12 Potential Causes of Uterine Pain

There are a number of reasons pelvic or uterine pain bothers a woman. Among the 12 potential causes of your uterine pain, some are more worrisome than others.

Because the uterus is situated in close proximity to the other organs which comprise the reproductive system, it is often difficult to distinguish the cause of the pain. Be sure to describe the pain and its accompanying symptoms to your OBGYN to receive an appropriate diagnosis.

Our board-certified OB/GYNs at Associates in Women’s Health in Omaha specialize in diagnosing and treating causes of uterine pain. Learn about 12 common causes of pelvic pain and call (402) 697-7200 to schedule your consultation today.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths which normally grow on the walls of the uterus. The larger they become, the more symptomatic they can be. Lower back and pelvic pain are common along with the feeling of needing to urinate more often.

Uterine Prolapse

When the muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus in place become weakened, the uterus can descend into the bladder. This frequently occurs as a woman ages causing urinary urgency, leaks, and severe pain both during and after sex.

UTI

Urinary tract infections caused by bacteria involve symptoms which include cloudy or bloody urine, the urgent need to urinate, foul smelling urine, and lower back pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This condition is triggered by a bacterial infection of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It is frequently correlated to a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, a vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, and irregular periods.

Uterine Polyps

Polyps are small tissue growths inside the uterus. They cause pain, heavy periods, spotting between periods, and bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue lining the uterus grows elsewhere like in the ovaries or abdomen. The tissue can bleed during the menstrual cycle and pain occurs where the tissue has implanted itself.  Other symptoms include more painful periods, spotting, painful bowel movements, and a bloated abdomen.

Uterine Scars

Uterine surgery and radiation can leave adhesions or scars known as Asherman’s Syndrome. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but it can result in light periods, the risk of infertility or miscarriage, and if severe, can result  in pain and inflammation of the uterus.

Ovulation Pain

This pain occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle when ovulation is taking place. It can last just a few minutes or for several days, and it can feel like a cramp or a sharp pain. This condition is also known as mittelschmerz.

Interstitial Cystitis

Also known as an inflamed bladder, this occurs mostly to women in their 30s and 40s. Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, and pain in the lower pelvis when delaying urination.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia causes very heavy and painful periods. Prolonged bleeding during the menstrual cycle is also a common symptom. Many times this is due to a pituitary hormonal issue and not a medical problem. Menorrhagia results in a low red blood count, or anemia. Treatment for the anemia along with OTC pain medications usually resolve the issue.

Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows deep into the uterine muscle. It results in severe pain and very heavy periods.

Ectopic Pregnancy

This situation requires immediate care as it can be life threatening. For an ectopic pregnancy to occur, a fertilized egg must implant itself in the pelvis, abdomen, or Fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. It causes severe pain and cramping.

It is always wise to seek emergency care if pelvic pain is sudden, exists on one side, or if you think you could be pregnant. See your OB/GYN at Associates in Women’s Health for any chronic uterine pain, especially if it has lasted for six months or more.

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