Pelvic Pain in Women in India: Causes, Treatment Options and Care

Pelvic pain in women in India is common and often distressing condition experienced by many. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, you’re not alone. In fact, millions of women across India also deal with this issue. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including menstrual cramps, endometriosis, urinary tract infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Despite its prevalence, pelvic pain is often stigmatized and misunderstood in India, which can prevent women from seeking the care they need.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, treatment options, and access to care for pelvic pain in women in India. We understand that dealing with pelvic pain can be challenging and overwhelming, but we at ReLiva hope this blog will provide you with useful information and insights that can help you on your journey towards healing.

What is Pelvic Pain?

Meaning of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which is the area between the belly button and the hips. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may range from mild to severe. It can be a dull ache, sharp stabbing pain, or cramping sensation. Pelvic pain can also be acute or chronic, with chronic pelvic pain lasting for more than six months.

Physiotherapist Dr Sriharika (BPT, MPT), women’s health expert at ReLiva Physiotherapy in Guntur shares that women often consult her for “experiencing sudden, sharp stabbing pain in pelvic area.” What could be causing this? She remarks that this type pf pelvic pain is a common condition among both men and women in India, but there are some symptoms of pelvic pain that are unique to women.

It is important to identify the cause of the pain before any steps to treatment be taken. Here are some symptoms unique to women:

Pelvic Pain in Women: Causes and Symptoms

1. Menstrual cramps: Women may experience pelvic pain during their menstrual cycle due to contractions of the uterus.
2. Pain during intercourse: Troubling pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, can be caused by a variety of gynecological issues such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or vulvodynia.
3. Urinary symptoms: Pain in pelvic area may be accompanied by urinary symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, or the feeling of urgency to urinate. These symptoms may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or other gynecological condition.
4. Bowel symptoms: Pelvic pain may also be accompanied by bowel symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. These symptoms may be related to gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
5. Pelvic organ prolapse: Women may experience pelvic pain or pressure as a result of pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, descend from their normal position and push against the vaginal walls.

It’s important to note that not all cases of pelvic pain are related to gynecological issues, and men may also experience pelvic pain. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Remember, there are effective treatment options available for pelvic pain, and with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What does pelvic pain feel like?

Pelvic Pain in Women: Characteristics

Pelvic pain can vary widely in terms of severity, duration, and location. Some women may experience mild discomfort that comes and goes, while others may experience severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Here are some common symptoms of pelvic pain to watch out for:

A. Types of pelvic pain:

Pelvic pain can take many different forms, including sharp, stabbing pain, dull aches, or a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area.

B. Location of pain:

You may feel pelvic pain in different parts of the body, including the lower abdomen, pelvic region, lower back, or even the thighs. The location of the pain can sometimes provide clues to the underlying cause of the pelvic pain.

C. Other symptoms:

In addition to pelvic pain, women may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, painful urination, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be a sign of a wide range of conditions, from urinary tract infections to gynecological issues such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic pain is far more common among women during pregnancy. That will be dealt very differently. Click here to read about pelvic floor therapy for pelvic pain during pregnancy.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, many women are able to find relief from pelvic pain and improve their overall quality of life.

When Should I Be Worried About Pelvic Pain?

While pelvic pain can be a common and normal occurrence for many women, there are certain situations where pain in pelvic area may be a sign of a more serious issue.

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate you should seek medical attention for your pelvic pain:

• Severe pelvic pain can be a sign of conditions such as ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, or other serious issues.
• If you’re experiencing pelvic pain along with a fever, it may be a sign of an infection or other issue that requires medical attention.
• Experiencing abnormal bleeding along with pelvic pain, it may be a sign of a gynecological issue such as endometriosis, fibroids, or cervical cancer.
• If you’re experiencing pain during sex, it may be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or other issues that can impact your sexual health and well-being.
• Your pelvic pain that persists for more than a few days or weeks, despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter pain medication, it’s important to seek medical attention. This is where physiotherapy treatment can help you the best. Contact us now!

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about your pelvic pain and determine if further evaluation or treatment is needed.

Some women may develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). PGP is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by a stiffness of your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis. Pregnancy or prenatal care experts like those at FabMoms help resolve this kind of pregnancy related pelvic pain with specialised techniques and pregnancy safe exercises.

Related Reading: Pregnancy related Common Aches & Pains

Treatment Options for Pelvic Pain in Women:

(Pelvic pain treatment female)

There are many different treatment options available for pelvic pain, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. A multidisciplinary treatment includes medication and pain management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, nerve stimulation therapies, teaching cognitive coping strategies, education about the importance of planning and pacing exercise and activities.[1]

In recent years, physiotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment option for pelvic pain, particularly for women experiencing gynecological issues such as endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction. At ReLiva, we have a team of qualified and experienced physiotherapists who specialize in treating pelvic pain in women and are achieving great results.

Mrs Zeenat Shaikh came with pelvic pain to ReLiva Physiotherapy clinic in Powai and is getting treated by Dr. Fizzia Syeda (PT). She exclaims, “It feels great taking the sessions and I highly recommend anyone with the same condition to take the sessions in order to achieve full recovery. Dr Fizzia has given me pilates exercises and other exercises to strengthen my core and I’m able to reach closer to complete recovery. She is very kind and polite and treats you with full care.”

Physiotherapy Management of Pelvic Pain

Physiotherapy treatments for pelvic pain typically involve a combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques to help alleviate pain and improve pelvic function. At ReLiva, a combination of the following therapy for pelvic pain physiotherapy treatment are used to relieve pelvic pain symptoms:

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises, (most popular being the Kegels), involve contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor to help strengthen the muscles and improve overall pelvic function.
• Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques such as massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy to help release tension and improve circulation in the pelvic area.
• Biofeedback: This technique involves using specialized equipment to help women learn to control their pelvic muscles and improve pelvic function.
• Electrical stimulation: This involves using a small electrical current to stimulate the pelvic muscles and improve circulation and function.
• Relaxation techniques: This may involve breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help reduce stress and tension in the pelvic area.

For Indian women experiencing pelvic pain, physiotherapy treatments can be a particularly effective option, as they are non-invasive, drug-free, and can be customized to meet individual needs. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, don’t hesitate to contact us. With the right treatment plan, many women are able to find relief from pelvic pain and improve their overall quality of life.

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