Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of the stomach area and pelvis. It can refer to symptoms that come from the:

  • Reproductive system, which includes the organs and tissues involved in pregnancy and giving birth.
  • Urinary system, which removes waste from the body through urine.
  • Digestive system, which takes in, digests and absorbs nutrients from food and drink.

Pelvic pain also can refer to symptoms that come from muscles and connective tissue called ligaments in the pelvis.

Depending on its source, the pain can be:

  • Dull or sharp.
  • Constant or off and on.
  • Mild to severe.

The pain can spread to the lower back, buttocks or thighs. You might notice it only at certain times, such as when you use the bathroom or have sex.

Pelvic pain can come on suddenly. It may be sharp and last for a short time, also known as acute pain. Or it can last a long time and happen over and over again. This is called chronic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is any constant or off-and-on pelvic pain that lasts six months or more.

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Nov. 14, 2024

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  10. What is cervical cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  11. Cervical cancer FAQs
  12. Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous?
  13. Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
  14. Chronic bladder infection
  15. Cystitis
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  17. Endometrial cancer
  18. Epididymitis
  19. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  20. Glowing Cancer Surgery
  21. Gonorrhea
  22. Gynecologic Cancers
  23. Interstitial cystitis
  24. Molar pregnancy
  25. New immunotherapy approved for metastatic bladder cancer
  26. Ovarian cancer
  27. Ovarian cancer: Still possible after hysterectomy?
  28. Ovarian cysts
  29. Ovarian cysts and infertility: A connection?
  30. Pap test: Can it detect ovarian cancer?
  31. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  32. Prostate Cancer
  33. Prostate cancer
  34. Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
  35. What is prostate cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  36. Prostate cancer prevention
  37. Prostate cancer FAQs
  38. Rickets
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  40. Scientists propose a breast cancer drug for some bladder cancer patients
  41. Small bowel prolapse (enterocele)
  42. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome
  43. Uterine fibriods FAQs
  44. Uterine fibroids
  45. What are uterine fibroids? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  46. Vaginal cancer