About this topic
Pain can be an unpleasant feeling that happens in any part of the body. It can be mild or very bad. Pain can cause upset stomach and throwing up. When you are in pain you may not feel hungry. You may feel nervous. Pain may be a warning sign that something is wrong inside the body. The pain may be from many different health conditions. ‚
Acute pain happens over a short period of time. This may be a few hours or a few days. Acute pelvic pain affects the lowest part of your stomach and your pelvis. This is the part below your belly button. You may feel sudden sharp pains or cramping. Sometimes, the pain builds up over a short time. You may feel the pain throughout this area of your body or in one specific area. You may feel the pain all the time or it may come and go. It may be mild, moderate, or severe. Acute pain may be caused by a very serious health problem. ‚
How acute pain is treated is based on many things. Some of them are the kind of pain, how bad it is, and what is causing the pain. Treatment may include drugs or surgery. ‚
What are the causes?
Problems in the reproductive system like: ‚
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian cyst breaks open
- Vaginal infection
- Problems with monthly periods
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexually-transmitted disease
Problems in the belly or bowels like: ‚
- Blocked bowel
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Hernia
- Hard stools
Problems in the urinary tract like: ‚
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney or bladder stones
Other causes might include: ‚
- Muscle strain or spasm
- Herniated disc
- Bone problems
- Prostate problems in men
What are the main signs?
- Tenderness in lower belly
- Fever
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Feeling anxious
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. For women, this will likely include a pelvic exam with a tool called a speculum. Your doctor will ask about your pain to help find where it is located. The doctor may want to do some tests to find the cause of your pain. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Intravenous pyelography
- Barium enema
- Laparoscopy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment is based on what is causing your pain. This may include changes in your diet or physical activity. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Depending on what is causing the pain, there may be other problems to treat. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Balance hormones
- Relax muscles
- Lower stress and anxiety or help with depression
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing you can do to prevent some of these problems. Always practice safe sex by using condoms. ‚
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2014-05-15 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Adult
- Gastrointestinal
- Genitourinary
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚