What are common causes of pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is pain that occurs in the lower abdomen below the belly button. It is a symptom and not a disease. It is more common in women but occurs in both men and women. In women, the vast majority is attributable to gynecologic causes but during the initial evaluation all causes must be considered. Common gynecological causes of pelvic pain include endometriosis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids (non-cancerous tumors of the uterus). Gastrointestinal causes are the next most common reason for pelvic pain. Diseases of the colon and rectum such as colitis, diverticulosis and diverticulitis may cause discomfort in the lower abdomen. Irritable bowel syndrome is another gastrointestinal disorder that is often associated with pelvic pain. This pain is often relieved with passing gas or a bowel movement and may occur in conjunction with altered bowel habits. The bladder and urinary tract also are located in the pelvis. Interstitial cystitis is inflammation of the urinary b
