Pain in side of pelvis

[jbond8035]

I've had this mild aching in my pelvis on and off for a few years. It's not way off on the side, but more like a few inches off the center. I notice there's a lump in the achey spot that is tender to touch; there's one on the other side too, but it's not painful. I don't know if these are where my ovaries are or not since I don't know if I could actually feel them through my skin so easily (especially when I've got the dreaded pear-shaped body and carry a lot of fat around my pelvis). The area also hurts more when I use the restroom, but I don't think it's a bladder problem since I've no issues actually using the bathroom.

This isn't something that interferes with my normal routine, but I'm just wondering what the heck it is. An ovarian cyst? A swollen lymph node? Pulled muscle? I figure it's nothing bad if it has not killed me yet.

 

[mc021]

I am glad I came across this post, because I think I can help you out with another possibility. Look up hernias.. I found out recently that I have two small hernias in the groin area. I felt tender on one side after working out a little too hard, but otherwise, they don't hurt. I can feel them on each side, about the same size, oval shaped. They are over the pelvis bone under the skin and aren't super noticeable since they are not severe. If I lay down, they disappear (this means they are reducible).

Do yours ever seem to get smaller or disappear when laying down (don't put too much pressure on them moving them though!)? Also, try coughing and see if you notice the area slightly bulging as you cough. These are signs of hernias. When I was researching them I couldn't find ANY just like mine. Supposedly having two as a female is somewhat rare and it likely means you were born with them. I found many hernias that looked very large, and some more on the leg area, and some up higher. My doctor confirmed that they are hernias. I will be getting surgery in November to repair them. They will just be sewing up the hole in the muscle on each side and won't be using the mesh method of repair, because they are small and sometimes mesh can cause further irritation for women.

I would get it checked out as soon as you can since pain is involved. The main thing is to make sure it isn't a strangulated hernia, which means that there is tissue poking through that is trapped and squeezed. In order to save the tissue, they need to correct it very quickly. An incarcerated hernia is one where the the tissue is trapped, but not as dangerous as strangulated. Then the reducible ones are the most mild, where the hernia tissue can be gently pushed back in. Since mine was the least severe, my doctor said that not to be in a rush for surgery, but that they do recommend it when possible, and to just watch out to make sure it doesn't get worse. I also am still allowed to exercise, but no heavy lifting or strenuous abdominal exercise (I mostly just go running).

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share about this to give you a good idea about hernias so you will see if you think that's a possibility. It sounds very similar to what I have going on. If it isn't one, I'd suggest looking into a cyst possibility or the lymph nodes. Good luck and I hope you are able to find out soon!

 

[Marke]

I did consider the possibility of a hernia, but the odd thing is it doesn't hurt when I work out or walk or otherwise do anything physical.

I do notice the lump becomes a little less pronounced when I lie down, but it's still there. And looking at some symptoms of ovarian cysts, I have all of them except sore breasts, post-sex pain and weight gain (I'd better not be gaining weight since I've been dieting and exercising for the last couple of months). I had a weird period last month (was lighter but was not spotty), cramped more than usual, I bloated and continue to bloat for no reason, I cramp when using the restroom (as mentioned), my pelvis feels kind of 'full' in general and I felt a little queasy a couple times for no reason.

I do not feel it's pregnancy either. The thing is the lump on the other side is not tender or painful, not as large and is just kinda there, also where my other ovary would be. It's the location of the lump that is making me think it's related to my female plumbing.

I'm sorry if I seem to be disputing your advice; I sincerely appreciate it and I suppose it could be a hernia. The area does bulge when I cough, but I figured that was just from muscles tensing up in my abdomen. I also haven't done any heavy lifting lately or strained myself in any way (my exercise routine involves moderate activity).

I'm not sure if I can get treatment anytime soon since I have no insurance and no job. I may give this a few days and see what it does because I've had this cramp and this lump come and go over the years (which I've heard can also be a symptom of an ovarian cyst). Perhaps I should also ask about this in the Women's Health section.

 

[So12G my gods are squishy]

The only way to tell would be to ask a doctor about it so they can look into what is causing it. Many of the symptoms match BOTH issues, and it can greatly depend. As for the heavy lifting, like I mentioned, with what you described, it is very rare that heavy lifting would give you hernias on both sides, so I highly doubt that would be a cause. Like what my doctor told me, doubles are likely that way since birth. She said that some premature babies have a higher chance of them, but I was not premature.

So, maybe looking at the location may be the best way to determine what it may be. It's still a guess unless you ask a doctor though... typically hernias would be oval shaped and are usually either at the lower abdomen on the sides (inguinal hernias) or more at the sides near the crease of the leg (femoral hernias). Mine don't look like EITHER of these since mine seem to be a little lower than the inguinal hernias. Hernias often won't always completely disappear when laying down. Some do, some don't. If you can gently push it almost inwards, that is a very good indicator. A cyst would be more likely to slide around a bit and not be pushed through anything, if that makes sense.

Usually you don't feel the ovarian cysts externally.. typically a gyno will feel these during an exam. I see that they usually last 4-6 weeks and you shouldn't feel any pain with them unless they rupture. They also may grow fast, so definitely a sign if this has been a recent change for you. If they aren't cancerous, you shouldn't have to do anything to treat them and just monitor them. You mentioned that they have been here over the years... when it comes and goes, does this happen quickly?

Also sounds like either way whichever it is, maintenance is similar. It's important to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle overall. Both share very similar symptoms. It seems more that the cysts are felt internally and hernias more externally. Perhaps one thing to think about is, how deep in are they? Hernias will bulge through a muscle, coming a bit closer to the service, while the cysts would be in a little deeper.

 

[igginoi]

I'd also suggest looking in the Women's Health area because I bet there are many others who have had the ovarian cysts and can share what their symptoms are to compare. Hopefully whatever it is, it doesn't require treatment! I hope it's something that you can just watch carefully. Healthboards often will delete a post if you post this message again, but I am sure there is already a thread from another person that you can join in on.