Pelvic Pain

About Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can be acute (sudden and often severe) or chronic which usually implies pain lasting over six months.  It is classified as pain that arises below the umbilicus.  Up to 25% of women will experience significant pelvic pain (requiring medical attention) at some stage in their life.

What are the causes of pelvic pain?

Common causes of pelvic pain include gynaecological conditions (ie. adenomyosis and endometriosis), irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pelvic inflammatory disease and adhesions. 

Regardless of the cause of the ongoing pelvic pain, if the pain persists your brain adapts to its presence often resulting in chronic pain syndrome. 

Persistant pain can be debilitating and interfere with your mental health and well-being. 

More information about Pelvic Pain

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

To assist in making an accurate diagnosis a careful assessment of all women with significant pelvic pain is essential.  A detailed history of the nature, site and frequency of the pain is essential.  Other important factors include; are there triggering events such as movement, exercise or intercourse?  Does it affect your bladder or bowel?  What helps the pain and what management has already been tried?

A careful sensitive examination is an essential part of the assessment.  Other tests that may be required include:

  • Urine test (to exclude any bladder issues)

  • Genital swabs (for infection)

  • Blood test for inflammatory markers

  • Pelvic ultrasound to check for masses, tenderness, evidence of adhesions or endometriosis.

  • MRI if concerned for deep infiltrating endometriosis or soft tissue pathology.

For definitive diagnosis a diagnostic laparoscopy under general anaesthesia may be required.  This procedure allows visualisation of the entire pelvis and any cause of pain such as endometriosis or adhesions can be treated.

What resources are there for women with pelvic pain?

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia have abundant resources that are excellent for women suffering from pelvic pain. 

Are there any non-hormonal medication options?

The pelvic pain foundation have wonderful information on amitriptyline, duloxetine and diazepam suppositories and also on the use of narcotics.  See links below