If you ever feel discomfort between your hips and your belly button, you may be experiencing pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can have many causes, including reproductive, urinary, or digestive issues.
In fact, if it lasts for longer than six months, it could be chronic pelvic pain, and things like sitting, having sex, and using the toilet will only make it worse.
Whatever the cause, level, or duration of your pelvic pain, you probably want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
The best thing to do is see a doctor and see what they say. They may prescribe you some medication, recommend physical therapy, or give you other instructions.
Below we’ve compiled a list of common treatments for pelvic pain, some that you can try on your own and others that you will need a subscription for. Here they are:
- Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin), aspirin, or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can do a lot to relieve pelvic pain. Just make sure you take them as directed on the medicine label. You don’t want to take too much. Otherwise, you could overdose and cause other problems.
- Hormone treatments
For women whose menstrual cycles may be causing the pelvic pain, hormone treatments can help. They change your hormone levels to stop or slow the pain. However, you’ll need a doctor to sign off on this remedy.
- Hemp suppositories
Hemp suppositories are a relatively new treatment. They’re made with CBD (and sometimes THC) oils, which have a relaxing effect on the body.
Hemp suppositories are designed to get into your bloodstream quickly by bypassing the body’s digestive system. This gives them an advantage over medicines that you ingest orally. The pain relief is targeted at your pelvic area and it acts faster.
If you’re hesitant about taking prescription drugs, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Hemp suppositories are natural and safe and can help soothe your pelvic area in no time. Give them a try if you want some fast relief.
- Antibiotics
If an infection is the source of your pelvic pain, then a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and help get rid of the pain.
- Trigger point injections
If a doctor can pinpoint exactly where the pelvic pain is located, they may prescribe a long-acting anesthetic to block the discomfort. This is known as a trigger point injection (TPI). However, you must know exactly where the pain is for this to work and of course, you’ll need to see the doctor first.
- Exercise
Though it may sound difficult, exercising can relieve a lot of pelvic pain. This is because moving your body increases blood flow and helps release endorphins (which act as natural painkillers). The exercise doesn’t need to be anything extreme. Even a light walk can help. Other exercises you can try include yoga, pilates, and swimming. You don’t want to put too much pressure on your pelvic area, but some movement is good for it.
- Heat
Heat is a natural pain reliever because it increases blood circulation and reduces soreness. Try to apply a hot pad to your pelvic area or take a bath in a tub full of warm water. Either will do a lot to reduce your pelvic pain, and they’re extremely easy!
- Diet change
Sometimes pelvic pain is a result of your diet. You may be lacking crucial vitamins and minerals. In this case, changing your diet or taking supplements could be the answer. Start tracking what you eat and see where you can make healthy changes. If you can, consult a professional dietician.
- Healthy habits
If you’re overweight, that may be contributing to your pelvic pain as well. Try to shed the extra pounds by eating healthier foods. The same goes for smoking and drinking. These habits are terrible for your overall health and the nicotine in tobacco can inflame your nerves and trigger pelvic pain. So eat healthily and stop drinking and smoking if possible.
- Relaxation
Lastly, sometimes the best treatment is to relax. You could try doing some meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. If you have problems moving your body, you may need to enroll in some physical therapy as well.
Relaxation is especially important if your pelvic pain is accompanied by any anxiety or depression as stress will only make the pain worse. Listen to your body to see what it needs.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, there are many ways to treat pelvic pain. Talk to your doctor to see which is the right one for you and in the meantime, give some of the home remedies a shot. You’d be surprised at how much a simple lifestyle or diet change can improve your overall well-being.
