Terms used to describe pain
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Related terms · Long-term pelvic pain · Recurring lower abdominal pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a condition where pain in the pelvic area persists or recurs over a long period, affecting daily life.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
Meaning and Distinctions
What is chronic pelvic pain?
Gynecological, urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, and neurological factors may be involved. Chronic pelvic pain is a condition where pain in the pelvic area persists for a long time or recurs, affecting daily life.
- Easily confused terms
- Just because one test result is normal does not mean the pain itself does not exist.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- We determine the location of the pain, triggering situations, the impact on daily life, and the necessary collaborative care.
- What to record for your visit
- Please seek an evaluation first for sudden severe pain, fever, or the possibility of pregnancy.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.DysmenorrheaDysmenorrhea is pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occurs before and after menstruation; it is categorized into primary pain and secondary pain caused by other medical conditions.EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause inflammation and pain.VaginitisVaginitis is a condition characterized by discharge, odor, itching, or stinging; treatment varies depending on the cause, such as Candida, bacterial vaginosis, or Trichomonas.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideEndometriosisThe exact cause of endometriosis is not yet known. Research suggests it may involve retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood and tissue flow through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis; a process where the immune system fails to remove similar tissues outside the uterus; and genetic predisposition and hormonal influences. However, none of these explain every case or can confirm an individual's specific cause. A family history of endometriosis, early menarche, short cycles, or long menstrual periods are contexts that may increase risk, but they are not diagnoses themselves. If you experience recurring menstrual pain, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving, please seek an evaluation from an obstetrics and gynecology clinic rather than blaming yourself for the cause.→
- Condition GuidePelvic Inflammatory DiseasePelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may present as lower abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal discharge with a change in odor or color, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, painful urination, or fever, but symptoms may be mild or absent. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, severe pain on one side, a feeling of fainting, high fever, or vomiting, emergency causes such as ectopic pregnancy or severe infection must be evaluated first. If PID is suspected, treatment should begin without waiting for test results.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat are the differences between menstrual cramps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids?Pain that occurs around the start of menstruation and is controlled with pain medication is common, but if the pain worsens every year, continues outside of menstruation, or occurs during intercourse or bowel movements, endometriosis is checked. Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, or an enlarged uterus, can appear in adenomyosis; while a feeling of pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding can appear in fibroids. We do not distinguish these by symptoms alone but tailor the necessary tests, such as physical examinations and ultrasounds.→
- Women's Health ColumnTreatment that varies depending on whether pelvic pain occurs only during menstruation or if there is discomfort during bowel movements and urination→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.