Pelvic Pain
Emily Bell
12/09/2023
15-25% of women have persistent pelvic pain (pain that lasts more than 6 months).
47% of women recently surveyed, reported experiencing some form of pelvic pain in the past 5 years, which is huge! (Jean Hailes 2023 Nation Women's Health Survey).
Pelvic pain can have a large negative impact on a womens overall wellbeing.
More than 50% of women experiencing pelvic pain in the past 5 years, reported negative impacts on their emotional and physical wellbeing, as a result of their pelvic pain.
Persistent pelvic pain is defined as persistent or chronic pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis of either men or women. It is often associated with negative behaviour, cognitive, emotional and sexual consequences as well as with symptoms suggestive of lower urinary tract, bowel, sexual, pelvic floor or gynaecological dysfunction (EAU guidelines on chronic pelvic pain, 2022).
Why has your pain become persistent?
Our brain produces pain when it perceives there is a threat or danger to attempt to reduce potential damage. Pain can become persistent when our nervous system becomes oversensitive, and our brain continues to think there is potential danger when there actually isn't. There are many possible causes for persistent pelvic pain including: endometriosis, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, IBS, vulvodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction, thoughts about pain, poor sleep quality, past trauma, stress, relationships and friendships, to name a few.
How can I improve my pelvic pain?
- Understanding your pain and what your contributing factors are
- Stretches to assist with downtraining your nervous system and reduce muscular tension
- Mindfulness
- Good quality sleep
- Finding the type of exercise that works best for you: eg gentle walk, pilates, yoga
- Adequate water intake and balanced diet
- TENS machine
Information provided is general advice only.
Call (02) 4268 4884 or book online with Emily or Erin to have a thorough assessment and individualised management plan created.
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