Have you ever experienced a heaviness in your pelvic region and questioned whether something was wrong? If you don't know what's happening, the weight can be unsettling and cause you anxiety even if it doesn't actually hurt.
Even though numerous common and simple treatments exist for pelvic heaviness, you should occasionally consult your HCP to be sure.
I've compiled a list of some typical causes of pelvic heaviness.
Pregnancy
Although pregnancy symptoms vary over the months, heaviness in the pelvic region is a sign that you are pregnant. When you consider that your intestines and other organs are being pushed aside to make place for your growing uterus, this makes sense. If your pregnancy is later along, you might also feel heavier due to fluid retention and tissue expansion.
Prolapse.
When portions of your uterine or vaginal tissues slide into the vaginal canal, this condition is known as vaginal prolapse, one form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This occurs when the muscles in your pelvic floor weaken or are injured, making it impossible for them to support your organs and hold tissues in place. Vaginal prolapse affects around 1 in 3 women at some point in their lifetimes, however women are embarrassed to talk about it.
Many women with POP don't have any symptoms, although one of the most typical signs is a sensation of weight or heaviness in the pelvic region or the vagina. You can even experience the sensation that something is coming out of your vagina (spoiler alert: it totally could be). Constipation, pain during intercourse, and difficulty emptying your bowels are further symptoms.
Constipation.
If your lower belly feels heavy, it could very well be that you haven't been able to poop for a few days. Most people eventually encounter constipation since it is so common. Constipation can be brought on by alterations in food, exercise, sickness, drugs, or other lifestyle elements, such as travel. Your diet may benefit from additional fiber and water.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Lower abdomen pain or a sense of heaviness may be brought on by a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Serious UTIs can develop into kidney infections, which can harm the kidneys and result in sepsis. You may have a UTI and should get in touch with your doctor immediately away if you suffer scorching pain when urinating, a persistent desire to urinate, a strange odor or color in your urine, a fever or shakes, or stomach ache.
Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissues that resemble the uterine lining develop outside of the uterus, such as in the pelvis, intestines, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and can adhere to other organs. You guessed it: this tissue growth can create heaviness in the pelvic region or abdomen in addition to causing pain and infertility. Make sure to let your healthcare providers know if you experience terrible menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, heavy periods, spotting, or uncomfortable bowel movements.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Feelings of heaviness in the pelvic region can be brought on by particular STIs, commonly known as STDs (sexually transmitted illnesses). For instance, chlamydia can result in pelvic pain and, if ignored, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in endometriosis, infertility, and other health issues.
A burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the vagina, pain or discomfort during intercourse, and finally severe pelvic or abdominal pain may all be experienced. Furthermore, STIs can produce smells and itching.
Appendicitis.
An infection of the appendix called appendicitis usually calls for surgery. Although it most frequently causes pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, some patients may also have a heavy feeling in their belly. Appendicitis may be indicated by right-sided pelvic or abdominal heaviness that worsens over time, or by pain so excruciating you can't leap. Seeking prompt medical attention is imperative.
Period.
Period symptoms for women who menstruate can range from nonexistent to severe. Having pelvic heaviness during your period is very typical. Your pelvis may begin to feel heavy as the amount of blood in your uterus grows. You may also suffer water retention, bloating, and gastrointestinal problems that make you feel heavy, including constipation, during or before your period.
Ovarian cyst.
Fluid-filled sacs called ovarian cysts form on the ovaries. They are usually unharmful, can be mildly uncomfortable, and don't need to be treated. But, they can also twist or burst, which can hurt and, if left untreated, harm or kill ovaries.
The majority of women with ovarian cysts who suffer symptoms that are not life-threatening will feel some fullness, pressure, or weight in the pelvic area. Some possible symptoms include bloating, a severe discomfort below the abdominal button, and soreness on one side. Get emergency attention if the pain is sudden, severe, persistent, followed by nausea, lightheadedness, or dizziness, or if it is accompanied by any of these symptoms.
Uterine or Ovarian Cancer.
Though uncommon, lower abdominal or pelvic heaviness may be a sign of ovarian or uterine cancer. Heaviness is one sign of ovarian cancer, which frequently manifests with few other symptoms. Additional signs and symptoms include eating slowly or having problems eating, pelvic pain, back pain, exhaustion, constipation, discomfort during sex, and difficulty urinating or a sudden urge to urinate.
Inform your health care right away if you experience any of these other symptoms in addition to heaviness in your pelvic region.
Fibroids.
A fibroid often forms inside the uterine wall as a non-cancerous mass of muscle tissue. The majority of women will develop fibroids before the age of 50, although only one in five of them will feel symptoms.
The most frequent symptom when there are signs is heavy bleeding, though pelvic pain may also occur. Usually, the uterus's size has increased as a result of the fibroid, which causes this pressure or heaviness. If fibroids impose pressure on these organs, pressure on the bowel or bladder may also happen. When this occurs, you can experience constipation or difficulty urinating. Fibroids can occasionally shrink on their own, but other times they require therapy.
As you can see, there are a variety of causes for a heavy feeling in your pelvis, from unimportant to dangerous. Inform your physician if you have any of the more alarming symptoms listed above or if your pelvis feels heavy.
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