What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic Pain can have multiple causes and Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is defined as lasting more than 6 months. Anyone can suffer from pelvic pain. It is more common in those assigned female at birth due to reproductive-related experiences such as menstruation & pregnancy.
Causes
- Gynecological conditions such as Endometriosis, Adenomyosis or PCOS
- Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation/ periods, pregnancy or menopause
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Urological issues like Interstitial
- Cystitis
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Nerve-related pain
- Poor mental health can have an impact
- There is a strong link between chronic Pelvic Pain and conditions like anxiety, depression and stress
Pelvic floor
Pain presenting from the pelvic floor muscles can lead to:
- urinary problems or bowel dysfunction
- pain during sex
- lower back pain
- nerve pain or muscle spasms
- discomfort around the vaginal opening (vaginismus)
- perineal pain
Pain scale
- The same Pelvic Pain condition may cause a different level of pain in different people
- Each person’s perception of pain can be influenced by factors such as genetics, emotional state, past experiences and overall health
An invisible condition
- Pelvic Pain can be a burden on any body
- As Pelvic Pain doesn’t present as a physical condition, it is often misunderstood and wrongly diagnosed
- People often suffer in silence, which can lead to low self esteem, isolation & depression
Symptom management
- physical therapy inc. pelvic floor physio & myofacial release
- psychological support lifestyle changes inc, dietary changes & exercise
- medications
- regular bowel motions & urination
- alternative therapies inc. acupuncture & heat
Pelvic Pain is complex
- If you experience pelvic pain at any time, see your GP as soon as possible If the pain is ongoing, advocate for yourself and get a referral for further investigations into the cause
- The longer Pelvic Pain goes undiagnosed, the longer it can take to treat
Pelvic Pain at Living With Support
Pelvic Pain in relation to other conditions has many other levels of complexity So, on this platform we will refer to Pelvic Pain where it is relevant to the conditions of Endometriosis & Adenomyosis and those who are assigned female at birth and managing symptoms that may present as Endometriosis & Adenomyosis.
Some handy reference websites:
Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia