Pelvic pain can happen between the belly button and the hips and groin. Chronic pelvic pain is pain that lasts for 6 months or more. It is often hard to locate the source of the pain. Problems in the intestines, nerves, bladder, and prostate can cause pelvic pain.
Many health problems can cause chronic pelvic pain such as:
Having any of the problems listed above will make the chances of pain in your pelvis higher.
Common symptoms are:
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may be asked to keep a pain diary. Write down when your pain happens, how it feels, and how long it lasts.
You may also have:
Pelvic pain is treated based on what's causing it. It may involve one or more methods. Common ones are:
Chronic pelvic pain can also be treated with:
Chronic pelvic pain not be preventable. It has many causes. If you're at high risk for problems, talk to your doctor.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
International Pelvic Pain Society
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Chronic pelvic pain. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/chronic-pelvic-pain. Updated July 19, 2017. Accessed August 23, 2018.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115325/Chronic-prostatitis-Chronic-p...ic-pain-syndrome. Updated February 29, 2016. Accessed August 23, 2018.
Levy BS. The complex nature of chronic pelvic pain. J Fam Pract. 2007;56(3 Suppl Diagnosis):S16-S17.
Pelvic pain. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/symptoms-of-gynecologic-disorders/pelvic-pain. Updated November 2016. Accessed August 23, 2018.
5/18/2015 DynaMed Plus Systematic Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115325/Chronic-prostatitis-Chronic-p...ic-pain-syndrome: Zhang R, Chomistek AK, et al. Physical activity and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Apr;47(4):757-764.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.