get trapped in your abdomen, where they can lead to cysts, infertility, pain during or after sexual intercourse, heavy bleeding, and scar tissue.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be debilitating for the 30-40% of women who experience it. It’s usually characterized by chronic or intermittent bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, all of which can stress or pressure the pelvic region. Gynecologists often diagnose IBS because women typically experience it more than men, especially during their menstrual cycle when abdominal pain increases.

3. Painful Bladder Syndrome

Painful bladder syndrome is also known as interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (BPS). It’s estimated that three to eight million women have BPS, which is often chronic. One of the biggest symptoms is the frequent need to urinate, which may temporarily improve the pain. Also, watch out for pain during sexual intercourse and your menstrual cycle. 

If you’re experiencing any persistent or sharp pelvic pain, consult the reproductive care team at Alaska Women’s Health PC. Their gynecologists have served the Anchorage, AK, community for more than 30 years, treating each patient with dignity and care. Certified in Safety Certification in Outpatient Excellence (SCOPE), they diagnose and treat a wide range of reproductive and women’s health issues with services like urogynecology and laparoscopic surgery. Call (907) 563-7228 to make an appointment with a gynecologist, or visit their website for more information on their offerings.