What is chronic pelvic pain?
A person with chronic pelvic pain has repeated episodes of pain that occur in the area below the umbilicus and between the hips. Chronic pelvic pain is most common in women between the ages of 18 and 45. This is because chronic pelvic pain in women is caused by an abnormality in one of the reproductive organs located in the pelvis. Those with new episodes of pelvic pain should undergo an abdominal pain evaluation, because gastrointestinal causes must be excluded. Also, pelvic pain that occurs during pregnancy should be evaluated as abdominal pain in pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain?
Symptoms that may accompany chronic pelvic pain include abdominal bloating, lower back pain, rectal bleeding, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, anal pain, weight loss, and depression. Additional symptoms that may accompany chronic pelvic pain in women include infertility, pain during intercourse, painful menstrual periods, heavy menstrual periods, and irregular menstrual periods.

How does the doctor treat chronic pelvic pain?
The treatment of chronic pelvic pain is directed at the underlying cause. Treatment may include rest, clear liquid diet, hormone therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery.