Lower back pain has many causes, and for women, it often stems from physiological issues. Premenstrual discomfort in the lower back is common, and some gynecological inflammations can also cause back pain. Sometimes, lower back pain may even signal an impending gynecological issue, making proper care of the lower back especially important during the cooler autumn season.
Xiao Zhao, a fashionable woman pampered at home, rarely does heavy work. Yet recently, back pain has plagued her. X-rays at the orthopedics department showed no skeletal issues, prompting her doctor to suggest a gynecological examination. Sure enough, gynecological inflammation was diagnosed. Back pain doesn't always originate in the back itself. With gynecological diseases becoming more prevalent in autumn, be vigilant about back pain stemming from gynecological issues.
Multiple Gynecological Conditions Can Cause Lower Back Pain
Menstrual disorders, pregnancy-related issues, miscellaneous gynecological conditions, and complications from contraceptive procedures can all trigger lower back pain. Women should be aware of the following:
Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix may cause increased vaginal discharge, local itching, stinging sensations, and, due to the inflammatory stimulus, lower back pain.
Abnormal uterine position: The uterus normally tilts forward and bends forward. If it tilts backward or shifts abnormally, the ligaments supporting it may be overstretched, compressing nerves and causing lower back pain.
Uterine Prolapse: The uterus descends into the vagina. Weakened pelvic support tissues, reduced tension, and increased abdominal pressure create a sensation of heaviness and cause aching lower back pain due to traction.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Inflammation of pelvic tissues, such as chronic adnexitis, pelvic peritonitis, or inflammation of the uterosacral ligaments or connective tissues, can cause lower back pain due to inflammatory irritation.
Pelvic Tumors: Tumors within the pelvis—such as uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, or ovarian cysts—can compress nerves or infiltrate pelvic connective tissue, causing lower back pain that intensifies as the tumor grows.
Pregnant women: During pregnancy, the growing fetus places increasing strain on the lumbar region. Prolonged mechanical stress can gradually loosen ligaments, while the enlarged uterine cavity compresses pelvic nerves and blood vessels, contributing to lower back pain.
Other factors: Frequent abortions or excessive sexual activity may lead to kidney qi deficiency, which can trigger lower back pain.
Unmarried Women Should Also Undergo Gynecological Examinations
Unexplained lower back pain warrants a timely gynecological examination, even for unmarried women. Many unmarried women perceive gynecological exams as something embarrassing and dismiss them if they feel no discomfort. In reality, numerous gynecological conditions—including cancers—show no adverse symptoms in their early stages. By the time patients notice discomfort or physical reactions, many diseases have already missed their optimal treatment window.Therefore, regardless of marital status, women aged 18 and above should prioritize self-care awareness and schedule an annual gynecological exam. During adolescence (ages 10-24), as the central nervous system, hypothalamus, and gonads undergo maturation, menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea may occur. Additionally, heightened ovarian secretion can lead to conditions such as follicular cysts or ovarian tumors, necessitating heightened vigilance.
Timing Matters for Gynecological Appointments
Choosing the right time for a gynecological visit is crucial. Menstruation or recent use of vaginal suppositories are unsuitable for examinations. Gynecologists at Liren Hospital advise that diagnosing and treating gynecological conditions often requires a vaginal examination.Patients should gently cleanse the external genitalia with plain water before the appointment. Avoid sexual intercourse and vaginal medications the day prior to prevent interference with test results.
Patients scheduled for fallopian tube patency tests, IUD insertion/removal, cervical treatments, hysteroscopy, or hysterosalpingography should undergo these procedures 3–7 days after menstruation ends. Abstain from intercourse from the end of menstruation until the examination to prevent infection.
For infertility patients undergoing ovarian ovulation testing or diagnostic curettage, endometrial scraping should be performed 12 hours before the expected menstrual onset or during the initial phase of menstruation. Pregnancy testing should be scheduled approximately 30 days after missed menstruation, when pregnancy tests are most likely to yield positive results and uterine enlargement is clearly detectable during gynecological examination.
Female patients should schedule appointments according to their menstrual cycle. Timely visits not only aid diagnosis but also facilitate treatment. Generally, gynecological examinations should be avoided during menstruation, as this significantly increases the risk of introducing bacteria and causing inflammation of the uterine lining, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs.