• Long term pain
• Pain is intermittent
• Sometimes, the pain is severe; other times it is a dull nagging pain
• Cramps in the abdomen
• Heaviness in pelvis
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Being seated for long periods contributes to pain
• Any kind of bowel movement causes pain

• Pelvic pain has many causes and sometimes a combination of causes might be resulting in the pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease might affect pelvic organs causing pain.
• When uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed for other conditions, sometimes a part of the ovaries may be left which can develop into cysts causing pain.
• Some conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system can cause pelvic pain.
• Fibroids when they degenerate can cause pelvic pain.
• Endometriosis – A condition in which the endometrium grows outside the uterus
• Bladder conditions like interstitial cystitis.

Chronic pelvic pain can have serious effects on the mental well-being of women.

• Medical history
• Blood tests including tests for sexually transmitted infections
• CT scan, ultrasound, MRI
• Laparoscopic examination which will help diagnose endometriosis

Treatment involves medication to handle pain. Sometimes, women may find that the pain is more during certain parts of their menstrual cycle. In such cases, hormonal medications might help. Antidepressants can also be given as they have pain relieving properties.

Surgical intervention can be in the form of:

• Laparoscopy: Endometriosis can be diagnoses and treated with laparoscopy
• Hysterectomy: Though it is rare, removal of uterus and associated organs can be advised for certain conditions

Managing the pain will help. Since the pain is long-term it can lead to depression. Practicing ways to reduce anxiety and depression (like meditation) can help.