women s health issues
Pelvic Pain in Women
Essentials for Older Women: Pelvic Pain
In older women, common causes of pelvic pain may be different because some disorders that cause pelvic pain or discomfort become more common as women age, particularly after menopause. Obviously, disorders related to menstrual periods are no longer possible causes. Common disorders in older women include Bladder problems, including infections ( Bladder Infection ) Constipation in Adults None None Overview of Female Reproductive System Cancers , including cancers of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer), ovaries, and vulva (labia) After menopause,estrogenlevels decrease, weakening many tissues, including bone, muscles (such as those supporting the bladder), and tissues around the vagina and urethra. As a result, pelvic fractures and bladder infections become more common. Also, this weakening may contribute to pelvic organ prolapse, which may cause symptoms as women become older. In these disorders, weakened or damaged tissues in the pelvis can no longer hold the uterus, vagina, or other organs in the pelvis in place. As a result, one or more of these organs may drop down (prolapse) and women may feel pressure in the vagina or have urinary incontinence or difficulty having a bowel movement. Symptoms that affect the vagina and urinary tract after menopause are called the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (formerly called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis). These symptoms include vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, urinary urgency, and urinary tract infections. This condition may make sexual intercourse painful, and women may describe or experience this pain as pelvic pain. Evaluation is similar to that for younger women, except doctors pay particular attention to symptoms of urinary and digestive tract disorders that are common in older women. Older women should see a doctor promptly if they Suddenly lose weight or their appetite Suddenly start having indigestion Feel bloated Have a sudden change in bowel movements The doctor then does an examination to make sure that the cause is not ovarian or endometrial cancer. If the vaginal lining is thin in a woman with pelvic pain, doctors ask her questions to determine whether she is sexually active. If so, doctors may recommend a break from sexual intercourse until symptoms subside, or they may prescribe an Forms of hormonal therapy . 