HEALTH TOPICS

Home > Health Topics > Topics beginning with A > Abdominal Cramping - Pelvic Pain in Females > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Sites

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Abdominal Cramping - Pelvic Pain in Females

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A woman's pelvis contains the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, bladder, and rectum. Pelvic pain refers to any pain or discomfort in this area of the body.

What is going on in the body?

Pelvic pain is a common symptom in women. It is frequently, but not always, related to the reproductive system. Other causes of pelvic pain are related to the intestines or urinary tract. Psychological factors can make the pain seem worse, or even cause a sensation of pain where no physical problem exists.

Pelvic pain can range from mild discomfort or cramping, to severe, intense pain. This pain may be acute, when it occurs suddenly, or chronic, when the pain lasts for a long period of time.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Pelvic pain in females has many causes including:

pelvic adhesions, which are fibrous bands holding parts together that are usually separate

endometriosis, a disorder in which patches of endometrial tissue (normally found only in the lining of the uterus) grow outside the uterus

peritonitis, an inflammation usually caused by an infection of the lining of the abdomen

urinary tract infection

hernia, or a bulging of internal organs or tissues through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall

menstrual cramping

Mittelschmerz, which is pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle caused by ovulation

ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside of the uterus

twisted ovary

miscarriage

ovarian cysts

uterine fibroid, a noncancerous growth that occurs in the wall of the uterus

colon cancer or ovarian cancer

diverticulosis, a saclike protrusion of any part of the digestive tract, usually in the large intestine

irritable bowel syndrome

gastroenteritis, a general term for a group of conditions caused by infection in the digestive tract

kidney stones

abscess, or an accumulation of pus usually caused by a bacterial infection

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and adjacent pelvic structures. PID is commonly caused by a sexually transmitted disease that is not treated quickly and effectively.

appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix

musculoskeletal disorders, such as a misalignment or shifting of the pelvic bones

psychological factors, such as stress

Other causes are also possible. In some cases, the cause is never found.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement