Sitting down can be painful during your period primarily because common menstrual symptoms exert pressure on your pelvic and gluteal areas.
Understanding Period-Related Sitting Pain
Many people experience discomfort or pain when sitting during their menstrual cycle. This isn't just related to general cramps; specific physiological changes contribute to the sensation in the buttocks and surrounding areas.
Common period symptoms include:
- Uterine cramps
- Bloating
- Swelling
These symptoms can cause significant internal pressure. According to medical information, these conditions can put pressure on your gluteal muscles—the muscles that make up the buttocks.
The Mechanism of Pain
When the uterus cramps and the abdomen swells due to bloating and fluid retention, the increased pressure is transferred to the surrounding areas, including the pelvic floor and the muscles of the buttocks (gluteal muscles).
This sustained or increased pressure on the gluteal muscles can lead to:
- Muscle tension
- Muscle spasms
When these muscles tense up or spasm, it can cause referred pain or direct pain in the buttocks, lower back, and pelvis. Sitting down can exacerbate this pressure, pressing the gluteal muscles against a surface, which intensifies the discomfort or pain caused by the underlying tension or spasms.
In summary: The pain you feel when sitting during your period is often a result of menstrual cramps, bloating, and swelling creating pressure that affects the gluteal muscles, potentially causing them to tense or spasm.
