Persistent Pelvic Pain

Persistent pelvic pain is any pain in the pelvis that’s been present for more than 6 months. You might feel it in the lower tummy, perineum, vulva, vagina, penis, testicles, anus or coccyx (tailbone). 

Persistent pelvic pain may be constant or it might come and go. If you experience this type of pain, you might also notice changes to your bladder, bowel or sexual function. While this condition can feel isolating, it’s incredibly common. So you’re not alone – 20 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men experience persistent pelvic pain at some stage in their lives.

As with many pelvic conditions, persistent pelvic pain is underreported. It’s a hidden problem, not often spoken about and hard to diagnose, with many people enduring their pain for years before getting help. Left untreated, it can be frustrating and embarrassing and impacts many aspects of your life – like work, exercise, sports and social activities. You might find it hard to sit for long periods, have to take days off work or avoid intimacy.

Our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists can help.

Fortunately, there’s no need for you to suffer in silence. Our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists have the advanced skills and knowledge to help treat this condition, and most people experiencing persistent pelvic pain can be helped. And at Pelvic Health Matters, we’re here to help you.

Book Now

Persistent pelvic pain can feel isolating, but it’s incredibly common. You’re not alone – 20 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men experience it at some stage in their lives. Fortunately, though, help is available.

Common signs & symptoms of persistent pelvic pain

We all experience pain differently, but if you suffer from persistent pelvic pain, you’re probably familiar with some of the following:

  • Generalised lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain when sitting
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Pain in the anus, testes or penis
  • Pain in the vulva or vagina
  • Painful urination or with a full bladder
  • Pain with a bowel motion

You may also find yourself avoiding exercise, socialising or things you enjoy due to your persistent pelvic pain.

Risk factors & causes of persistent pelvic pain

  • Other pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines
  • Sensitised nervous system
  • Low back pain
  • Chronic prostatitis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Tight, tense pelvic floor muscles
  • Overuse of core muscles
  • Depression, stress and anxiety
  • Painful bladder syndrome or recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Endometrosis
  • Vaginismus or vulvodynia

Our Proven Pathway for Treating Persistent Pelvic Pain

Discover what matters

You’re assessed as a whole person

We begin by taking the time to learn all about you – as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:

  • QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
  • 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your pain. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
  • THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes examinations of your lumbar spine, pelvic joints, muscles, abdominals and pelvic floor. You’ll also receive a bladder diary, bowel diary and questionnaires to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
  • CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your persistent pelvic pain, we can explore how it all fits together. You’ve probably seen many doctors and had lots of investigations (which are clear), but you still have pain.  Often, the answer lies in tight muscles, a sensitive nervous system and heightened emotions.
  • SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
    • Sit through a meeting comfortably
    • Confidently enjoy sex without pain
    • Get back to bike riding with my mates
    • Take on travel or work opportunities without worry

Learn more about how we discover what matters >

Restore what matters

You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.

Step 2 is where we take action. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn all about pain science, how your nervous system and body work together, what may not be working optimally and what you can do to reduce pain.

Next, you’ll learn how to break the pain cycle with strategies to calm your nerves, muscles and the connection with your thoughts and emotions.  This might include activities like mindfulness or breathing exercises. 

Then we’ll reduce muscle tension in and around your pelvis. These activities might include pelvic floor muscle training, abdominal relaxation, stretching and other movement practices. You’ll learn to move with ease so you can exercise without fear or pain. Plus, you’ll be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!

ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.

Learn more about how we restore what matters >

Enjoy what matters

You’ll be living your best life.

The final step is about helping you reach all the meaningful goals you set at the start of your journey. You might even find that you can embrace new possibilities you hadn’t considered, like applying for a promotion or sitting through dinner with friends. By this stage, you'll have all the valuable skills and tools to manage pain in all situations – without needing to rely on regular appointments.

Of course, life’s twists and turns can throw things off track, and you might find yourself needing a reset. A stressful work project or a bout of insomnia can all make managing pain feel more challenging. Whatever is happening, though, just know – we’re always here for you, ready to help whenever you need.

Read about Sarah 30 yrs, Luca 19 yrs, Anna 34 yrs, Geoff 41 yrs

Book Now

More info on pelvic pain

Blog Articles

Other Related Conditions

We Can Help You With:

Pelvic Health Matters

New name.
Same exceptional care.

Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.

Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au