Pelvic pain is usually caused due to disorders of the reproductive system, kidneys, bladder, etc. Here is more information on the causes and treatment methods of pelvic pain experienced on the left side.
The pain felt in groin, in the rectal area and around the lower abdomen is known as pelvic pain. It can be dull or sharp, intermittent or constant, depending on the underlying cause. Although it may not always be an indication of some serious disorder, it is advisable to consult the doctor if you experience this type of pain frequently.
It is observed that pelvic pain is often confused with lower back and lower abdominal pain. However, noting and describing the exact nature and location of the pain can help in diagnosing the underlying cause properly.
Infection or inflammation in organs located in the pelvic or abdominal region is the most common cause. Women usually experience pelvic pain during their monthly period. But, at the same time, it can also be a symptom of several other health conditions, like those mentioned below.
Causes
Ovarian Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form anywhere in the body. Ovarian cysts are formed in either of the two ovaries in females. Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to severe symptoms.
Inflammatory Vaginitis: It is the inflammation of the vagina caused due to several reasons like bacterial infection, yeast infection, antibiotics, hormones, sexual intercourse, etc.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms of sexually transmitted infectious diseases like gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, etc. The pain can range from mild to severe.
Pelvic Adhesion: Sometimes, bands of tissues grown outside internal organs can cause the organs to stick to each other. This is known as pelvic adhesion, and is one of the lesser known causes of pelvic pain.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): It is a collective name for infection in the bladder, or the ureter, or the urethra, or in the kidneys. The infection is caused due to bacteria, and commonly affects the bladder.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It is a disorder of the colon or the large intestine, causing lower abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, etc. It can be caused due to improper diet, lifestyle, stress, etc.
Uterine fibroid: This is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain in women. Uterine fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows within the wall of the uterus. It is not life-threatening, but, can lead to infertility.
Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID): It is a complication of sexually transmitted disease (STD), and also one of the prominent causes for chronic pelvic pain. Unsafe sexual practices is the prominent cause of PID.
Menstrual cramps: It is one of the most common causes of pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region in females. Although a mild, dull or aching pain is quite common during periods, severe pain should be bought to the doctor’s notice immediately.
Ectopic pregnancy: This is an abnormality in pregnancy where implantation of the fertilized egg occurs outside the uterus. This can be a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately.
Kidney stones: Renal or kidney stones are formed when excess calcium or salt gets built up in the bladder. Severe lower abdominal pain and lower back pain, urinary disorders, etc., are the other accompanying symptoms. Stone in the left kidney leads to left side pelvic pain.
Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Along with pelvic pain, other symptoms include excessive bleeding during periods, pain during sexual intercourse and urination.
Treatment
Physical examination, X-ray, blood and urine tests are the diagnostic tools used. Diseases caused due to bacterial infections, kidney stones, etc., can be treated with medication or antibiotics. If the pain is due to menstruation problems, doctors may even prescribe birth control pills or hormone medication to relieve the pain. Other accompanying symptoms can be treated with prescription medication.
Severe cases of ectopic pregnancy, kidney stones, uterine fibroid, etc., may require a surgery. On the other hand, conditions like constipation, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, etc., can be cured by physical therapy, change in diet and regular exercise.
You Can Do This
Before considering any home remedies, you need to make sure that the pain is caused due to minor reasons. If any other accompanying symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty during urination, vaginal discharge (in females), etc., are observed, you should consult the doctor immediately. If these symptoms are not observed, you can try the following remedies to gain relief.
► Taking rest is one of the best and most effective methods to treat cramping and pain. Women should, specifically, take rest during monthly period to get relief from pain.
► You can also use a warm compress to reduce the intensity of the pain. You can invest in a heating pad or simply soak a towel in hot water and place it on the affected area.
(A word of caution, do not use a warm compress if you have applied an ointment on the affected area)
► Stress can aggravate chronic pelvic pain. In that case, you should try to get the chronic condition treated immediately and also reduce stress.
► There are several effective stress reduction and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, etc. You can find that one that is suitable to you and practice it regularly.
► Lastly, note that any herbal remedy or supplement is to be taken only on consulting the doctor, specifically, in case you are pregnant or suffer from chronic health conditions.
If you experience severe pelvic pain, you should immediately consult a doctor and get yourself treated in order to avoid complications caused due to serious underlying health conditions. Women, specially, should remember not to ignore their health issues. Take care!
Disclaimer: The aforementioned information is meant for educational purposes only. It is not to be substituted for proper medical advice and treatment.
