There is a common misconception that pelvic pain is completely normal in women. However, it is important to understand that every unusual symptom should have an underlying cause. So if your pelvic pain occurs regularly or becomes severe, it is essential to undergo a thorough examination and treatment if needed. In this article, we have gathered eight common causes of pelvic pain that you should never ignore.

1. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is pelvic pain that occurs before and during periods. In most cases, it is mild and doesn't require any medical attention. But many women experience extremely severe cramps and pain during periods that interfere with their normal activities. In this case, the pain can be caused by certain gynecological disorders. If you experience extremely painful periods, don't delay your gynecological appointment.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a serious condition that occurs when the uterine lining called the endometrium spreads on pelvic organs. Some women with this condition don't experience any symptoms while others can suffer from heavy and severe periods, pain during sex, vaginal bleeding between periods, and other symptoms. Even though endometriosis can't be cured, modern medicine provides a huge range of options that help manage your condition.

3. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrium grows inside the uterine walls. In most cases, this condition is accompanied by endometriosis and both these conditions should be treated simultaneously. Adenomyosis can cause pelvic pain, pain during periods, heavy periods, and pain during sex. 

4. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that occur in the uterus. This condition is extremely common and up to 80% of women will develop it during their lifetime. Even though fibroids can develop asymptomatically in many women, some women with this condition can experience heavy and prolonged periods, painful periods, pain during sex, light vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, and infertility. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for fibroids that can help eliminate their symptoms.

5. Uterine polyps 

Uterine polyps are growths that develop in the uterus. In most cases, they are benign but up to 5 percent of polyps can turn cancerous. Even though not all polyps can become malignant, it is recommended to remove them. In some women, polyps can cause irregular periods, heavy and painful periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and infertility. 

6. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that occur on the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are functional so they appear and disappear throughout the menstrual cycle without any severe symptoms. However, some cysts can remain and cause severe pelvic pain, pain during sex, heavy or irregular periods, bloating, and frequent urination. It is essential to undergo timely treatment for ovarian cysts since some of them can rupture and lead to life-threatening complications.

7. Ovarian torsion 

Ovarian torsion is a condition in which the ovary twists around itself. This condition is usually accompanied by severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and cramping. Women with ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop this condition. Ovarian torsion should be treated immediately since it can cause tissue necrosis. Surgery is the only way of treatment that can manage this condition.

8. Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an inflammation of the pelvic organs that occurs because of untreated vaginal infections (like bacterial vaginosis and certain STIs). This condition can manifest through severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell, vaginal bleeding between periods, pain during sex, and infertility. Even though the pelvic inflammatory disease can be cured with the help of antibiotics, there are no treatment options for scars and adhesions that develop as a result of inflammation.