People say it is part of being a woman, dealing with discomfort in the pelvic area. Around 1 in 6 women will develop some form of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in their lifetime. CPP causes discomfort below your tummy and hip bones for 6 months or longer. This condition can be very distressing and may have a significant impact on the lives of women suffering from it. Let’s discuss CPP more and why you shouldn’t ignore it.

What is Recurrent Pelvic Pain?

Recurrent pelvic pain, or known as chronic pelvic pain, refers to the persistent pain a woman experiences for 6 months or longer. CPP can have more than one (1) cause and may indicate another disease or a separate health condition. If CPP seems to be caused by another health concern, treating the latter may remove this chronic pain. But tests may not be able to identify a cause for CPP. In this case, treating chronic pelvic pain means easing the pain and alleviating other symptoms for a better quality of life.

Normal period pain vs. concerning pelvic pain

Dysmenorrhoea is common and usually feels like cramping or a dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. It usually starts a day or two before your period and lasts for a few days. Pelvic pain, on the other hand, is so intense that it interferes with your daily activities, and lasts longer than your usual period or continues throughout your cycle. The pain may be accompanied by heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, or pain during sex.

Types of Pain

The first one is sharp. It can feel like stabbing, shooting, or pinching that might be sudden and intense or come and go. Potential causes of this type of pain include nerve irritation, muscle spasms, or problems with the pelvic organs themselves. The second one is dull, which is more of a constant ache or pressure that can be widespread or localised in one spot. Conditions like endometriosis usually cause this type of pain. The third type is constant. As the name suggests, this pain is always present, though the intensity might change and can be incredibly draining and wear you down over time. The last one is intermittent, the one that comes and goes, with periods of no pain in between. Since this is unpredictable, it would be hard to plan activities. Conditions that usually cause this pattern of pain include bladder infections and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Beyond these types of pain…

There are also other qualities of pain involved in pelvic chronic pain: burning, throbbing, cramping, and deep aching. The kind of pain one experiences does not always directly point to the exact cause. Many health conditions may cause a person to suffer from overlapping types of pain. This is why it is crucial to see a doctor for a diagnosis to consider your pain history, have a physical examination, and undergo tests to find the underlying issue.

Why Women Often Delay Seeking Help

Many women find themselves putting off medical care for pelvic pain despite its impact on their everyday lives. Several factors come into play regarding this delay.

Cultural Attitudes and Stigma

Many women in our local context grow up with the mindset that discussing reproductive health issues is taboo. There is this unspoken expectation to keep such matters private which results in reluctance in seeking medical help.

The “Busy Woman” Syndrome

In our society that is seemingly achievement-driven, women often juggle multiple roles—professional careers, family responsibilities, and social obligations. Many feel they simply “don’t have time” to address their health concerns, choosing instead to power through the discomfort. When a woman prioritises other responsibilities over personal health, she may prolong her suffering and can see worse days ahead.

Misconceptions About What’s “Normal”

There is a widespread belief that pelvic pain is simply part of being a woman. Many have grown up hearing relatives or friends say things like “everyone experiences this” or “just tahan (endure) it.” Misconceptions like these normalise severe pain, that these warning signs do not warrant medical attention.

Fear of Diagnosis

Others just fear that they are diagnosed with something critical. It can be overwhelming for women to be diagnosed with serious health conditions, for example, endometriosis or issues with the reproductive system. They also fear that having been diagnosed with something serious, plus the fact that the treatment cost is expensive and can impact their fertility, can definitely create a psychological barrier to seeking a doctor’s help

Embarrassment During Consultations

This is particularly true with male gynaecologists or doctors in general. Some women may be anxious or feel uncomfortable describing their symptoms in detail.

The Risks of Ignoring Pelvic Pain

Recurring pelvic pain can have far-reaching consequences if you continue to ignore it just because it goes away after some time. Take time to understand the following risks and weigh your actions to determine whether or not you’re helping yourself or just delaying the development of a worse condition.

Impact on Progressive Health

Underlying conditions that cause pelvic pain usually don’t remain static. They can worsen over time without proper treatment. For example, untreated endometriosis may continue to spread and affect multiple organs in your pelvic region (e.g., endometrial implants can block one’s fallopian tubes). What starts as manageable discomfort could develop into more severe pain.

Fertility Implications

Some conditions that cause pelvic pain, such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, can affect your reproductive health. Early intervention is needed so you can have many fertility options in case you are diagnosed with a health concern that’s causing your pain in the pelvic region. This is also important for women who are delaying childbearing for career development. You must be proactive about your pelvic health, as it can have an influence on your fertility.

Impact on Career and Productivity,

Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most common causes of work absenteeism among women of reproductive age. Aside from missed workdays, the consistent discomfort affects your:

• Concentration and work performance
• Ability to participate in important meetings or presentations
• Career advancement opportunities
• Overall workplace productivity

Aside from these,

Ignoring these signs warning you that something is wrong with your body can also take a toll on your mental health, can be a financial burden, or your quality of life may deteriorate. This is why acting fast is your best option to maintain optimal health. Many causes of pelvic pain are treatable. So if you are experiencing recurrent pelvic pain, consider it your call to action for seeking professional medical evaluation.

Common Causes That Need Medical Attention

Here are the most common conditions causing pelvic pain that require professional medical attention.

Gynaecological Conditions

1. Endometriosis (growth of tissue found in the uterus that also grows outside of it; may lead to fertility issues if not treated)
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (a sexually transmitted infection that spreads from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries; may cause long-term complications and fertility problems if severe)
3. Pelvic adhesions (scar tissue that develops after surgeries or infection and can cause organs to stick together abnormally)

Non-Gynaecological Causes

1. Urological Issues
   
   1. Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
      
      1. Pain may worsen as the bladder fills
      2. Often misdiagnosed as recurring urinary tract infections
2. Gastrointestinal Conditions
   
   1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
      
      1. Characterised by chronic pelvic pain and altered bowel habits
      2. It is important to be diagnosed as such for proper treatment
3. Musculoskeletal Problems
   
   1. Pelvic Floor Disorders
      
      1. Can develop after childbirth
      2. Often involves lower back pain
      3. May affect bladder and bowel function
   2. Pudendal Nerve Issues
      
      1. Can cause burning or numbness around the perineum
      2. Often worse when sitting for a long time
      3. Common in office workers and cycling enthusiasts

What You Should Do

The very first step upon experiencing pain in your pelvis is to document it. Keep a detailed pain diary for at least two weeks. It should contain the timing and the intensity of the pain. If you notice that there are triggers to the pain, include it. Also document how the pain affects your daily activities and if there are changes during your menstrual cycle. Then, you gather important information.

1. Your complete medical history
2. List of current medications and supplements
3. Family history of related conditions
4. Previous treatments or procedures you have undergone
5. Recent changes to your lifestyle
6. Dates of your last health screenings

Questions to Ask Your Gynae

1. What could be causing my pelvic pain?
2. What tests might I need?
3. Are there any immediate lifestyle changes I should make?
4. What treatment options are available?
5. What are the costs involved?
6. Will my insurance cover the treatment?

Conclusion

Just because pelvic or abdominal pain is a common experience for women doesn’t mean you should ignore it, especially if it persists. A gynae clinic in Singapore can help you find answers to this kind of women’s concerns. Do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation or if you have any inquiries. Your health is our priority. We keep all your information safe and understand what a woman goes through. So let us help you.

References:

• https://www.healthxchange.sg/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/
• https://www.webmd.com/