A woman holding her abdomen in pain while a doctor comforts her.
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About Pelvic Pain

"Pelvic pain" is a general term used to describe pain that occurs mostly or only in the region below a woman's belly button. This region includes the lower stomach, lower back, buttocks, and genital area.1

Pelvic pain is chronic if it lasts for more than 6 months and affects a woman's quality of life.2 This condition is a common reason why women seek medical care.3

Citations

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2004). ACOG practice bulletin no. 51. Chronic pelvic pain. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 103, 589–605.
  2. UCSF Medical Center. (n.d.). Pelvic pain. Retrieved May 25, 2016, from http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/pelvic_pain External Web Site Policy
  3. Reiter, R. C. (1996). A profile of women with chronic pelvic pain. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 33, 130–136.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

How many women have pelvic pain?

What causes pelvic pain?

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

How is pelvic pain treated?

How can I describe my pain to my health care provider?

Can there be more than one reason for my pelvic pain?

Can pelvic pain affect my ability to become pregnant?

Can alternative therapies treat my pain?

Can pelvic pain affect my emotional well-being?

How can I cope with long-lasting pain?

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