Condition guide
Pelvic pain & inflammation
Persistent or recurring pelvic pain can have many causes — never ignore it.
1 in 6
Women experience chronic pelvic pain
Multi
Most cases have more than one cause
>50%
Linked to endometriosis or PID
What it is
Pelvic pain is any pain below the belly button that lasts more than six months (chronic) or comes and goes. It may be gynaecological, urinary, bowel, musculoskeletal or nerve-related.
Infographic
Pelvic pain map
Track location, timing and triggers to help diagnosis.
Common symptoms
- Constant ache or sharp cramps
- Pain with sex, exercise or sitting
- Pain during periods that worsens over time
- Pain with urination or bowel movements
Causes & risk factors
- Endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Fibroids or ovarian cysts
- Irritable bowel or bladder syndromes
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
Diagnosis
- Detailed symptom and cycle history
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound or MRI
- Swabs for infection if PID suspected
Treatment & management
Treat the underlying cause
From antibiotics for PID to surgery for endometriosis.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Highly effective when muscles are part of the problem.
Pain management
Multimodal: medication, nerve blocks, mind-body therapy.
When to seek urgent help
Fever, sudden severe pain, vomiting, bleeding or fainting needs emergency care.
Frequently asked
Is pelvic pain normal?
Period discomfort is common; pain that disrupts your life is not normal and should be investigated.
You are not alone
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