Berikut merupakan kutipan ilmiah kedokteran yang bermanfaat sehingga disusun dan digunakan sebagai referensi pribadi.
Perpustakaan keluarga Helmut T T Simamora dan dr. Olga Y.V Hutapea
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain refers to pain in the abdomen below the belly button. This pain can accompany a wide range of conditions. It may be a harmless sign of fertility, a digestive disorder like IBS, or a red flag for a life-threatening emergency. In the slides ahead, we explore 18 causes of pelvic pain. But be sure to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes
recurring belly pain, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.
Doctors don't know what causes it, but there are strategies to control
the symptoms. These include diet changes, stress management, and
medications to treat diarrhea or constipation.
Mittelschmerz (Painful Ovulation)
If you have painful twinges
halfway between your periods, you may be feeling your body ovulate.
During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg along with some fluid and
blood, which may irritate the lining of the abdomen. This is called mittelschmerz from
the German words for "middle" and "pain," because it occurs mid-cycle.
The pain may switch sides from month to month. It isn't harmful and
usually goes away within a few hours.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
PMS is known for triggering mood
swings and food cravings. It can also cause abdominal cramps, low back
pain, headaches, tender breasts, and acne. Hormonal changes may be to
blame. Stress, lack of exercise, and some vitamin deficiencies may make
the symptoms worse. If PMS is interfering with your daily activities,
talk to your doctor. Lifestyle changes and medication can often help.
The chart shows hormone changes during a normal menstrual cycle.
Menstrual Cramps
Every month, the uterus builds up a lining
of tissue called the endometrium, where an embryo can implant and grow.
If you don't get pregnant, the lining breaks down and leaves the body as
your menstrual period. Menstrual cramps can occur when the uterus
contracts to help push out this blood. The cramps are usually felt in
the lower belly or back and last one to three days. A heating pad and
over-the-counter pain relievers may help.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This is a life-threatening emergency that
requires immediate treatment. It happens when an embryo implants and
begins growing somewhere outside of the uterus, usually the fallopian
tube. The symptoms include sharp pelvic pain or cramps (particularly on
one side), vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness. Urgent medical
attention is needed.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
One of the most serious
complications of STDs is pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. This
infection can cause permanent damage to the uterus, ovaries, and
fallopian tubes (seen here, swollen and red). In fact, it's the leading
preventable cause of infertility in women. Symptoms include belly pain,
fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or urination. PID
is treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery.
Ovarian Cysts
A follicle houses the maturing egg during the
menstrual cycle and releases the egg when you ovulate. Occasionally, a
follicle doesn't open to release the egg or recloses after releasing the
egg and swells with fluid, forming an ovarian cyst. This is usually
harmless and goes away on its own. But large cysts may cause pelvic
pain, weight gain, and frequent urination. Ovarian cysts can be
identified with a pelvic exam or ultrasound.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus and
are sometimes called fibroid tumors, but they are not cancerous.
Fibroids are common in women in their 30s and 40s and usually cause no
problems. However, some women may experience pressure in the belly, low
back pain, heavy periods, painful sex, or trouble getting pregnant. Talk
with your doctor about treatments to shrink or remove problematic
fibroids.
Endometriosis
In some women, endometrial tissue grows outside
the uterus. Growths may form on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder,
intestines, and other parts of the body. When it's time for your period,
these clumps break down, but the tissue has no way to leave the body.
While this is rarely dangerous, it can cause pain and produce scar
tissue that may make it tough to get pregnant. There are treatments for
endometriosis, but there is no cure.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI)
begins when germs get into the urinary tract. A UTI can cause problems
anywhere from the urethra to the bladder and up through the ureters all
the way to the kidneys. Symptoms include pressure in the lower pelvis,
painful urination, and a frequent urge to urinate. The infection usually
isn't serious if it is treated promptly. But when it spreads to the
kidneys, it can cause permanent damage. Signs of a kidney infection
include fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in one side of the lower back.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are globs of salt and minerals
that deposit in the urine. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as
large as a golf ball. As the stones move from your kidney to your
bladder, they can trigger sudden, excruciating pain in the belly or
pelvic area. Your urine may turn pink or red from blood. Check with your
doctor if you think you have kidney stones. Most will pass out of your
system on their own, but some require treatment.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a
chronic pain condition related to inflammation of the bladder. The cause
is unknown. People with severe IC may need to urinate multiple times an
hour. Other symptoms include pressure above the pubic area, painful
urination, and pain during sex. The condition is most common in women in
their 30s and 40s. Although there is no cure, there are ways to ease
the symptoms.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Pelvic pain is a warning sign
for some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.) Two of the most common
are chlamydia and gonorrhea (shown here through a microscope); they
often occur together. They don't always cause symptoms, but when they
do, they may trigger pelvic pain, painful urination, bleeding between
periods, and abnormal vaginal discharge. It's important to seek
treatment to prevent serious complications and avoid infecting your
partner.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Many women will have some type of
pelvic organ prolapse as they age. This occurs when an organ, such as
the bladder or uterus, drops into a lower position. It usually isn't a
serious health problem, but it can be uncomfortable. The most common
symptoms are pressure against the vaginal wall, feeling full in the
lower belly, discomfort in the groin or lower back, and painful sex.
Treatment options range from special exercises to surgery.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Varicose veins commonly occur in
the legs (seen here in the upper thigh), and they can sometimes develop
in the pelvis. Blood backs up in the pelvic veins, causing them to
become swollen and painful. This is known as pelvic congestion syndrome.
The pain tends to be worse when you sit or stand. Lying down may
provide relief. There are minimally invasive procedures to treat pelvic
congestion syndrome.
Scar Tissue
If you've had surgery in the pelvic or lower
abdominal region, such as an appendectomy or a C-section, or infection
in the area, you could have ongoing pain from scar tissue. Adhesions are
a type of internal scar tissue that forms between organs or structures
that are not meant to be connected. Abdominal adhesions can cause pain
and other problems, depending on their location. In some cases,
adhesions must be surgically removed.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that has no
known cause. The pain affects the area around the opening of the vagina.
It can be constant or recurring and is often described as a burning,
stinging or throbbing sensation. Riding a bike or having sex may make
the pain worse. It is not caused by an infection. And a diagnosis of
vulvodynia is made only after ruling out other causes of vulvar pain.
Treatment options range from medication to physical therapy.
Pain During Sex
Pain during sex (dyspareunia) can be caused
by many of the conditions we've discussed, most of which are treatable.
Other reasons for painful sex are vaginal infections or insufficient
lubrication. Sometimes there is no medical explanation for pain during
sex. In those cases, sexual therapy may be beneficial. This type of
therapy can help resolve inner conflicts about sex or past abuse.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain occurs below your
belly button and lasts at least 6 months. It may be severe enough to
interfere with your sleep, career, or relationships. The first step
toward getting your life back is seeing your doctor for a diagnosis.
Most of the conditions we've discussed respond well to treatment.
Sometimes, even after a lot of testing, the cause of pelvic pain remains
a mystery. But your doctor can still help you find ways to feel better.
Sumber : MD
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