Pelvic pain is very individualised, and no one person will experience it the same as someone else.

Some may experience it only with periods, others may experience it at random times. Long term, recurrent, bad period pain can predispose people to chronic, or persistent, pain

Pelvic pain can vary in :

• Intensity (severe or fleeting and manageable at times)

• Location (low abdomen, low back, high abdomen, hips, groin)

• Duration/time frame (does it flare up? for how long?

• Nature (is it constant, cyclic or provoked?)

• Quality (is it sharp, dull, achey or throbbing)

• Things which ease or aggravate it.

Long term pelvic pain can further have impacts to:

• Bladder & bowel problems

• Pain with intercourse/sex or inserting tampons/cups

• Period pain

• Vulval pain

• Headaches

• Fatigue and poor sleep

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Dizziness

• Anxiety

• Low mood.

Pelvic pain affects many of us assigned female at birth.

• 1 in 5 experience pelvic pain in their life

• 1 in 5 experience severe period pain

• 1 in 7 experience pain persistently or chronically - which means they have had it for a long time. This can either be pain that is ongoing and they get no relief, or pain that fluctuates.

• 1 in 4 have missed school because of period pain.

Pelvic pain that causes us to alter our lifestyle, miss work or school, or find it hard to do the things we love is not ever normal.

Pelvic pain can be due to a number of reasons.

Having a period creates an inflammatory process in the pelvis which can have long term effects for some of us if that process is significantly painful.

Pelvic pain is strongly associated and often talked about in relation to periods, however we know that pelvic pain, and the way it can impact us can be related to:

• Trauma

• Recurrent UTI or Thrush

• Our upbringing, values and beliefs

• Bladder pain syndrome

• Endometriosis/adenomyosis

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• Health literacy and your understanding of pain

• Childhood bladder or bowel problems

Long term pelvic pain can contribute to conditions such as sexual dysfunctions (eg. vaginismus, vulvodynia, reduced sexual arousal), rectal or anal pain and even other chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

Treatment is unique for all those suffering pelvic pain as it depends on the reasons that are contributing to your presentation.

We will discuss the ins and outs of your pain and discomfort, and how it impacts your day-to-day life. How you manage it, and what makes it flare up. When treating chronic pain, it’s important to go at the pace that’s right for your body.

We are trained in trauma-informed care, so you can expect compassion, non-judgement and support throughout your care. With your consent, we can also remain in touch with your other relevant health professionals to make sure we are all working towards your goals.

Your treatment plan will be personalized to your symptoms, circumstances, and goals. It may include:

• Learning new pain-relief strategies

• Understanding your body’s natural capacity to alleviate pain and how to utilise this

• Manual therapy to relieve tissue pain and tension

• Breathing techniques and other relaxation options to calm your nervous system

• Pelvic floor muscle training to improve awareness, coordination and function.

• Exercise and movement options to keep you feeling active

• Movements to help alleviate pain

• Lifestyle modifications to support flare ups