Almost every woman knows what it feels like to get period cramps. They feel different for everyone — for many women it feels like a sharp, stabbing pain, for others it feels more like a dull, aching pain.
Some women experience very intense period cramps, while others barely feel anything at all.
Have you ever gotten the same kind of intense, cramping pelvic pain without being on your period?
For women who are post-menopausal or feel cramping pelvic pain at a different point in their menstrual cycle, this kind of pelvic pain can be concerning. Many women think, "It's not my period, so what could possibly be causing this pain?"
If you experience abdominal cramps, stomach cramps, or pelvic cramps but aren't menstruating, don't stress — there are a variety of reasons you might have pelvic pain and cramping that are not period-related.
To learn more about non-period related cramps and pelvic pain, continue reading!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia / joel
Non-Period Pelvic Pain Causes
The Mayo Clinic explains that there are several conditions and diseases that can cause pelvic pain.
The best-known cause is menstrual or pre-menstrual pain, but that's not the only underlying trigger.
Pelvic pain can also arise from your urinary system or digestive system, or it can be caused by a non-menstrual stressor in the reproductive system.
Cause #1: Constipation
Constipation is something none of us like to talk about, but it happens to the best of us.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, constipation can cause bloating and abdominal pain.
If you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, that's generally considered constipation, explains the Mayo Clinic.
If you find you're struggling to "go," try eating some fiber-rich foods!
Cause #2: Pulled Muscle
If you work out without properly warming up, or if you overexert yourself while exercising, you may strain or pull a muscle.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, muscle strains can cause pain in the area and difficulty moving that muscle.
If you pull a muscle in your pelvic area, you may feel pain that feels similar to cramping.
Cause #3: Gas
It's ridiculously frustrating, but gas and bloating can cause painful cramps throughout your abdomen and pelvis.
You might not think that gas could cause such serious pain, but it can, especially if you have recently eaten a food that causes a lot of gas production, like broccoli or diet soda.
If you have cramps from gas that you just can't seem to get rid of, try these simple stretches.
Cause #4: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common large-intestine disorder.
Some common symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Although IBS causes a lot of discomfort, it doesn't harm the intestines or lead to any more serious disorders or conditions — though it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Cause #5: Diverticulitis
Many people, especially those over the age of 40, have diverticula — small bulging pouches — in their digestive system lining. Diverticula are common and usually don't cause problems.
Once in a while, though, these pouches become infected or inflamed, explains the Mayo Clinic. This is called diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis causes abdominal pain — usually on the left side — as well as fever, constipation, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and chills, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Cause #6: Indigestion
We've all experienced indigestion before — it can be caused by eating too much or too quickly, eating fatty, spicy, or greasy foods, or consuming too much caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, or carbonated drinks.
According to the Mayo Clinic, indigestion can cause uncomfortable feelings of fullness, discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen, bloating, and nausea.
Indigestion can cause overall stomach/abdominal pain, which can feel like cramping to some people.
Cause #7: Ovulation
Reproductively speaking, ovulation is the exact opposite of menstruation: it's when your ovaries drop an egg to be fertilized.
However, according to the U.K.'s National Health Service, ovulation can sometimes cause period-like pain.
Ovulation, which happens about 14 days before your period, can cause a pain that feels like a dull cramp or a sharp twinge.
Usually, this pain feels isolated to one side of your abdomen, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg. The pain typically lasts less than a day or two, and may even be as short as a few minutes.
When To Call The Doctor
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek emergency medical attention if your pelvic pain is sharp and sudden and accompanied by any of the following symptoms: high fever; excessive vaginal bleeding; nausea or vomiting; or signs of shock, such as fainting.
If your pain is severe or recurring, let your doctor know — it might be something they can treat.
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