Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as the presence of pain in the lower abdomen that is not related to the menstrual cycle or sexual activity, is present for at least six months and does not require a specific cause or reasonable explanation. Chronic pelvic pain can occur in any location of the pelvic area and radiates to different abdominal quadrants. In some cases, the intensity and duration vary according to the days of the menstrual cycle, characteristics that give important clues about the etiology (cause).
CPP is a syndrome that affects both men and women. However, it is more common in women and is one of the most frequent causes of consultation on health services.
In addition, many women do not consult or do not receive an appropriate diagnosis of the condition.
Causes of CPP:
Chronic pelvic pain can occur due to a huge variety of diseases. It is possible that some of these conditions are not related to reproductive organs, but to other systems. The following are the most common:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
It is the infection of the reproductive organs, which can cause acute or chronic abdominal pain. As a consequence, patients present abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, and pain in the lower abdominal quadrant.
Dysmenorrhea
Even when it is common to feel a mild pain during the menstruation, in some cases, women can have very severe pain for one or two days a month.
Endometriosis
A patient with this disease can suffer the following symptoms: menstrual pain that gets worse over time, which can be still present after the first or second day of the period (or throughout the month), or even with sexual intercourse.
Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors. The woman can feel pain or pressure in the abdomen. When fibroids adhere to the uterus, they could twist and cause acute pain.
Urinary System Disorders
Many urinary disorders are related to chronic pelvic pain, for example, kidney stones, recurrent urinary infections, or even bladder cancer.
Digestive System Disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal or pelvic pain, and also either diarrhea or constipation.
Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Low back pain, disks injury, or pelvic muscle spasms can cause chronic pelvic pain in women.
At Harley Street Hospital, we have the best doctors who are trained to diagnose and properly treat these conditions. Book a consultation to get a specialist´s opinion.