In women, what is the most common cause of pelvic pain in reproductive age individuals?

• A. Pelvic inflammatory disease
• B. Endometriosis
• C. Ovarian torsion
• D. Urinary tract infection

Answer: (B)

The most common cause of pelvic pain in women of reproductive age is endometriosis. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes the formation of scar tissue. The pain associated with endometriosis can be chronic and is often exacerbated during menstrual periods, making it a significant source of discomfort for many women.

Endometriosis not only leads to pelvic pain but can also contribute to other symptoms such as painful intercourse, irregular menstrual cycles, and fertility issues, which makes it a notable concern for women in this age group. Its prevalence means that healthcare providers often consider endometriosis when evaluating a woman with pelvic pain.

Other conditions listed, like pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsion, and urinary tract infections, can also cause pelvic pain but are less common overall. Pelvic inflammatory disease is often associated with sexually transmitted infections and tends to have a more acute presentation, while ovarian torsion, which involves the twisting of the ovary, is a medical emergency but occurs less frequently. Urinary tract infections primarily present with urinary symptoms rather than pelvic pain specifically and are more common than ovarian torsion but do not typically account for the majority of chronic pelvic pain cases in reproductive-aged women