Differential Diagnosis for Pelvic Pain in a Young Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Functional Ovarian Cysts: This is a common cause of pelvic pain in young females, often related to the menstrual cycle. The pain can be acute or chronic and is usually managed conservatively.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual cramps are a frequent cause of pelvic pain, related to uterine contractions during menstruation. The pain is typically crampy and accompanied by other symptoms like bloating and mood changes.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Symptoms include pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and fever.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, especially during menstruation. It can also cause infertility and heavy bleeding.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in any part of the urinary system, which can cause pelvic pain, frequent urination, and burning during urination.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Ovarian Torsion: A condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply. It causes severe, sudden pelvic pain and is a surgical emergency.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, which can cause pelvic pain, especially if the appendix is located near the reproductive organs. It requires prompt surgical intervention.

Rare Diagnoses

• Mittelschmerz: Mid-cycle pain related to ovulation, which can be sharp and lower abdominal but is usually mild and short-lived.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows into the muscular walls of the uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding.
• Uterine Fibroids: Growths in or on the uterus that can cause pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and pressure on surrounding organs.
• Interstitial Cystitis: A condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, often accompanied by an urgent need to urinate.