Those women who experience pelvic pain are often found to be quite stressed. After all, this is a sensitive area; and women not only worry about what’s causing the pain, but also whether it may have any long term, permanent effect on their ability to have children. Added to that is the fact that just talking about pelvic pain to a doctor is often a great source of embarrassment.

Whatever the level of embarrassment or stress, it’s important for women experiencing pelvic pain to give it serious attention. There are lots of possible causes; many of which are benign, but also there is some pelvic pain which can prove to be quite serious.

This is all the more reason to not only go to your doctor but to keep a record of the problems associated with pelvic pain so you will be aware of how to spot them and determine if there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Chronic pelvic pain

• Digestive problems

There are a number of treatable illnesses that many women suffer from chronically, or long term. Irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease which can be quite serious are just two that fall into this category. It’s important to pay attention to what you eat and the type of changes you experience as a result. Being aware will not only encourage you to avoid problem foods, but the information you know can also be helpful for your doctor in diagnosing the problem accurately.

• Reproductive issues

When pain occurs around the same time as your menstrual cycle, it could possible be an indication of a reproductive issue. Usually, period-related pain is just menstrual cramps and you have nothing to worry about, however, it can also be related to a number of more serious conditions. One example is endometriosis. It is very important to consult a physician in the event of this type of pain because it can affect your fertility.

Sudden Pelvic Pain

• Appendicitis

An infected appendix normally presents with very sharp pain in the lower abdomen. Fever, nausea or vomiting is also common. If you have any symptoms that may indicate appendicitis, it is crucial to see a physician immediately.

• STDs or Sexually Transmitted Disease

Pelvic pain is sometimes an indication of a sexually transmitted infection. If you experience sudden or severe public pain, and you are sexually active, see your physician. He or she will order a panel of tests to indicate if this is the problem. Keep in mind, it is very important to seek attention if you have an STD. Not treating such an infection often leads to serious problems. In some cases, a person will eventually become infertile if these aren’t treated.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

A very sharp pain on one side of the lower abdomen can sometimes indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Although normally, a pregnancy occurs and develops in the uterus, on rare occasion, the embryo won’t make it that far and begin development in the mother’s fallopian tube. It is extremely important to seek medical treatment immediately because ectopic pregnancy can not only result in infertility, but can sometimes be fatal.

• Bladder infection

Sometimes, severe pelvic pain is indicative of a bladder infection. If your pain is accompanied by the feeling you have to urinate, but you find you can’t really go, or you really don’t have to, it may be a sign of a bladder infection.

Other symptoms include a painful burning sensation when you do urinate or cloudy urine. Although most urinary tract or bladder infections are not particularly dangerous in themselves, occasionally the infection spreads to the kidney if the problem isn’t treated. It’s very important to consult your doctor if you have any pain or tenderness in your upper back.

It is very important to consult your physician whenever you experience pelvic pain and you aren’t sure of the cause, or if the pain is enough to cause you concern. A physician can perform tests to determine the cause, make a plan for treatment, or, lacking any problems, give you the assurance that there is nothing to be concerned about.