Why is my womb aching

Anyone experiencing these changes should see their doctor who will be able to diagnose an STI and prescribe treatment, usually including antibiotics. It is also critical to inform sexual partners about the infection to prevent it from spreading. Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection in the womb that can damage the surrounding tissue. PID can arise if bacteria from the vagina or cervix enter the womb and take hold. It is usually a complication of an STI such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Along with pelvic pain, women may experience other symptoms, including abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding. Treatment typically involves taking antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. However, they cannot treat scarring, which is why early treatment is crucial. Endometriosis occurs when endometrium, or tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the womb.

Endometriosis may be a source of chronic, long-lasting pelvic pain in some women. Some people may experience mild to severe pain.

Endometriosis may make it difficult for some women to become pregnant. Doctors may recommend various treatments, depending on symptom severity. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a gut disorder that causes pain and symptoms, including constipation , diarrhea , and bloating.

The symptoms of IBS tend to flare up and go away over time, especially after a bowel movement. There is no cure for IBS, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms through changes in diet, stress levels, and medications.

Appendicitis is inflammation in the appendix, which is a small organ in the lower-right abdomen. An infection causes this condition, and, although it is common, it can be severe. Anyone experiencing a sharp pain in their lower-right abdomen, along with other symptoms such as vomiting and fever , should seek immediate medical care, as this may be a sign of appendicitis.

Stones in the urinary tract consist of salts and minerals, such as calcium , that the body has trouble getting rid of in the urine. These minerals can build up and form crystals in the bladder or kidneys that often cause pain in the pelvis or lower back.

Stones may also cause the urine to change color, often turning it pink or reddish with blood. Some stones do not require treatment, but passing them can be painful. At other times, a doctor may recommend medications to break up stones or surgery to remove them. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants itself anywhere outside of the uterus and starts growing. A woman may feel very sharp pain, and cramps in her pelvis, which are usually focused on one side.

Other symptoms include nausea, vaginal bleeding, and dizziness. Anyone who suspects that they have an ectopic pregnancy should seek immediate medical care, as this is a life-threatening condition. An adhesion is scar tissue that occurs inside the body and connects two tissues that should not be connected. This may result in pain, as the body struggles to adapt to the adhesion. The scar tissue could form due to an old infection, endometriosis, or other issues in the area. Pelvic adhesions may lead to chronic pelvic pain in some women, and they may cause other symptoms, depending on where the scar tissue appears.

A doctor may recommend some minimally invasive surgeries to help reduce adhesions and relieve symptoms. Ovarian cysts occur when the ovaries fail to release an egg. The follicle holding the egg may not open completely to release the egg, or it may become clogged with fluid.

When this happens, a growth called a cyst forms in the area, which may cause bloating, pressure, or pelvic pain on the side of the body with the cyst. They'll be able to investigate the cause and arrange any treatment you may need. If you've had pelvic pain for 6 months or more that either comes and goes or is continuous, it's known as chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is more intense than ordinary period pain and lasts longer. It affects around 1 in 6 women. See your GP if you have chronic pelvic pain.

They'll investigate the cause and arrange any necessary treatment. Page last reviewed: 30 October Next review due: 30 October Symptoms vary based on the size and location. Large fibroids may cause a feeling of pressure or a dull aching pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

They may also cause:. Fibroids occasionally cause a very sharp, severe pain if they outgrow their blood supply and start to die. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:. Symptoms vary, but often include dull, aching pain in the pelvis and abdomen, and pain during intercourse.

Unusual vaginal discharge is another common symptom. Pelvic pain during pregnancy is usually not cause for alarm.

As your body adjusts and grows, your bones and ligaments stretch. That can cause feelings of pain or discomfort. These pains are often referred to as false labor and happen most commonly during the third trimester. They may be brought on by:. A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. Most miscarriages occur during the first trimester , before the 13th week.

Labor that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy is considered premature labor. Symptoms include:. You may also pass your mucus plug. If labor is being brought on by an infection , you may also have fever. Premature labor is a medical emergency which requires immediate attention. It can sometimes be stopped by medical treatment before you give birth.

The placenta forms and attaches itself to the uterine wall early in pregnancy. Rarely, the placenta detaches itself from the uterine wall. This may be a partial or complete detachment, and is known as placental abruption. Placental abruption can cause vaginal bleeding, accompanied by sudden feelings of pain or tenderness in the abdomen or back. Ectopic pregnancies occur shortly after conception if a fertilized egg implants itself in a fallopian tube or other part of the reproductive tract instead of in the uterus.

This type of pregnancy is never viable and may result in rupture of the fallopian tube and internal bleeding. The primary symptoms are sharp, intense pain and vaginal bleeding. The pain may occur in the abdomen or pelvis. Pain may also radiate up toward the shoulder or neck if internal bleeding has occurred and blood has pooled under the diaphragm.

Pelvic pain can be caused by a wide range of additional conditions in both men and women. These include:. Your doctor will take an oral history to learn about the type of pain you have, and about your other symptoms and overall health history. They may also recommend a pap smear if you have not had one within the past three years. Pelvic pain often responds to OTC pain medications, but make sure to check with your doctor before you take any type of drug during pregnancy.

In some instances, resting may help. In others, gentle movement and light exercise will be more beneficial. Try these tips:.