Concerns about Pelvic Pain

Many women experience pain in the lower abdominal area during ovulation, around the middle of the menstrual cycle. It usually lasts a few minutes to a few hours and is rarely severe. This does not necessarily indicate that there is any underlying problem.

Pelvic pain may also be part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In this case, your breasts and abdomen may swell and you may become irritable, depressed, and fatigued for a few days before your period begins.

Pain in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is often due to infection. Lower abdominal pain, fever, and chills that begin a few days after a menstrual period may be caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia. Pelvic pain that is present most of the time but worsens during menstruation and intercourse may be due to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Chronic PID is caused by one or more episodes of pelvic infection, usually from gonorrhea or chlamydia and can lead to infertility.

Other causes of pelvic pain include ovarian cysts and endometriosis. Pain due to endometriosis usually increases during menstruation and, sometimes, during intercourse. Problems with pregnancy, such as cramping before a miscarriage or a pregnancy in the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterus, can also cause pelvic pain.

Your doctor will probably ask about the type of pain and when and where it occurs; He or she will also do a pelvic exam, and if you could possibly be pregnant, a pregnancy test.

Possible causes of pelvic pain that occurs only during menstruation or intercourse are discussed in the earlier sections.