Teddy bear wtih a stethoscope

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can be a complex and frustrating condition, affecting many people at some point in their lives. It might be dull and aching, sharp and stabbing, or a constant discomfort that impacts your daily activities, mood, and relationships.

What Causes Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain can originate from a variety of sources including:

  • Gynaecological causes like endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Musculoskeletal issues such as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction or pelvic joint problems
  • Neuropathic pain related to nerve irritation or injury
  • Gastrointestinal or urinary tract conditions that mimic gynaecological pain

Sometimes, despite thorough investigation, no clear physical cause is found — but your pain is always real and deserves treatment.

How Do I Investigate Pelvic Pain?

Diagnosis usually involves:

  • A detailed medical history and physical examination of the pelvic floor muscles
  • Pelvic ultrasound (often transvaginal)
  • Sometimes MRI or referral to pelvic pain specialists or physiotherapists

The aim is to identify any treatable causes and develop a personalised management plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to your specific diagnosis and may include:

  • Medical therapies, including hormonal treatments, pain medications, and nerve blocks
  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy to address muscle dysfunction
  • Minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis
  • Pelvic floor Botox injections for muscle-related pain

I work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care and support.

Dr Sam Holford

You Are Not Alone

Pelvic pain affects your mental health and social life. I encourage open, judgement-free conversations so we can tackle the pain together and get your life back.

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FAQs

My scans are all normal, so why am I still in pain?
It's very common for scans like ultrasound or MRI to be normal in people with persistent pelvic pain. Pain can come from sources that don't show up on imaging, like over-sensitive nerves, tight pelvic floor muscles, or small patches of endometriosis. A normal scan doesn't mean the pain isn't real; it just means we need to look at other potential causes.
What is the pelvic floor and how can it cause pain?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your pelvic organs. Just like any other muscle, it can become tight, weak, or go into spasm, especially in response to an injury or underlying condition like endometriosis. This can be a major source of pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often a key part of treatment.
Is surgery the only way to fix pelvic pain?
No, surgery is only one of many tools and is only appropriate for specific conditions like severe endometriosis or large cysts. Effective management of pelvic pain often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medication, pelvic physiotherapy, and psychological support.
How long will it take to get better?
Recovery from persistent pelvic pain is a journey, not a quick fix. It depends on the underlying cause and how your body responds to treatment. The goal is to see gradual improvement over time by using a combination of strategies to manage the pain and regain function.

Resources

Please note: This information is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice tailored to your specific situation.