Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most challenging symptoms in women’s health – not because it’s rare, but because it has so many potential causes, many of which overlap. It is also one of the most frequently dismissed symptoms. Women are told “it’s just period pain” or “it’s stress” for years before getting a proper answer.
Here are seven causes of pelvic pain in women that are commonly missed.
1. Endometriosis
The most commonly missed diagnosis in women with pelvic pain. Endometriosis involves uterine-like tissue growing outside the uterus, causing cyclical inflammation, adhesions and pain. It can cause period pain, pain during sex, pain during bowel movements, and chronic daily pelvic pain. Average diagnostic delay: 6–10 years. gynaecologist in Chandigarh
2. Adenomyosis
Often called “the forgotten sister of endometriosis,” adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle wall. It causes heavy, painful periods and a tender, enlarged uterus. It’s been underdiagnosed for decades because definitive diagnosis historically required hysterectomy – but high-quality ultrasound and MRI can now diagnose it non-invasively. specialist gynaecology care
3. Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts are functional (related to the ovulation cycle) and resolve on their own. But persistent or large cysts, particularly endometriomas (blood-filled cysts from endometriosis) or dermoid cysts, can cause chronic dull ache or sudden sharp pain (if they twist or rupture).
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the upper reproductive tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries). It can present with pelvic pain, fever and discharge. Importantly, it can also cause chronic pelvic pain after the initial infection is resolved, due to adhesions and scarring. Previous PID that wasn’t adequately treated is a common unrecognised cause of chronic pelvic pain.
5. Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)
This is a chronic bladder condition causing pelvic pain, urinary frequency and urgency – and it frequently masquerades as recurrent UTIs. Women with IC often go through multiple antibiotic courses before anyone considers that the bladder wall itself is inflamed, not infected.
6. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Tight, hypertonic pelvic floor muscles (the opposite of weakness) can cause significant pelvic, vaginal and lower back pain. This is common in women who have had traumatic deliveries, sexual trauma, or prolonged emotional stress. It responds well to pelvic floor physiotherapy (relaxation-focused, not Kegels).
7. Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids – benign uterine tumours – are very common, affecting up to 30% of women over 35. Most cause no symptoms. But large or submucous fibroids (inside the uterine cavity) can cause heavy bleeding, period pain and pelvic pressure. They are easily seen on ultrasound but often dismissed as “just fibroids – not dangerous” without addressing the pain they cause.
Persistent pelvic pain deserves proper investigation. Book a consultation at Sadhbhavna Clinics Chandigarh. We listen, we investigate properly, and we find answers.