Pelvic Pain
What is Pelvic Pain?Pelvic pain is typically caused by myriad pelvic disorders that are not only uncomfortable but also disruptive and emotionally stressful. Some pelvic pain derives from musculoskeletal disorders while other pain is caused by bowel, bladder and/or sexual conditions or dysfunction. These disorders, generally referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CPPS), usually involve one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rectal, genital, or abdominal discomfort
- Increased discomfort or pain while sitting
- Pain during or after sexual activity
- Urinary frequency, urgency and/or hesitancy
- Perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) discomfort or pain
- Tailbone discomfort or pain
- Lower back discomfort or pain
- Groin discomfort or pain (on one side or both)
- Pain or burning during or after urination
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Sense of incomplete urination
- Hesitancy before or during urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Reduced sex drive (libido) and/or anxiety about sex
- Discomfort or relief after a bowel movement
- Anxiety and depression about condition
- Social withdrawal and/or negative effects on intimacy
- Loss of self-confidence
Without the proper care, pelvic pain can be a vicious cycle of infection, inflammation, and overload on the tissue and organs housed within the pelvic region. Because pelvic pain can be complex and/or difficult to diagnose, it is essential to get a proper diagnosis from a pelvic floor dysfunction specialist.
Special thanks to:
Elizabeth Rummer, MSPT, of the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, Calif., for her contributions.
Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center
This information is not intended to substitute the recommendations of your healthcare providers. Women’s Health Foundation disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
