Condition Basics
What is chronic pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is pain below the belly button. It's chronic if you've had pain for at least 6 months. It may be a mild ache that comes and goes. Or you might have a steady, severe pain that makes it hard to sleep, work, or enjoy life.
What causes it?
Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by problems in the female reproductive system. These include endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids. Other causes include scar tissue in the pelvic area after an infection or surgery, urinary or bowel diseases, and problems with the muscles, joints, and ligaments in the pelvis, lower back, or hips.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic pelvic pain may include severe cramping during periods, pain during sex, or pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement. You may have pain in certain postures or positions. Pain may range from mild to severe or dull to sharp.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems with your reproductive system. The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms. You may be asked if you have depression or a history of sexual abuse. You may have tests, such as blood and urine tests to check for infection.
How is chronic pelvic pain treated?
Treatment for chronic pelvic pain depends on the cause. Common treatments include birth control pills or hormone treatment for problems related to your periods, or surgery to remove a growth, cyst, or tumor. Or you may get medicine to relieve pain or to help treat the problem that's causing the pain.