Pelvic pain causes: Gynecologist suggest 6 reasons to take it seriously

Pelvic pain causes in females: Conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all cause pain, and without proper diagnosis, they can worsen over time (Image: Canva)

Pelvic pain is something many people dismiss as minor discomfort, but it can be a sign of serious health issues. Even when it is a  mild or occasional pain or a persistent ache, ignoring pelvic pain can lead to complications that affect your well-being.

Pelvic pain is often an early warning sign of underlying conditions that need medical attention, says Dr Shweta Mendiratta, Associate Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad. “Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to long-term health consequences,” she says.

Pelvic pain is often a symptom of an underlying issue. “Conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all cause pain, and without proper diagnosis, they can worsen over time. Many women ignore pelvic pain, thinking it’s just part of their menstrual cycle, but it can be an indicator of a serious problem,” says Dr Mendiratta.

Also read | Chronic pelvic pain or severe menstrual cramps? Here's why you should be worried about endometriosis

Pelvic pain during periods: Conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, or infections can impact reproductive health if left untreated (Image: Canva)

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to complications such as infertility, severe infections, or the need for more invasive treatments in the future. Seeking medical attention early can help identify and manage these conditions before they become severe.

According to Dr Mendiratta, what starts as occasional discomfort can turn into chronic pain if left unaddressed. “Persistent pelvic pain can impact your quality of life, making daily activities like working, exercising, and socialising difficult. Chronic pain can also lead to nerve sensitisation, meaning the longer the pain persists, the harder it is to treat,” she says.

Once pain becomes chronic, managing it becomes more complex, often requiring long-term medical intervention. “Addressing pelvic pain early can prevent it from developing into a long-term condition that affects both physical and emotional well-being,” Dr Mendiratta says.

She suggests 6 reasons why you shouldn’t ignore pelvic pain:

• It could signal a serious condition: Pelvic pain may indicate conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or infections that require medical treatment.

• Ignoring it can lead to chronic pain: Unchecked pelvic pain can develop into a long-term issue that is harder to manage.

• It may affect fertility: Conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, or infections can impact reproductive health if left untreated.

• It can interfere with daily life: Persistent pain can make it difficult to work, exercise, and enjoy social activities, reducing overall quality of life.

• It increases the risk of complications: Delayed treatment can lead to severe infections, the need for surgery, or more complex medical interventions.

• It can impact mental health: Chronic pain can contribute to anxiety, stress, and depression, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.