Approximately fifteen percent of women in America suffer from chronic pelvic pain. Sitting, walking, going to the bathroom, and even certain clothes can be incredibly painful for women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.
Doctors have recently realized that chronic pelvic pain is often caused by more than one problem. Treating just one cause may not solve the problem of chronic pain. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Endometriosis — a condition where cells that are similar to the lining of the uterus migrate and break down during your monthly menstrual period. If you have endometriosis, you may experience severe cramps during your period with pain radiating into the lower back and down into the legs. Approximately five million women suffer from endometriosis.
- Interstitial cystitis — recurring discomfort in the bladder that may be caused by the breakdown of cells that protect the bladder surface from acidity. It feels like a urinary tract infection, with burning or stabbing pain during urination. Approximately nine hundred thousand women suffer from interstitial cystitis.
- Pelvic congestion syndrome — varicose veins in the pelvis that don’t close properly, allowing blood to pool. You may feel a dull ache, a throbbing, or a heavy feeling. The pain is usually absent in the morning and worsens through the day. Approximately seven million women suffer from pelvic congestion syndrome.
- Vulvodynia — chronic vulvar pain, often a burning or searing sensation. Experts aren’t sure what causes vulvodynia, but suspect that previous yeast infections play a part. Another possible culprit? Nerve damage. Approximately six million women suffer from vulvodynia.
- Pelvic floor tension myalgia — chronic tension in the pelvic muscles, caused by physical or emotional issues. You may feel a heaviness or aching in the pelvis and burning or itching in the vagina and/or urethra.
- Vulvar vestibulitis — an excruciating tenderness at the entrance to the vagina. Seen in seventy-five percent of women who suffer from vulvodynia.