Pelvic pain is often described as a dull ache, pain, or pressure in the abdomen below the navel. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go. It can also include other symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and lower back pain. Because it can have so many causes, treatments vary.
It’s important to see your healthcare provider if you have any type of pelvic pain that does not resolve on its own.
This article explains causes of pelvic pain, other symptoms related to various conditions, and possible treatments or the signs that you need urgent medical care.
Causes in Both Males and Females
Some causes of pelvic pain can occur regardless of sex. Structures that are common to both men and women can be a source of pelvic pain. Some common causes are listed below.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain (may be worse with stress or eating)Changes to bowel movement patternsDiarrheaConstipationBloatingIncomplete emptying (feeling like you did not get all the poop out)Mucous in the stool
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is typically a bacterial infection of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Symptoms of a UTI may include:
Pain over the bladder (low in the pelvis)Having to urinate often (called frequency)Burning pain with urinationAn urge to urinate, even if you just went to the bathroom (urgency)Blood in the urine
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are caused by a build-up of minerals in the urine. The minerals bind together in crystals that result in kidney stones. If a stone is large enough to get stuck in the urinary tract, it can cause severe symptoms, including:
General discomfortDisorientationFatigueWeaknessIncontinenceFallingBehavioral changes
Pain, especially with urinationA strong desire to urinateBlood in the urineNauseaVomiting
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include many different diseases that can be spread through sexual contact. There are many different kinds of STIs and symptoms may vary depending on the specific infection. Potential symptoms may include:
Discharge from your genitals (vagina, penis, anus)Pain when urinatingLumps, blisters, sores, rashes, or wartsVaginal bleedingItching genitals
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute and severe inflammation of part of the intestines called the appendix. It requires immediate medical attention. Signs of appendicitis include:
Sudden pain in the abdomenLoss of appetiteFeverVomitingConstipationDiarrhea
Cystitis
Cystitis is the urinary bladder inflammation usually caused by an infection. This is sometimes called a bladder infection. In addition to pelvic pain, symptoms may include:
Cloudy urineBloody urineUrine with a bad or strong odorPain or burning with urinationLow-grade feverNeed to urinate, even if you just used the bathroom
Pelvic Pain in Females
The female reproductive system may be the cause of pelvic pain for women. Almost any structure in the abdomen can be a potential source of pain, so see your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening pain. Some causes of pelvic pain in females include:
Ectopic Pregnancy
In an ectopic pregnancy, an embryo (fertilized egg) implants outside of the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. At the start, it may feel like a normal pregnancy. Other symptoms may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleedingPain in the lower backCrampingSudden or severe abdominal painPain in the shoulder (referred from the abdomen)WeaknessFainting
If the fallopian tube ruptures, it can be a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms of a rupture may include severe pain, bleeding, a drop in blood pressure, fainting, and shock. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical care.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is due to an infection of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and/or vagina. It is typically caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Pelvic pain may worsen during sex. If an abscess (an infected lump) develops, severe pelvic pain and fever may result.
Symptoms of PID may include:
FeverAbnormal vaginal discharge (may have a bad odor)Pain or bleeding during sexBurning when you urinateUnusual bleeding between menstrual periods
Endometriosis
Endometriosis causes tissue that’s normally found in the lining of the uterus to grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. Symptoms of endometriosis may include pain during:
MenstruationSexUrinationBowel movements
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors in the uterus. They may cause symptoms including:
Heavy bleeding during your periodLower abdomen feeling fullFrequent urinationPain during sexLower abdomen becoming larger
Cancers of the Reproductive Tract
Pelvic pain can be a symptom of one of the gynecologic cancers, but pain is more likely when cancer has progressed. While the general symptoms may be similar, the various types do have some key differences. These include:
Ovarian cancer: Cancer can start and grow in the ovaries. Unlike other gynecologic cancers, pelvic pain can be an early sign of ovarian cancer, along with symptoms including bloating, lower back pain, and gastrointestinal changes like constipation. Endometrial cancer: Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus that can cause pelvic pain once the cancer has progressed. This cancer is also associated with abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause or spotting between periods. Cervical cancer: This is cancer of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, may be a symptom of cervical cancer with pelvic pain beginning later on.
Pelvic Pain in Males
Pelvic pain in men is also related to their anatomy and reproductive organs. Some common causes of pain are discussed below.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. Once irritated, the prostate swells. Prostatitis can also cause swelling in the areas around the prostate, leading to pelvic pain and painful urination. Other symptoms of prostatitis include:
Trouble urinatingFeverChillsPain or difficulty ejaculating
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. It is more common as men get older. Symptoms of BPH may include:
Weak stream of urineDifficulty emptying the bladderUrgent need to urinateUrinating often (frequency)Having to urinate during the night (nocturia)
Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture is the medical term for a narrowed urethra—the tube where urine exits the body. Symptoms of this condition may include:
Discharge from the urethraBlood in the semenBloody or dark-colored urineUrgent need to urinateUrinating often (frequency)Inability to empty the bladderLoss of bladder control (incontinence)Swelling of the penisSlow stream of urineScattered spray of urine
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure to stop sperm from exiting the penis and is used as a type of permanent birth control. Sometimes, people develop chronic pain after a vasectomy, called post-vasectomy pain syndrome. Symptoms may include:
Persistent pain (at least three months)Pain with erectionPain with sexPain with ejaculationGenitals that are tender to the touch
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, seek medical care immediately. Appendicitis and ectopic pregnancy are some life-threatening emergencies that may require immediate surgery.
If you experience pain that isn’t going away or getting worse, you should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to receive a diagnosis and proper treatment. Many causes of pelvic pain can become serious over time if left untreated.
If you are menstruating, it’s important to note that mild cramping and pain associated with your period are normal and don’t require medical attention unless you have high pain levels (a condition called dysmenorrhea).
How Pelvic Pain Is Treated
Because pelvic pain has so many potential causes, its treatment is highly variable. Conditions caused by bacterial infection, such as UTIs and certain STIs, can be treated with antibiotics. Other conditions such as cancer or fibroids may be treated with medication, surgery, or both. Conditions such as appendicitis and ectopic pregnancy require emergency surgery.
Depending on the cause, chronic pelvic pain may also respond to physical therapy and pelvic floor exercises. If you have chronic pelvic pain, you may also benefit from speaking to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Treating Pelvic Pain at Home
Many causes of pelvic pain are best treated under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This is why it’s important to see your healthcare provider if you have unresolved pelvic pain of any kind.
There are things you can also do at home to help relieve chronic pelvic pain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Heating pads can be effective at relieving pain as well.
Exercising or practicing yoga can also increase blood flow and help manage the stress and tension that could be contributing to your pain.
Summary
Pelvic pain is often caused by conditions that affect the female reproductive system, but not always. Both men and women can experience pelvic pain due to a urinary tract infection, appendicitis, or other problems. Diagnosing the source of pelvic pain requires a physical examination and may also need imaging and other types of diagnostic procedures.
A Word From Verywell
Pelvic pain can be due to a variety of causes. Work with your healthcare team to determine what is causing your pain and how it can best be treated. If you are experiencing pelvic pain with no known cause, call your healthcare provider. If your pain is sudden or severe, you should go to the emergency room.
