In women, the most common cause of pelvic pain is primary dysmenorrhoea

Some women also experience transient pain in the middle of their cycle secondary to ovulation (mittelschmerz).

Other causes of pelvic pain

Acute

Chronic

Investigations

• In any woman of child-bearing age presenting with abdominal pain, an ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out urgently with a 'bedside' urine dip.