Chronic pelvic pain is pain felt below the belly button of the woman. It is a mild ache that comes and goes. Sometimes, the pain is very severe that it working and sleeping hard to do.
Symptoms of chronic pelvic pain
- Weight or pressure is felt on the pelvis due to a growing cyst. When the cyst becomes enlarged it places plenty of pressure on the pelvis.
- Persistent, intermittent, constant, dull, and cramping or aching pain felt in the affected area which will depend on the cause.
- Pain with bowel movement and urination due to exerted pressure
- Pain with long periods of standing and sitting.
- Discomforts when performing activities which can be mild or severe and can be relieved after lying down.
- A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus known as endometriosis.
- Conditions that affects the joints, bones and connective tissues such as pelvic floor muscle tension, fibromyalgia and pubic symphysis or inflammation of the pubic joint.
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease usually due to sexually transmitted disease.
- After surgical removal of the uterus, a small piece of ovary can be accidentally left inside and can develop a cyst and cause severe pain.
- Non-cancerous growths in the uterine or fibroids.
- Interstitial cystitis or pain bladder syndrome
- Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as constipation, bloating or diarrhea
- Enlarged varicose-type veins around the uterus and ovaries
- Chronic stress, depression and history of sexual or physical abuse
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen to alleviate the pain and the inflammation.
- Take the prescribed birth control pills or other hormonal medications to lessen the pelvic pain.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics if pain is caused by bacterial infections.
- Apply heat or ice on the pelvic area. Heat can be in the form of a hot compress or heating packs. Wrap the hot compress in a towel before placing to the area. Heat lessens the pain and the cramping and also relaxes the muscle. Ice lessens the pain and the inflammation.
- Exercise regularly by performing strenuous exercises to increase the production of endorphins which are also called “happy hormone”. This hormone increases the mood, lessen the depression and anxiety and also lessen the pain. Brisk walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, weightlifting and stair stepping is also good for the condition.
- Seek the help of the physical therapist for some stretching exercises, relaxation techniques and massage to lessen the pain.
- Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to lessen the production of prostaglandins which activates pain receptors in the body. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are sardines, shrimps, tofu, soybean and cauliflower at least 3 grams every day.