Pelvic or bladder pain is a common complaint  among women.

Its nature and intensity may vary. In some cases, no disease is evident. The pain can be categorized as either acute, meaning the pain is sudden and severe, or chronic, lasting over a period of months or longer. It may originate in genital or extra-genital organs in and around the pelvis. Bladder cancer in the early stages usually cause bleeding or change in urinary habits, but typically is not painful.

The most common causes of bladder pain include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Floor dysfunction
• Interstitial cystitis is a complex, chronic disorder characterized by an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, decreased bladder capacity and bleeding.

Symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina)
• Painful sexual intercourse

A urine sample and a cystoscopy may be needed to accurately diagnose the problem. A cystoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to look inside the illed bladder using a thin catheter-scope  threaded through the urethra.

Treatment for bladder pain varies greatly depending on the underlying cause.