5 Common Reasons for Pelvic Pressure in Women

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According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it’s sometimes difficult to recognize the cause of pelvic pressure. While pelvic pressure is common among pregnant women and can increase as the pregnancy enlarges, women who have never been pregnant can also feel pelvic pressure. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for pelvic discomfort and pressure in women.

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs in the lower pelvic area. This disease can cause pelvic pressure and pain. Frequent urination is a common symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease. Other symptoms of PID include: 

Pain in the lower abdomen 

• Vaginal discharge that may smell foul

• Painful sex

• Fever 

• Painful urination

• Irregular periods

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pelvic inflammatory disease can be easily treated with antibiotics if addressed in time. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, which can be life-threatening. If you suspect PID, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

2. Dropping

At the end of the third trimester, the baby usually drops deeper into the pelvis. This is called dropping or lightening. If dropping occurs much earlier than on the 37th week of pregnancy, it’s important to contact the gynecologist as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that a sensation of pelvic pressure could indicate premature labor.

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which an embryo attaches to a fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This is actually a life-threatening condition as it can lead to acute internal bleeding. 

The growth of the embryo increases pelvic pain and pressure. The pain is considerable and must be managed by surgery before the fallopian tube bursts and bleeds into the abdomen. Issues such as gonorrhea and chlamydia infection, pelvic infections, and a history of abdominal surgery can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

4. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are another common cause of pelvic discomfort in women. These are non-cancerous tumors occurring on the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the root cause of fibroids is still unknown, but excessive levels of estrogen in the body can increase the risk of fibroids.

Since fibroids grow rapidly and might twist, they are often surgically removed before pelvic discomfort worsens. There are many methods of uterine fibroid removal depending on their size and location such as hysteroscopic resection of fibroids, laparoscopic, or open abdominal surgery.

In rare cases, uterine fibroids can lead to infertility. However, most women with fibroids can have a successful and healthy pregnancy. If you are suffering from infertility and have uterine fibroids, your doctor can remove them to increase your chances to get pregnant.

5. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a condition in which the body of a pregnant woman produces high levels of relaxin. This hormone is responsible for relaxing the joints for birth. This can lead to pelvic pressure and distress since ligaments and bones stretch outward.

SPD commonly occurs during pregnancy and about 20 percent of pelvic discomfort and pain cases are severe and can even cause disability.

Pelvic pain and discomfort caused by SPD can spread to the lower back, hips, groin, and even legs. If you have symphysis pubis dysfunction, your doctor may recommend you wearing a pelvic support device or use crutches in order to manage pelvic discomfort and pain during your pregnancy.