Pelvic Pain at Night

The pelvic discomfort some women feel when going to bed can be really annoying, to say the least. It can disrupt the ability to get to sleep and can interfere with the quality of sleep because the discomfort is just too much to allow one to relax fully. 

Pelvic pain affects many women, yet many suffer in silence or shame because they don't know what is causing their pain. Understanding why you have pelvic pain at night may help you manage it and experience relief.

This article explores the common causes of pelvic pain at night, how to manage it, and when to seek physical therapy in San Ramon, CA.

What Are The Common Causes of Pelvic Pain At Night?

There are a few reasons why pelvic pain may be more intense at night, such as;

Menstrual-Related Pain

The most common cause of pelvic pain at night is menstrual pain. Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual pain is a very prevalent condition. Some women simply have a little bit of discomfort, while for others, the pain is significant enough that it interrupts their sleep. The cramping, associated with this condition can be very significant that some women liken it to labor pains.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder causing tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus to grow outside of it. This tissue can find a home in a variety of places, but it often settles on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the many nooks and crannies of the pelvic cavity. The condition affects up to 10 percent of women, and it is a major cause of pelvic pain at night. 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

If you're a woman who has ever experienced an infection that affected your reproductive organs, you could very well have first-hand knowledge of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). An infection of the female reproductive organs, PID can lead to many health problems if not caught early and treated effectively. This condition is often contracted through sexual activity and is a significant cause of pelvic pain at night.

Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts

In the uterus, non-cancerous growths known as fibroids can form. In the ovaries, fluid-filled sacs called cysts can develop. Both conditions can cause pelvic pressure and discomfort. When you're trying to sleep, the pain can feel particularly pronounced—especially if the fibroids or cysts are pressing on other organs.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis, also called painful bladder syndrome, is a long-lasting illness that impacts the bladder and makes it hurt, among other things. Women who have this condition not only suffer pelvic pain during the day but find that the condition deteriorates at night, resulting in both a disturbed sleep pattern and the necessity to urinate frequently.

Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain

Pregnancy and pelvis-related pain often go hand in hand. Pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy because the growing uterus places extra pressure on the pelvic area. Some pregnant women also experience sudden and sharp ligament pain in the ligaments that support the uterus. This pain is often more pronounced at night as your body adjusts to the changes brought on by pregnancy.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Dysfunction of the pelvic floor happens when the muscles that support the pelvic organs are either too tight or too weak. This leads to discomfort, pain, and many other unpleasant symptoms. Pelvic floor issues are common after childbirth and due to prolonged sitting or certain activities. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause pain in and around the pelvis that can get pretty intense at night and can make some interesting positions to lie down in during the night seem pretty impossible.

How to Manage Pelvic Pain at Night?

If you're experiencing pelvic pain that's keeping you up at night, there are a variety of ways to cope with the hurt and possibly gain some relief so you can get through the night.

Comfortable Sleeping Positions

Discovering the ideal sleeping position can considerably lower the intensity of pelvic pain during the night. A supine position with a pillow underneath the knees or a lateral position with a pillow between the legs can relieve much of the pressure exerted on the pelvic region. Sleeping on one's side or back with a body pillow may also reduce discomfort. 

Heat Therapy

When applied, heat can work wonders on the pelvic region to help relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. You can use a heating pad before bed to help with pelvic pain. Heat relieves and reduces discomfort, as it tends to get the blood flowing. Of course, safety first—don't use it too long to avoid burns.

Relaxation Techniques

Techniques for relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching can help relieve the tension in your body. Stress can make pain feel even worse, so incorporating something like progressive muscle relaxation into your bedtime routine may help improve your comfort level and even your quality of sleep.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles can help with pain. The muscles in your pelvic floor span the space from your pubic bone to your tailbone, and they help control the use of your bladder and bowels, as well as affect an array of other bodily functions. Exercising these muscles can help improve function and reduce pelvic pain at night.

When to Seek Medical Help for Pelvic Pain At Night

Knowing when to get medical help is key to managing pelvic pain. Pain in the pelvic area requires a trip to the doctor if you notice signs such as fever, severe or worsening pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain that disrupts daily life or lasts for an extended period.

Even if you don't experience any of these symptoms, if your pelvic pain is persistent, it's worth getting checked out. Your physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and determine what's going on. Depending on the diagnosis, you may be offered pain medication, physical therapy, or some other intervention to help you feel like yourself again.

Final Thoughts

Nighttime pelvic pain can be both vexing and unsettling. Whether your pelvic pain stems from menstrual causes, endometriosis, or some other condition, paying attention to your body and seeking assistance when warranted is essential. If you find yourself enduring nightly pelvic pain, a consultation with Pilates in San Ramon can help you find the quickest route to relief.