Often misinterpreted as side effects of ageing or menopause, chronic pelvic pain can bring significant distress and angst to your day to day life. With a range of symptoms that can vary from mild and uncomfortable to intense and severe, seeking a diagnosis is always recommended.
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What is chronic pelvic pain?
Chronic pelvic pain, sometimes referred to as CPP, is a condition that causes persistent discomfort and pain in the abdomen and pelvic region. Chronic pain is defined as a consistent, underlying pain, felt for six months in a row.
Key symptoms of chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to name a few. This means symptoms vary; the most common symptoms are listed below.
Persistent or recurring pelvic pain
One of the most widely recognised symptoms of chronic pelvic pain is direct discomfort in the pelvic region. It is often described as a dull, sharp, burning or aching pain, with varying levels of intensity. For example, some describe chronic pelvic pain as a constant sensation of pressure and discomfort on the abdomen, while others experience a sudden, intense pain that can be debilitating. The pain can be constant, or can sometimes be triggered by a range of factors such as physical exercise, menstruation and stress, causing symptoms to ‘flare up’ and worsen.
Pain during or after intercourse
Another symptom of chronic pelvic pain is dyspareunia. This is when you feel constant pain during and after sexual intercourse. The pain felt can range from a dull persistent ache to a deep sharp pain that comes on suddenly. For women, chronic pain during intercourse can be felt in the vaginal, cervix or deeper pelvic areas, and is sometimes dismissed as vaginal dryness or tightness.
Menstrual pain beyond normal period cramps
Another indicator that you may be experiencing chronic pelvic pain is a change in intensity to your period pains. If they are more severe than usual, and symptoms continue for over six months, it could be chronic pelvic pain. It is recommended to consult with a gynaecologist if you are unsure of anything.
Lower back and hip pain
Pelvic functionality is key for our balance, posture and lower spine. Weakened pelvic muscles can lead to consistent lower back pain, which can be worsened through daily activities such as stretching, walking or lifting. If you have consistent lower back pain which feels worse after exercise, or after sitting down for a long time, your pelvis could be the cause.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Chronic pelvic pain is known to cause bladder and bowel incontinence. This is because our pelvic floor muscles help to support and control when urine and stool leave the body; if they are weakened for any reason, it can lead to leakage, discomfort, or a consistent and urgent sensation of needing to go to the toilet.
You can read more about these symptoms and their causes in our guide: Pelvic floor disorder symptoms.
Pelvic pressure and heaviness
Pelvic pressure is another common symptom of chronic pelvic pain. It is often described as the feeling of a ‘pressure’ on the pelvic area, ‘weighing down’ the abdomen. It can also make you feel like something is going to ‘fall out’ unexpectedly. All of these symptoms can bring anxiety and stress to day to day life, and shouldn’t be ignored. If untreated, it can lead to a pelvic organ prolapse, which is why you should always talk to someone if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Treating chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain treatment can range from physiotherapy to medication, to pelvic floor exercises. Due to the varying underlying causes, you may need to speak to a specialist urologist, gynaecologist or gastroenterologist, depending on your exact symptoms.
It can feel uncomfortable to talk about the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain; however, it is important to address and acknowledge any symptoms you may have. Seeking medical advice and a professional diagnosis can bring peace of mind, reassurance, and support so you can manage your symptoms and alleviate the pain you are experiencing.
At Modality LLP, we pride ourselves on offering a range of medical treatments and services for those living with chronic pelvic pain. For more information on this condition and its symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
