Experiencing Intense Pelvic Discomfort After Bench Pressing?
Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I’m a 28-year-old woman who uses an IUD for contraception. I’ve been working out at the gym for the past year and a half, and I’ve started to notice a troubling trend. Following my bench press workouts, I often experience intense pelvic pain on both sides, although it typically affects the right side more. Recently, I modified my workout plan to include bench pressing more often. After I performed the bench press on Tuesday, I was hit with considerable pelvic discomfort on Wednesday. Even though I had intended to do some incline bench presses today, I found that the pain intensified, making it impossible for me to complete my sets. Currently, I’m managing the pain with some medication and a hot water bottle, yet the discomfort persists. Has anyone else experienced this, or can anyone suggest a possible explanation for what might be going on?
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 10:30:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning issue of pelvic discomfort that follows your bench press workouts. This is important to address, especially since it's affecting your ability to exercise and causing significant pain.
Pelvic pain after exercising, especially after bench pressing, can stem from several potential causes. Since you mentioned using an IUD and your recent increase in workout intensity, a few possibilities to consider include muscle strain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or irritation in the pelvic region that might relate to your IUD.
Understanding Your Situation
- Muscle Strain: The bench press involves upper body muscles, but improper core engagement can lead to strain in pelvic muscles, especially if you're lifting heavier than usual or using improper form.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Sometimes, intense exercises can impact the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain. Tight or weakened pelvic floor muscles could cause discomfort.
- IUD Concerns: It's worth noting that an IUD can sometimes lead to localized discomfort, which might be exacerbated by certain movements or increased abdominal pressure during exercises.
Next Steps to Take
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Modify Your Workouts: Temporarily reduce the intensity and frequency of your bench press workouts. Consider avoiding exercises that increase intra-abdominal pressure or lead to discomfort.
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Strengthening the Core and Pelvic Floor: Incorporate gentle pelvic floor exercises and core strengthening that do not aggravate your pain. Focus on exercises like pelvic tilts, bridges, or modified planks to support the area without stressing it.
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Pain Management: Continue to use a hot water bottle as a soothing measure. Over-the-counter pain medication, if already working, can provide relief; however, be cautious with long-term usage.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your pain, noting when it occurs, its intensity, and any activities that trigger it. This documentation can be helpful for your understanding and any future discussions with a healthcare professional if needed.
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Listen to Your Body: If the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms like changes in menstruation or unusual discharge, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
These steps should help you manage and understand your discomfort better. Remember, it's crucial to listen to your body and prioritize your well-being. If you have any questions about specific exercises or need further advice, feel free to ask!
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