Pelvic Pain in Girls

Also known as: Abdominal pain, menstrual pain

What is pelvic pain?

Pain below the umbilicus, in the lower part of the abdomen and between the hip bones is referred to as pelvic pain. It's common in young girls, can be acute or chronic and can arise from problems or irregularities with the reproductive system/menstrual cycle (gynecological), or non-gynecological disorders.

What causes pelvic pain?

Frequent gynecological causes of acute pain include: ovulation, menstrual cramps, a ruptured ovarian cyst, and twisting of the ovary or Fallopian tube (the tube between the ovary and the uterus), and other disorders.

Non-Gynecologic causes include abdominal muscle pain from over exercising, trauma, bladder infections, and appendicitis.

Chronic pelvic pain can come from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), intestinal spasm, constipation and a number of other conditions.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

Depending on the cause, pelvic pain may be mild, moderate, or severe and can be a symptom on its own or be part of other medical conditions.

It might be a dull aching pain, or sharp and stabbing, steady or come and go like cramps. It also might only be present during certain activities, such as sex or urination.

What are pelvic pain care options?

Treatments for pelvic pain will vary widely depending on the cause of the pain. They can range from over-the-counter treatments for mild pain, dietary changes, antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or surgery.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: February 02, 2021 03:00 PM