Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bloating and Pelvic Pain
Bloating is when you feel overly full, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful after overeating, eating too fast, swallowing air, experiencing hormonal changes, or having other health issues. When you're bloated, it can lead to discomfort in your pelvic area because of the pressure it puts on your uterus, ovaries, and bladder. It's important to note that pain and bloating can sometimes indicate other medical problems.
Treatment for bloating and pelvic pain depends on what's causing it. It can range from using over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and making lifestyle adjustments to needing prescription medications or even surgery.
Ignoring ongoing bloating and pelvic pain may delay the diagnosis of more serious issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or, rarely, ovarian or colon cancer. Monitoring the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and seeking medical advice early, can help ensure effective treatment and peace of mind.
What Is Bloating and How Does It Happen?
Bloating is a frequent digestive problem that gives you a sense of fullness, discomfort, and sometimes pain. You might also notice excessive gas or liquid discharge from your digestive system when you're bloated.
There are various reasons for bloating, including:
- Eating too fast or overeating
- Swallowing air unintentionally
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Sensitivities to certain foods
- Other issues like constipation
Bloating typically occurs when the gas produced during digestion isn't released from your body through burping or passing gas, causing it to accumulate in your stomach. Fluid retention can also contribute to the feeling of bloating.
Why Does Bloating Lead to Pelvic Pain?
Bloating has the potential to lead to pelvic pain because the buildup of gas and fluid can exert pressure on organs in the pelvic region, such as the uterus, ovaries, and bladder.
This pressure can result in discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, impacting the overall well-being of the pelvis.
Is Bloating and Pelvic Pain Serious?
Experiencing both bloating and pelvic pain at the same time can often be attributed to mild medical conditions. Still, it's crucial to know that they could indicate more serious underlying issues. Let's explore some of the potential causes.
Mild Medical Conditions
When abdominal bloating and pelvic pain have mild causes, there's usually no need for undue concern. In such instances, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and simple lifestyle adjustments can effectively address the issue.
Constipation
Constipation is a prevalent digestive issue that arises when bowel movements become less frequent and challenging, leading to sensations of bloating and pelvic pain.
This condition can occur due to dehydration, a lack of physical activity, or a diet low in fibre.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a persistent digestive disorder characterised by the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation.
This condition can lead to symptoms such as bloating and other discomforts like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which the body cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
Bloating can be a symptom of lactose intolerance due to the accumulation of excessive gas in the body, which can also result in pelvic pain and other stomach-related problems.
Common Causes of Bloating and Pelvic Pain
This table summarises the most common causes of bloating and pelvic pain, their severity, and when to seek medical help.
| Cause | Type | Common Symptoms | When to See a Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constipation | Mild | Fullness, gas, irregular stools | If persistent >3 days |
| Lactose Intolerance | Mild | Gas, cramps after dairy | If diet change doesn’t help |
| Ovarian Cysts | Moderate–Severe | Pain, bloating, irregular bleeding | If pain worsens or with fever |
| IBD / Celiac Disease | Severe | Diarrhoea, fatigue, bloating | If chronic or with weight loss |
| Ovarian or Colon Cancer | Serious | Persistent pain, swelling, weight loss | See a doctor immediately |
Serious Medical Conditions Linked to Bloating and Pelvic Pain
When experiencing severe cases of bloating and pelvic pain, it is typically advisable to seek medical attention and potentially receive prescription treatments.
It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider if you encounter any of the symptoms discussed in this section to ensure proper evaluation and management of your condition.
Cancer
Bloating and chronic pelvic pain can serve as potential indicators of ovarian or colon cancer. These types of cancer often remain asymptomatic until they reach an advanced stage. It's essential to be aware that common signs of cancer may encompass changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or swelling, as well as unexplained weight loss.
If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and prompt diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes in such cases.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that impacts the digestive tract and can lead to bloating when the body accumulates gas. Other common symptoms of IBD may include rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, and episodes of diarrhoea.
If you suspect you have IBD or experience these symptoms, seeking medical evaluation and care is essential for proper diagnosis and management.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that arises when the body cannot tolerate gluten.
Bloating can result from this condition due to a severe sensitivity to certain foods, which triggers inflammation and gas accumulation in the body.
Other common symptoms of celiac disease may include diarrhoea, profound fatigue, and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries and can lead to intense pain. If you experience bloating, as well as abdominal or vaginal bleeding, it could be a sign of an ovarian cyst.
Additionally, these cysts have the potential to disrupt your menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods.
Prostate Issues
For men, bloating and pelvic pain could be indicative of conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland, which can lead to urinary tract infections.
On the other hand, an enlarged prostate occurs when the gland becomes swollen, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, a dull or sharp pain in the genital area, and difficulties with urination.
How to Treat Bloating and Pelvic Pain
The approach to treating bloating and pelvic pain depends on the specific underlying cause of these symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medications and adjustments to your lifestyle or diet for mild cases.
In cases of more severe bloating and acute pelvic pain stemming from serious medical conditions, a more comprehensive treatment plan may be necessary, which could involve prescription medications or surgical interventions.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention and consulting with your healthcare provider to address your concerns effectively is crucial.
When to See a Doctor for Bloating and Pelvic Pain
Suppose you have concerns about your symptoms or find that bloating and pelvic pain impact your daily life. In that case, you can consult with a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the convenience of your home.
Mobi Doctor can help you with your medical concerns by offering remote consultations with qualified healthcare professionals.
