Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can be caused by an infection or inflammation. An infection does not have to affect the reproductive organs to cause pelvic pain. This pain can be caused by the bladder, bowel, or appendix. Irritable bowel syndrome, kidney or bladder stones, as well as muscle spasms can also cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain. Due to the large number of possible causes of pelvic pain, diagnosis begins by a process of elimination. Your physician might order many tests to determine the cause including ultrasound imaging, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and barium enema. Surgery may be the answer for certain types of pelvic pain. The type of surgery depends on diagnosis. Other treatments include heat therapy, muscle relaxants, nerve blocks, and relaxation exercises.