Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the area below the navel and between the buttocks that lasts six months or longer.

Chronic pelvic pain can have more than one cause, and it can be a symptom of another condition, or it can be a condition on its own.

Chronic pelvic pain is usually caused by a combination of physical, psychological and/or social factors rather than one underlying condition.

Possible causes include:

  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection in the fallopian tubes and/or pelvis
  • Interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
  • Adhesions (areas of scar tissue that may be the result of a previous infection, endometriosis, or surgery)
  • Prostatitis
  • Kidney-stone disease
  • Damaged nerves in the pelvic area
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Musculoskeletal pain (pain in the joints, muscles, tendons and bones of the pelvis)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Depression, including postnatal depression

Symptoms you may have:

In women:

  • Pelvic pain or cramping before or during your period
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Pain during ovulation
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Rectal bleeding during your cycle
  • Pain when urinating
  • Lower back pain
  • Spotting between periods
  • Bloating
  • Urinary dysfunction: this usually manifests as frequent urination, urgency to urinate, hesitancy, incomplete voiding, pain and/or urine output.
  • Pain with exercise, such as squatting or lifting weights. This may be present in daily life when these movements or lifting are present

In men

  • Pelvic pain: which may be a burning, shooting, aching and/or itching sensation in the lower abdomen, groin, gluteal area and/or inner thighs.
  • Genital pain: this may manifest as pain in the scrotum, testicles or general pain in the penis.
  • Perineal and/or anal/rectal pain.
  • Urinary dysfunction: this usually manifests as frequent urination, urgency to urinate, hesitancy, incomplete voiding, pain and/or urine output.
  • Any bowel dysfunction may manifest with bloating, pain on bowel movement, constipation, incomplete emptying, gastrointestinal distress.
  • Sexual dysfunction: may manifest as erectile dysfunction or pain before, during or after ejaculation.
  • Pain when sitting, especially in the perineum or 'sit bones'.
  • Pain when exercising, such as squatting or lifting weights. This may be present in everyday life when these movements or lifting are present

Therapy for chronic pelvic pain is a process that involves the use of different therapies and different approaches:

  • Electrotherapy, Ultrasound therapy, Shockwave therapy, Magnetic therapy, Electroacupuncture, High intensity laser therapy.
  • Specific stretching exercises
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Breathing exercises
  • Manual therapy of pelvic floor muscles
  • Myofascial release of pelvic floor trigger points
  • Exercises that focus on the pelvic floor muscles
crossmenu