Pelvic pain is pain in the lower abdominal area below the navel or belly button. Musculoskeletal pain in the pelvic area is common during pregnancy. Pain usually occurs in the inner thighs, lower back pain and groin. It can cause substantial distress and make it difficult to walk and move. This pain is often related to the hormone relaxin which the body releases to soften joints in preparation for the birth; in some women the hormone can cause painful stretching.

Conditions Associated with Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is normally accompanied with a wide range of conditions. Some of these conditions may be as harmless as the signs of fertility for instance during menses, digestive disorder such as IBS or in some cases a sign of a particular life-threatening situation.

Pelvic pain might be steady or in some cases intermittent in nature. Severe pain often has a way of getting in the mix of things and affecting your daily lifestyle. Some women have been known to only experience significant pelvic pain during their periods, while others get affected primarily during sex with their partners.

Pelvic pain tends to affect individuals in different ways. In women, pelvic pain can be a sign of many different things such as:
-- Problems with the organs in your pelvic region like the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as the cervix or vagina.
-- This may include Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Uterine Fibroids, painful ovulation, Ovarian Cysts, Kidney Stone,etc.
-- Ectopic Pregnancy
-- Post Operative Scar Tissue (Adhesions)
-- Irritable Bowel Disease
-- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
-- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
-- Premenstrual Syndrome and/or Menstrual Cramps

Treatments for Pelvic Pain?
A particular treatment plan is prescribed depending on the cause of the pelvic pain in question. In most cases, the treatment process involves the taking of anti-inflammatory medications, possibly hormone therapy and in some cases neurological agents.

Physical therapy may be indicated as well to include pelvic floor exercises. Behavioral therapy can help individuals deal more effectively with pelvic pain and decrease the baseline discomfort experienced.

Endometriosis treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal therapy, and potentially laparoscopic surgery to remove scar tissue, growths, or adhesions while leaving reproductive organs intact.

In severe cases, patients may be required to undergo a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, about 30% of women referred to pain clinics for pelvic pain treatment have already undergone a hysterectomy.