Pelvic pain can arise from your digestive, reproductive or urinary systems. Recently, doctors have recognized that some pelvic pain, particularly chronic pelvic pain, can also arise from muscles and connective tissue (ligaments) in the structures of the pelvic floor.
Occasionally, pelvic pain might be caused by irritation of nerves in the pelvis.
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on the walls or lining of the uterus. Many women will have uterine fibroids at some point, but most women don’t know they have them since they typically don’t have symptoms.
For some women, the pain from fibroids can be severe. Apart from heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods, fibroids can cause:
It is unclear why fibroids form but factors including hormones, family history and pregnancy can influence their formation.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on your ovaries, bowel, and tissues lining your pelvis. Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may also have symptoms including painful periods, cramping around your menstruation cycle, pain following sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and others.
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known, and there are several theories regarding the cause, although no one theory has been scientifically proven.
Inflammation of one or both SI joints is called sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or sacroiliitis. With this condition you may experience a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from your hips and pelvis, up to the lower back, and down to the thighs. Sometimes it may feel numb or tingly, or as if your legs are about to buckle.
Causes of SI joint pain include: