Have you ever felt pain in your lower belly and didn’t know why? Sometimes, this pain isn’t from your stomach or muscles. It might be from constipation. Constipation means you have trouble having a bowel movement, or you don’t go to the bathroom often. When poop builds up in your body, it can push on nearby parts, like your pelvic area. This can cause pelvic pain.
Your digestive system and your pelvis are close to each other. So when your belly is full, it can cause pressure and pelvic discomfort. Many people don’t realize that their stomach pressure or cramps could be linked to not going to the bathroom.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how constipation and pelvic pain are connected. You’ll learn what causes it, how to fix it, and when to see a doctor. Let’s get started!
What is Constipation?
Constipation happens when it’s hard to poop, or you don’t poop as often as you should. A healthy person should have regular bowel movements, but when you’re constipated, it means your digestion is slow, and your poop becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
Sometimes, you may feel like you need to go, but nothing comes out. Or, you might feel like your body isn’t empty even after you go. This is called a blocked feeling.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Constipation can happen for many reasons. One common cause is a low fiber diet. Your body needs fiber to keep poop soft and moving. Not drinking enough water, not being active, and holding in your poop for too long can also cause problems.
Symptoms include:
Hard stools
Abdominal bloating
Irregular bowel movements
Stomach cramps
Feeling tired or uncomfortable
Knowing these signs can help you catch constipation early and treat it the right way.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is a feeling of pain or pressure in the area below your belly button and between your hips. This area is called the pelvis. It holds many important parts like your bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs (like the uterus or prostate).
You might feel this pain in your lower abdomen, in the middle of your stomach, or even deep inside your hips. Some people feel a sharp pain. Others feel a dull cramping or pelvic pressure that won’t go away.
Possible Underlying Causes
There are many things that can cause pelvic pain. It could be something simple, like constipation or gas. But sometimes it’s from more serious issues like bladder problems, infections, or problems with the reproductive system.
In some cases, muscles or nerves in the pelvis might be tight or irritated. That can also cause discomfort near the hips or deep belly pain. It’s important to understand the cause to find the right treatment.
The Link Between Constipation and Pelvic Pain
Constipation and pelvic pain are closely connected. When you’re constipated, poop stays in your body longer than it should. This leads to pressure buildup in your belly and colon. The colon is part of your digestive system that stores waste before it leaves the body.
As the poop builds up, it pushes against nearby parts of your body, including your pelvic area. This can make your lower belly feel sore or heavy.
The pelvic floor muscles help support your bladder, bowel, and other organs. When you are always straining during bowel movements, those muscles get tired or tight. Over time, this can lead to tight pelvic muscles and pain.
Sometimes, the pressure also squeezes or irritates the nerves in the pelvis, which can cause even more pain. This is called nerve compression, and it can make the pain sharp, burning, or crampy.
So yes, constipation can definitely lead to pelvic pain, especially if it keeps happening.
When to Be Concerned
Most of the time, constipation and pelvic pain are not serious. But sometimes, they can be signs of a bigger problem. It’s important to know when to pay more attention and when it’s time to talk to a doctor.
If you have ongoing constipation that doesn’t go away, and it comes with pelvic discomfort, your body may be telling you something is wrong. You might also feel severe pelvic cramps or painful bowel movements that make it hard to go to the bathroom.
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Blood in your stool
Sudden belly pain that gets worse
Fever or chills
Losing weight without trying
Feeling sick or tired all the time
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. It’s time for a doctor visit. Getting help early can stop the pain from getting worse and keep your body healthy.
Relief and Treatment Options
If constipation is causing your pelvic pain, the good news is—there are ways to feel better! Some simple changes and treatments can help your digestion, ease the pressure, and make the pain go away.
Start with lifestyle changes and home remedies. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. These help your poop stay soft and move more easily. Being active, like walking or light exercise, can also support healthy digestion. Try not to hold your poop when you feel the urge. Going when you need to is one of the best natural remedies for constipation.
If that’s not enough, there are over-the-counter treatments. These include stool softeners or mild laxatives that help you go to the bathroom without straining. But don’t use them too often without talking to a doctor.
Sometimes, the pain is from pelvic floor dysfunction. This means your muscles are too tight or not working well. A physical therapist can help with pelvic floor therapy. They’ll teach you how to relax tight muscles and use the right ones when you poop.
These options can help you feel better and stop pelvic pain caused by constipation.
Preventing Recurrence
Once you feel better, it’s important to keep the problem from coming back. To stop constipation and pelvic pain from happening again, you need to take care of your body every day.
Start with your diet and hydration. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods like apples, carrots, oats, and beans. These help your poop stay soft. Also, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Water helps your poop move more easily through your body.
Next, build regular bowel habits. Try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. This is called bowel training. Don’t rush or hold it in. Give your body time to go when it needs to.
Lastly, take care of your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support your bladder and bowels. If they’re weak or too tight, they can cause pain. Do simple pelvic muscle exercises or stretches to keep them strong and relaxed.
These healthy gut habits will keep your tummy and pelvis happy in the long run!
Conclusion
Constipation and pelvic pain are often linked. When you have trouble going to the bathroom, it can cause pressure and pain in your pelvic area. This happens because poop builds up and pushes on nearby muscles and nerves.
It’s important to address both symptoms early. If you feel pelvic pain or constipation, don’t ignore it. Making simple changes like eating more fiber, drinking water, and moving your body can help. If the pain or constipation lasts, see a doctor for the right treatment.
Taking care of your body helps stop pain and keeps your digestion working well. Remember, listening to your body and getting help early can make you feel much better fast.
FAQs
Can the pelvic area hurt from constipation?
Yes, constipation can cause pain in the pelvic area. When poop builds up in your intestines, it puts pressure on the muscles and organs in your pelvis. This pressure can make your lower belly feel sore or uncomfortable. Also, when you push too hard to poop, it can strain your pelvic floor muscles, causing more pain.
Why is my pelvic area hurting?
Pelvic pain can happen for different reasons. Sometimes it’s from constipation or gas. Other times, it could be because of muscle tightness or problems with your bladder or reproductive organs. Infections or injuries can also cause pelvic pain. If the pain lasts a long time or is very strong, it’s important to ask a doctor to find out why.
When should a woman go to the ER for pelvic pain?
If a woman has sudden, very bad pelvic pain, she should go to the emergency room right away. Other signs to watch for are fever, heavy bleeding, vomiting, or trouble breathing. These symptoms might mean there is a serious problem that needs fast medical care.
Can bowel pain be felt in the pelvis?
Yes, pain from your bowels can sometimes feel like it’s coming from the pelvis. The intestines and colon sit near the pelvic area, so when they are upset—like with constipation or gas—the pain can spread there. This is normal and can usually be helped by fixing the constipation or digestive problem.
Dr. Michael Hartman, DPT, is a skilled physical therapist with 15+ years of experience in rehab and pain management. He specializes in musculoskeletal and pelvic health therapy, using evidence-based, personalized care. Dr. Hartman is passionate about helping patients move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
