The average person with a uterus will have 480 periods in their lifetime and experience menstrual bleeding for approximately 2400 days in total.

The average uterus owner will have period pain and cramps severe enough to miss work and other responsibilities, significantly interfering with activities of daily living. Too many people have been conditioned to “suck it up” and “suffer in silence” with pelvic pain and cramps that seriously cramp their lifestyles.

If you have a vagina and have been “normalizing” pelvic pain and cramps; if you’ve been led to believe by the medical community or society-at-large that pelvic pain and cramps are simply part of the deal, maybe it’s time to think again.

Sure, some pelvic pain and cramps, might be unavoidable. But modern-day medicine has the tools – the training, the listening skills, the patience, the diagnostic capacity, the medical interventions, the treatment options – to flip the script and “abnormalize” pelvic pain and cramping once and for all.

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

Periods might be the most infamous cause of pelvic pain and cramps, but there is another common culprit that might be hiding in plain sight: Endometriosis. In fact, according to Yale Medicine, 50-80% of women with pelvic pain have the condition. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 10% of women have endometriosis.

So, what exactly is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This tissue behaves just like the uterine lining, thickening and shedding with each menstrual cycle.

The main difference between the uterine lining and endometrial tissue is that endometrial tissue implants on other pelvic organs has and no way to exit the body. This tissue can lead to inflammation, irritation, scarring, and adhesions, and resulting in severe pain, cramping, and even infertility.

The pelvic pain and cramps associated with endometriosis can be relentless, causing intense pain during menstruation, sex, and bowel movements. It can appear as chronic discomfort that continues throughout the menstrual cycles. It can also present as acute pain that materializes out-of-the-blue between periods. Cramps caused my endometriosis can vary in intensity, with some people experiencing mild pain and others enduring debilitating discomfort.

Symptoms often match how much endometrial tissue grows and how close it is to sensitive structures in the pelvic area, like the ovaries and uterus. Because symptoms of endometriosis often flare up during menstruation, doctors often dismiss these symptoms as nothing more than “this too shall pass” period pain.

This is what makes endometriosis a unpredictable, mysterious, and misunderstood condition. Thus, endometriosis continues to be a common condition that is so commonly overlooked, under-diagnosed, and untreated.

Diagnosing endometriosis, like most chronic conditions, starts with taking a good history of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may do a pelvic exam, conduct an ultrasound, order imaging studies(CT scan, MRI), or recommend a cystoscopy or colonoscopy. In some cases, your doctor might recommend

There are non-surgical strategies that can help treat endometriosis pain and cramps too, including over-the-counter pain medication, hormonal contraceptives, progestin therapy, and aromatase inhibitors. Even simple things like using a heating pad or doing pelvic floor physical therapy can help a lot. And, as with most chronic conditions, making lifestyle modifications (better diet, regular exercise, restful sleep, less stress) can make a big difference too.

Since every person experiences endometriosis in a different way, the treatment options your healthcare provider chooses will be individualized.

At Tia, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with managing endometriosis. That's why we've developed a comprehensive approach to provide our patients with the support and care they need to navigate this notoriously difficult-to-diagnose, chronic condition.

Other Causes of Pelvic Pain and Cramps

The lower abdomen and pelvis are complex. Lots of organs. Many moving parts.

So, besides periods and endometriosis, there are other reasons you may experience periodic or even chronic pain and cramps:

• UTIs: Urinary tract infections are another common cause of pelvic pain. Thankfully, UTIs are easily treatable with a short course of oral antibiotics.
• STDs: STDs (sexually transmitted disease), like chlamydia or gonorrhea, don’t always cause pelvic pain. But they can, especially when urinating or having a bowel movement. PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), which is an infection of the reproductive organs, can develop if an STD is left untreated. Not only can PID cause pelvic, it can also lead to infertility in extreme cases.
• IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disorder that causes recurrent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort can definitely cause pain that is felt in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
• Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition most commonly seen in people with a uterus, interstitial cystitis causes inflamed and irritated bladder walls, which can lead to pain in the bladder and pelvic region.
• Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the uterus that can cause pelvic discomfort.
• Pelvic Adhesions: These bands of scar-like tissue, which can form from infections, endometriosis, or past surgery, make organs and tissue in the abdomen stick together and can cause a sharp, pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
• Ovary Pain: Experiencing pelvic pain when ovulating each month is not unusual for some people.
• Ovarian Cyst Rupture: These fluid-filled sacs, which can form on the ovaries, usually don’t cause any problems or present with any symptoms. But they can rupture, it can hurt.
• Kidney Stones and Appendicitis: These acute conditions can cause extraordinary pain in the pelvic region and beyond.

As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your pelvic pain and receive appropriate treatment.

Pelvic pain and cramps are not something to be brushed aside or endured silently. While they may be common, persistent or severe discomfort warrants attention, especially when endometriosis is a potential factor. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pelvic pain and cramps, individuals can take proactive steps towards managing their condition and improving their quality of life.

If you’re suffering from cramps or pelvic pain, it’s important to know that what you’re feeling is valid and you don’t have to “just deal with it.” Meeting with a healthcare provider can help you figure out what’s going on and get the relief you deserve.

At Tia, our team of women’s health experts use a comprehensive approach to connect the dots on your symptoms, find the root cause, and create a treatment plan that’s personalized to you. (And yes, we take insurance!)