Iowa Radiology Blog

Both men and women experience pelvic pain for a variety of reasons. In many cases, pelvic pain goes away on its own. Sometimes, however, it can be a sign of a serious or chronic condition that needs treatment. Below are some of the most common reasons for pelvic pain as well as signs that it’s time to see a doctor.

Pain and periods often go together. More than half of women regularly experience pain during their menstrual cycle, which can sometimes interfere with the ability to participate in and enjoy everyday activities.[1] While many women experience painful periods without any identifiable underlying cause other than normal uterine contractions, sometimes, period pain has a treatable source. One of these is pelvic congestion syndrome.

Many women experience pelvic pain during their lives. Often, this is a predictable aspect of menstruation. However, persistent pelvic pain that’s not related to the menstrual cycle can have a wide range of causes, including conditions related to the bowels, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. To investigate the cause of chronic pelvic pain, doctors commonly conduct a physical exam and recommend lab and/or imaging tests.^[1] One common cause is a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) or ovarian vein reflux.

If you suffer from chronic pelvic pain, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 10–15% of gynecological visits in the U.S. are scheduled to address this type of pain, and that it affects close to 40% of women.^[1] Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is the name given to chronic pain that results from varicose veins in the pelvic region, similar to pain that can result from varicose veins in the legs. Unlike varicose veins in the legs, the veins that contribute to PCS are not visible from the outside (although women who have this condition may also have visible varicose veins elsewhere in the body).

Many women have periodic pelvic pain – especially related to their period. But if you suffer from pain that doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of something more serious. Millions of women worldwide develop problematic, sustained pelvic pain at some time in their lives; in fact, chronic pain-related complaints account for 10% to 15% of all gynecologic visits.[1] It’s often difficult to determine the cause of chronic pelvic pain, which can arise from the digestive, reproductive, or urinary tract system in women, or as a result of muscles, connective tissue, or nerves in the pelvic region.[2]