The pelvis is a complex and vital part of the human body, serving as the structural base for the spine and the attachment point for the lower limbs. It supports organs like the bladder, intestines, and reproductive systems. When pelvic health is compromised, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and decreased quality of life. In this blog, Dr. Khitish Mohanty—renowned orthopedic specialist with a focus on pelvic conditions—shares insights on some of the most common pelvic disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Understanding Pelvic Anatomy

Before diving into specific conditions, it's important to understand the role of the pelvis in the body. The pelvis comprises several bones including the ilium, ischium, pubis, and sacrum. These bones form a ring that provides stability and flexibility. It houses and protects reproductive organs in women and contributes significantly to body posture and movement in all individuals.

Pelvic conditions can stem from bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, or internal organs. Dr. Mohanty emphasizes that identifying the source of the issue is crucial to providing effective treatment.

1. Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures can range from minor cracks to life-threatening injuries. Dr. Mohanty explains that these often occur due to:

High-impact trauma (e.g., road traffic accidents)

Falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis

Sports injuries

Symptoms:

Severe pain in the hip or groin

Difficulty walking or bearing weight

Swelling or bruising around the pelvis

Treatment:

Stable fractures may be treated conservatively with rest, pain management, and physiotherapy. Unstable or displaced fractures often require surgical intervention to realign bones and stabilize the pelvic ring.

2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a common condition affecting women, caused by infection of the reproductive organs, often linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Symptoms:

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Pain during intercourse or urination

Irregular menstrual bleeding

Dr. Mohanty underscores the importance of early diagnosis, as untreated PID can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

Treatment:

Antibiotics to eliminate infection

Hospitalization in severe cases

Follow-up to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence

3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

This condition affects women when the pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to drop into or outside the vaginal canal.

Causes:

Childbirth, especially vaginal deliveries

Aging and menopause

Chronic coughing or heavy lifting

Obesity

Symptoms:

Feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis

Visible bulge from the vaginal opening

Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating

Difficulty with bowel movements

Treatment:

Mild cases may benefit from pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) or a pessary device. Severe prolapse may require surgical repair. Dr. Mohanty stresses the importance of a tailored approach based on the patient’s lifestyle and overall health.

4. Endometriosis

A chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain.

Symptoms:

Painful menstrual cramps

Chronic pelvic pain

Pain during intercourse

Infertility

Endometriosis is often underdiagnosed, says Dr. Mohanty, as many women normalize period pain. Early evaluation by a specialist is key to effective management.

Treatment:

Pain relievers and hormonal therapy

Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue

Fertility treatment if needed

5. Hip Labral Tears

Although not always classified as a pelvic condition, hip labral tears often present with pelvic or groin pain and are frequently misdiagnosed.

Causes:

Repetitive motion (common in athletes)

Hip abnormalities like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Trauma

Symptoms:

Sharp groin or hip pain

Clicking or locking sensation

Stiffness or limited range of motion

Diagnosis usually involves MRI scans. Treatment ranges from physical therapy to arthroscopic surgery depending on severity.

6. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction in these joints can cause lower back and pelvic pain.

Symptoms:

Pain on one side of the lower back or buttocks

Worsening pain when standing, climbing stairs, or walking

Referred pain to the groin or upper thigh

Treatment:

Physical therapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles

Anti-inflammatory medication

Injections or radiofrequency ablation in chronic cases

Dr. Mohanty often evaluates SI joint involvement in cases where standard back pain treatment fails.

7. Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)

CPP is a multifactorial condition defined by pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or more. It can result from various causes—urological, gynecological, musculoskeletal, or psychological.

Symptoms:

Persistent, dull, or sharp pelvic pain

Discomfort during daily activities

Fatigue and emotional distress

Dr. Mohanty highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Diagnosis may require pelvic exams, imaging, and even diagnostic laparoscopy.

Treatment:

Combination of physical therapy, medication, counseling

Trigger point injections or nerve blocks

Laparoscopic exploration in select cases

Preventive Tips for Pelvic Health

Dr. Mohanty advocates for proactive pelvic health, especially for women and older adults. His top tips include:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on pelvic structures

Practice safe sex and regular STI screenings

Do pelvic floor exercises regularly

Manage chronic coughing or constipation

Avoid excessive lifting or strain

When to See a Specialist

Pelvic discomfort is not something to ignore. Dr. Mohanty advises patients to seek medical attention if they experience:

Unexplained pelvic pain lasting more than a few days

Pain during sex or urination

Irregular menstrual bleeding

Mobility issues due to groin or hip pain

History of trauma or accident affecting the pelvic area

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, especially for conditions like fractures, endometriosis, and PID.

Final Thoughts

Pelvic conditions can affect anyone—young or old, male or female. Despite being common, they are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Thanks to specialists like Dr. Khitish Mohanty, patients have access to expert care that addresses the root causes of pelvic pain and dysfunction.

Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking guidance for unexplained discomfort, understanding your pelvic health is the first step toward healing.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your pelvic health, don't hesitate to consult a qualified specialist. As Dr. Mohanty often says, “Early intervention can make all the difference.”