Pelvic pain is a symptom that’s typically associated with women’s health and it can also impact men’s just the same as women. This type of pain is generally described as a dull pressure or ache that may or may not include intense pains placed anywhere in the abdomen below the umbilicus. The pain may be occasional or persistent and can be along with other symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and lower back ache.  Pelvic pain is often a warning sign that something is wrong and should be evaluated swiftly.

Causes of pelvic pain in women

• Reproductive causes

Many different conditions impacting the women reproductive system can cause pelvic pain, in which are:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Any infection in the pelvic area such as uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina can cause PID. This may cause discharge, blisters, or skin lesions.
• PID can often be managed with medication that targets the infection, such as antibiotics. A surgical procedure such as drainage may be required in case an abscess develops.
• If this condition worsens and is not treated, it may lead to grievous complications, including systemic infection (septicemia) and infertility.

Ovarian Cyst Rupture

• Women who have ovarian cysts may experience intense ache if a cyst leaks fluid or bleeds a little. The pain can be grave, intense, and persistent when a mighty cyst twists or ruptures.
• Most of tiny cysts will dissolve without any treatment after 2 to 3 menstrual cycles. However vast cysts and those that don’t dissolve on their own after a few months may require medical attention.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• An ectopic pregnancy is one that begins in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Pain caused by an ectopic pregnancy often begins on one side of the abdomen soon after a missed menstrual cycle and may include spotting or vaginal bleeding.
• It can be life-threatening if medical intervention is not sought promptly. The fallopian tubes can rupture and cause bleeding in the abdomen. In some instances, surgery is required to separate the impacted fallopian tube.

Ovarian Torsion:

Ligaments that hold the ovary in place rotate and twist, break off the blood supply of ovary and causing sudden and grave pelvic pain that may be sharp, dull, or spasmodic and radiates to the lower back or groin region.

Endometriosis:

Tissue that’s commonly found in the inner most line of the uterus grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines, causing pelvic pain during menstruation and intercourse, and oftentimes during urination or bowel movements

• Non-Reproductive Causes

Kidney stones, or bladder stones, irritable bowel syndrome diverticulitis as well as muscle cramps or muscle tension are some examples of non-reproductive causes of pelvic pain.  Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix can also cause acute pelvic pain.

What Are The Symptoms Related To Pelvic Pain?

A number of symptoms are affined to pelvic pain. Some of them are mentioned here:

• Menstrual cramps
• Painful menstruation
• Painful or difficult urination
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating or gas formation
• Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
• Blood seen with a bowel movement
• Pain during intercourse
• Low grade Fever or chills
• Pain in the groin region
• Pain in the pelvic region

Ayurvedic Treatment Options for Pelvic Pain

Ayurveda is ancient healing system that can play a significant role in managing pelvic pain through a combination of corrective Aahar (diet), Vihar (exercises) and Aushadhi (drugs) regime. Food also affects the mind by causing either an increase or decrease in the three qualities of mind, i.e., Satva guna (light, bliss, and goodness), Rajo guna (passion, motion) and Tamo guna (darkness).

Single Ayurvedic Herbs for Pelvic Pain

• Nirgundi (vitex negundo)
• Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)
• Eranda (Ricinus communis)
• Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
• Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

Panchakarma Therapies for Pelvic Pain

• Basti (Medicated Enema)
• Swedana karma
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
• Yoni Pichu
• Virechana (Purgative Therapy)

Diet Recommendations (Aahar)

Ayurveda advised strict following of Ojas- body building food items, and to avoid the foods that reduce the Ojas. This is vital as it governs ovulation and improves fertilization in conditions such as endometriosis.

• Food items such as clarified butter, dairy products (milk), nuts, honey, dates, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds saffron, and avocados help furnish and boost Ojas (immunity).
• Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein from plant sources (like beans, peas), sweet and juicy fruits (like mangoes, peaches, plums, and pears), asparagus, broccoli, and spices (such as cumin seeds, Ajwain, turmeric powder to detoxify the uterus in females, turmeric to promote the interaction between hormones and targeted cells and tissues, and black cumin for enhancing fertility.
• Root vegetables, grains, arugula, watercress, onions, garlic, and chives improve circulation and nourish the blood.
• Urad dhal cooked with equal parts turmeric, cumin, coriander and fennel or banana cooked in ghee, cinnamon and cardamom for enhancing fertility.
• Black sesame seeds and jaggery are both abundant in vitamin E and iron, and help with causing positive changes in the female body.
• Spinach, beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, and beets, boost iron and promote fertility.

 

Lifestyle changes (Vihar)

Yoga exercise and meditation can aid strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, abdomen and lower back muscles, and enhance fertility in both females and males. Few yogasanas beneficial for the pelvic muscles are:

• Uttanpadasana
• Supta Pawanmuktasana
• Chakki Chalanasa (Churning The Mill)