Pelvic pain is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects many women and people assigned female at birth. It can be persistent, unpredictable, and debilitating — but too often, it’s dismissed or downplayed. At Women’s Health Hub, we want you to know: your pain is real, and help is available.
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain refers to pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, which may be:
- Acute (sudden and short-term)
- Chronic (lasting longer than six months)
- Cyclical (linked to the menstrual cycle)
- Non-cyclical (not related to your cycle)
The pain might be sharp, dull, burning, aching, or cramping. It can come and go or be constant — and for some, it can impact work, relationships, mental health, and quality of life.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is not one-size-fits-all. It may be caused by a single issue or a combination of physical, hormonal, and emotional factors. Some of the most common causes include:
🔸 Gynaecological Conditions
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
🔸 Bladder & Bowel Issues
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome
- Constipation
🔸 Musculoskeletal Causes
- Pelvic floor muscle tension or dysfunction
- Lower back or hip problems
🔸 Sexual Health & Trauma
- Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)
- Vaginismus or vulvodynia
- History of trauma or abuse
🔸 Other Contributing Factors
- Stress and anxiety
- Nerve pain (neuropathy)
- Previous surgery or scar tissue (adhesions)
Understanding the root cause or causes of pelvic pain is essential — and that’s where a compassionate, experienced team makes all the difference.
How Is Pelvic Pain Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for pelvic pain. At Women’s Health Hub, we take a holistic, step-by-step approach:
- Detailed history: We ask about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, lifestyle, sexual health, and emotional wellbeing.
- Physical examination: A gentle pelvic exam (only if appropriate and with your consent).
- Investigations: Blood tests, urine tests, STI screening, pelvic ultrasound.
- Referral pathways: If needed, we may refer you to a trusted gynaecologist, pelvic physiotherapist, psychologist, or pain specialist.
We believe you deserve to be heard, believed, and supported from the very first visit.
Managing Pelvic Pain: Your Care Plan
There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for pelvic pain — but there is a team-based approach that works.
🌿 Treatment Options May Include:
- Pain relief medications (NSAIDs, nerve pain medications)
- Hormonal treatments (e.g. contraceptives, IUD, GnRH analogues)
- Pelvic physiotherapy to release muscle tension and improve pelvic floor function
- Counselling or psychology for trauma-informed care and coping strategies
- Dietary changes (especially for IBS or endometriosis)
- Lifestyle support: stress reduction, movement, sleep strategies
- Referral to specialists when needed: gynaecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists
Our aim is to create a care plan that is realistic, respectful, and responsive to your needs.
You Are Not Alone
Chronic pelvic pain is not “all in your head.” It’s a real medical condition that deserves proper assessment, empathy, and evidence-based care.
At Women’s Health Hub, we support women of all ages — from teens to postmenopause — who are living with pelvic pain. We understand how exhausting it can be to feel dismissed or misunderstood. We’re here to listen and help.
Ready to Seek Help?
If you’ve been living with pelvic pain, don’t suffer in silence. Book a consultation with one of our women’s health GPs today. We’ll work with you to find answers and a pathway forward.