Experiencing pelvic discomfort after sexual activity isn’t just a mood killer, it can also be cause for concern, especially if the pain is persistent and severe. This could signal underlying health issues that require medical attention.

What is an ulcer?

An ulcer is a wound that has not healed in more than four weeks. There are 2 main types of vascular ulcers: Ischemic/arterial ulcers and venous ulcers. A venous stasis ulcer is a wound that is not healing due to the pooling of blood flow in the legs. This backup of blood flow in the veins causes an increased outward pressure applied to the skin. This then erodes away at the skin surface leading to the wound which then becomes an ulcer.  

Experiencing pressure or a sudden sensation of heaviness in the pelvic region can be an alarming experience for many women. Many patients describe the sensation as “carrying around a bowling ball.”  It prompts questions about the underlying causes and whether it warrants immediate medical attention. You might wonder if this discomfort will resolve independently or if it necessitates contacting your healthcare provider.

Many women smile through the unbearable agony of pelvic pain, believing it’s just another side effect of being a woman. They’re perhaps so used to suffering from this invisible pain in silence and have mistakenly been led to believe that it’s all in their head.

In the viral TikTok — which has over 25 million views — a healthcare worker can be heard saying, "They found the reason for your pain that will be able to be treated." Crying, Mercer responds by saying, "They did? They really did? You're not lying to me? They found it? ... Finally — can I give her a hug?"'

This is an exhaustive list of different causes of chronic pelvic pain. This will be updated throughout 2022 to raise awareness of pelvic pain in women. Women of all ages need to be aware that they are not alone and others are suffering from similar conditions. The Center for Vascular Medicine is here to assist women in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain of a vascular origin and direct them to other specialists when necessary. 

Abdominal pain after sex is a common issue experienced by both men and women, but 75% of women have experienced lower abdominal pain during or after sex at some point in their lifetime. The reasons for this discomfort can range from minor to severe, impacting your mental and physical health. Abdominal pain after sex can be challenging to discuss with your provider, but it can also indicate an underlying vascular disorder. 

Do you wonder why your legs may be feeling very heavy and/or tired? You may have a vascular disease called venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency or venous reflux is an issue with the one-way valves within the veins of our legs. The veins carry the blood back to our heart from various locations. Over time the one-way valves can become damaged and begin to “leak” causing the backflow of blood into the lower legs. Pressure begins to build up in the legs causing a multitude of symptoms. These include but are not limited to leg fatigue and heaviness.

Pain during sexual intercourse, a significant yet often unspoken issue, affects many women worldwide. Recent studies suggest that up to 20% of women experience discomfort or pain during sex, a condition known as dyspareunia. Despite its prevalence, this subject is frequently shrouded in silence, leaving many women feeling isolated and without answers. Here are 13 causes of pain during sex and information on when to seek treatment. 

Experiencing pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during sex is a condition known as dyspareunia. If you’re struggling with this symptom, know you’re not alone. 75% of women have experienced lower abdominal pain during or after sex at some point in their lifetime. Often, this discomfort isn’t anything to worry about and can be caused by various benign factors. However, if the pain persists for over three months, it could indicate an underlying problem.