Pelvic pain is felt below your bellybutton. It may come on suddenly and severely, or could be mild and last for months. In either case, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause and, if necessary, to be referred to a gynaecologist.
Pelvic pain is felt below your bellybutton. It may come on suddenly and severely, or could be mild and last for months. In either case, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause and, if necessary, to be referred to a gynaecologist.
The following information is about pelvic pain in women, as men are rarely affected. It covers the possible causes of:
This information doesn't focus on pregnancy-related causes.
The information on this page aims to give you a better idea of the cause of your pelvic pain, but do not use it to self-diagnose your condition. Always see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Pelvic pain that comes on suddenly for the first time is called acute pelvic pain. If you have acute pelvic pain, see your doctor immediately to find out the cause and to get any necessary treatment.
The most common causes of acute pelvic pain in women who are not pregnant are:
The above links will give you more information on these conditions.
Less common causes of acute pelvic pain include:
If you've had pelvic pain for six months or more that either comes and goes or is continuous, it is known as chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is more intense than ordinary period pain, and lasts for longer. It affects around one in six women.
If you have chronic pelvic pain, see your doctor to find out the cause and to get any necessary treatment.
The most common causes of chronic pelvic pain are:
The above links will give you more information on these conditions.
Less common causes of chronic pelvic pain include:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.