Pelvic pain in women is discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen. Pelvic pain in females can be indicative of menstrual periods, ovulation, ovarian cyst, or any other reproductive disease. Sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area can be a serious complication that needs immediate medical attention.
Highlights
- Pelvic pain occurs in the lower abdomen or reproductive parts in females due to infectious diseases affecting the genitals or ovarian abnormalities.
- Sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area is diagnosed using hysteroscopy, ultrasound, or CT scan.
- Consult with a gynecologist if your pelvic pain doesn’t subside or gets worsen as it can result in complications.
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pain in the pelvis region, below the belly button but above the legs, that remains for at least 6 months is diagnosed as pelvic pain. Around 14% to 32% of females of childbearing age suffer from chronic pelvic pain around the world. It is the area below your belly button and above your legs.
Sudden stabbing pain in the vagina and pelvis occurs due to certain infections, problems in internal organs, or bone damage. The reproductive organs located in the pelvic area of females are the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. You might be experiencing pain due to a defect in any of these.
Also, Read 3 Treatment Options For Ovarian Cysts.
What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Pain?
Sometimes a sudden pain in the pelvic area in females can be accompanied by other symptoms as well. A few of the commonly occurring signs and symptoms related to pelvic pain are:
- cramps or period pain
- pain while urination
- vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
- bleeding while pooping
- pain during intercourse
- pain in the groin area
Sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area of females requires urgent medical attention, so it is highly advised to consult a gynecologist to avoid future complications.
What can cause pelvic pain in women?
The conditions that may cause sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area in females have been listed below. The stabbing pain can be linked to the uterus, ovaries, or other reproductive parts.
1. Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
According to John Hopkins Medicine, a ruptured ovarian cyst is not always life-threatening and you might recover by yourself. However, in some cases, a ruptured ovarian cyst can be an emergency.
- If you develop an infected cyst that ruptures it can cause sepsis (blood infection) which is fatal.
- Feeling a sudden stabbing pelvic pain on the right side is mostly a symptom of a ruptured ovarian cyst. But a sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area of a female can also occur on the left side.
- For the treatment, your doctor might give you antibiotics for the treatment of an infected cyst.
- You might even need to have surgery. So, be sure to get it checked as soon as you feel a sudden pain.
2. Ectopic Pregnancy
You might experience some vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain in the early days of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Getting sharp pain in your pelvic region during pregnancy can be a sign of something serious.
- It can be an emergency if your fallopian tube ruptures due to the ectopic pregnancy, and some women even lose their lives due to heavy bleeding.
- The symptoms of this potentially fatal condition include excessive lightheadedness, fainting, and shock.
3. Inflammation of the Pelvis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs that typically occurs after an STI infection.
- PID is frequently caused by STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea and causes sharp pain in the uterus
- PID is a dangerous medical illness that requires immediate medical attention.
- Failure to treat PID promptly might result in long-term infertility issues.
Is Sharp Pelvic Pain always Serious in Females?
There can be more than three reasons for getting sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area in females because of many diseases involving that area. It might not always be serious and might go away on its own after taking some rest.
Some serious conditions that can cause pelvic pain in females are:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic adhesions
- Uterine fibroids
- Cancer
- Interstitial cystitis
- Cystitis
If the pelvic pain persists for more than 6 months, it is advised not to ignore the symptoms as it can cause complications. You can book an online appointment or video consultation with the best Gynecologist.
FAQs
1. When should you worry about pelvic pain?
Sudden and severe pelvic pain that is not linked to periods needs immediate medical attention. Sharp pain in the uterus of pregnant or non-pregnant women can cause complications.
2. Can pelvic pain be cancerous?
Stabbing pain in the pelvis is a common symptom of uterine or ovarian cancer. If you have constipation and frequent urination along with pelvic pain, consult the doctor for proper diagnosis to rule out cancer.
3. Can an ovarian cyst cause stabbing pain?
An ovarian cyst normally only produces symptoms if it ruptures, is very big, or limits the ovaries’ blood supply. In certain situations, you may have pelvic pain that ranges from a dull, heavy sensation to a strong, acute ache.
