While there are many potential causes of pelvic pain, researchers are finding possible links with COVID-19 in some people.

Read on to learn how COVID-19 can be associated with Pelvic pain, how common it is, and what can be done to treat it.

Pelvic pain isn’t considered a common symptom of COVID-19. However, when it does occur, it may manifest in different ways.

Reactive arthritis

One 2021 report found that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 may lead to a rare complication called reactive arthritis. This type of arthritis is triggered by bacterial and viral infections.

The authors of this report highlight a case of a woman who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and had hip pain. She was diagnosed with arthritis in the hip with the help of the tests.

More studies of reactive hip arthritis are needed to determine how common this complication could be. But the report authors note there’s evidence COVID-19 could induce these types of autoimmune reactions, especially in people with a history of rheumatic disease.

Ovarian vein thrombosis

Some females with COVID-19 have had Ovarian Vein thrombosis, a rare and potentially fatal condition.

According to one case report, this condition may cause persistent pain in the lower abdomen that doesn’t go away with pain relievers.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Additionally, a 2020 clinical commentary discussed the potential role COVID-19 could have on pelvic floor function. It’s thought that related respiratory symptoms from this disease may increase the risk of:

Researchers noted that an over-the-top Pelvic floor may be associated with increased urination and pain.

Bed rest pain and stiffness

Pelvic pain may be a secondary consequence of COVID-19.

For example, if you stay in bed for longer than 2 days during COVID-19 recovery, you may experience joint pain, stiffness, burning, and weakness. Frequently changing your position can help prevent bed rest-related pain.

Common COVID-19 symptoms

Pelvic pain is not considered a common symptom after COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following symptoms are commonly associated with COVID-19:

  • cough
  • It can be a fever or no chills.
  • There are breathing difficulties or short breath.
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • There are body aches.
  • fatigue
  • sore throat.
  • The nose is not straight.
  • There is a problem with the nose.
  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of smell or taste.

The exact duration of muscle and joint pain symptoms following COVID-19 can vary.

In general, symptoms of mild to moderate illness may last 1 to 2 weeks. More serious infections or persistent (long COVID) symptoms may last for weeks or months.

COVID-19 is associated with pain in muscles more so than joint pain. However, if you have preexisting pain in your joints, such as those in your pelvic region, you may experience worsening symptoms.

For treating mild symptoms, such as joint pain, muscle aches, and fever, the CDC recommends taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Some cases of pain may need prescription treatments.

Depending on the underlying cause of pelvic pain, these treatments may include antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or anti-inflammatories.

For example, in the case report involving post-COVID-19 reactive arthritis, researchers note that a combination of the steroid prednisone and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called indomethacin helped resolve the condition after 14 days.

When to seek emergency medical help

Seek emergency medical help if you have COVID-19 and are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • It can be trouble breathing during mild activity or periods of rest.
  • Pale, blue, or gray-tinted skin, nails, or lips.
  • inability to sleep
  • There is confusion.
  • Pressure or pain in your chest.
  • Any new or severe symptoms that are bothering you.

To date, there’s not enough evidence to support an association between either COVID-19 vaccination or a COVID-19 booster and pelvic pain.

One 2021 review of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) described rare associations with urological side effects from either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The rate of urologic symptoms was just 0.7 percent. Pelvic pain was not specifically noted as an adverse symptom.

This review only included data through early February 2021, which is before vaccines became available to the general population.

Another 2021 case report discussed a 69-year-old female who experienced pelvic girdle pain, shoulder pain, fatigue, and fever after her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

She was later diagnosed and treated for polymyalgia rheumatica. However, researchers cannot confirm whether the vaccine directly caused this condition.

More studies are needed to determine whether pelvic-related reactions to COVID-19 vaccines are possible. It’s also important to report any adverse reactions you experience yourself directly to VAERS. You can easily do so through their website.

There is a reported symptom of Pelvic pain after both getting vaccine against the disease and developing it.

The pain may be caused by an immune response to the novel coronaviruses. Other cases involve the exacerbation of conditions.

It is important to report any concerns to a doctor right away, as Pelvic pain is not a common symptom of COVID-19. They can help you determine the underlying cause of the pain and help you decide if you need prescription drugs to treat it.