“Pain that is felt in your lower belly
and above your legs
is called pelvic pain”.¹

Umbrella

What may the Pelvic Pain Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

DotS the definition of pelvic pain may vary. The Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s (JH) definition is:

“Pain that is felt in your lower belly and above your legs is called pelvic pain”.²

The (United Kingdom) NHS definition is:

“Pelvic pain is felt in the lower part of your tummy. The type of pain varies, and it may be sudden and severe (acute pelvic pain) or last 6 months or longer (chronic pelvic pain)”.³

Chronic Pelvic Pain

What is chronic pelvic pain?

DotS the definition of chronic pelvic pain may vary. In Chronic Pelvic Pain In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the area below the bellybutton and between the hips that lasts six months or longer”.⁴

Women

Is pelvic pain more common in women?

In Pelvic Pain: Pelvic Pain In Women the NHS elaborate on:

Common or Not

How common is pelvic pain in women?

In For Women and People Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB): Endometriosis the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia note:

“Pelvic pain affects 1 in 5 Women and People Assigned Female at Birth at some time in their life, yet it is a condition that is rarely discussed”.⁶

In May Is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month the International Pelvic Pain Society elaborate on:

“Nearly 25 MILLION Americans and (25% of the world’s population) suffer with chronic pelvic pain conditions such as Endometriosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Myofascial Pelvic Pain, and much more. Yet, less than 5% of those who live with this type of pain have access to a healthcare provider who specializes in pelvic pain”.⁷

Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

DotS the definition of endometriosis or “endo” may vary. In Endometriosis the JH elaborate on:

In Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes – Complications the JH note:

“Endometriosis can affect different systems in the body. While pelvic pain is the most common symptom, women with endometriosis have a higher risk of other pain conditions, such as migraines and arthritis . Back, bladder and bowel pain, and associated conditions, are also common in women with endometriosis”.⁹

Pudendal Neuralgia

What is pudendal neuralgia?

In Pudendal Neuralgia: Disease At A Glance – Summary the (United States) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center elaborate on:

“Pudendal Neuralgia occurs when the pudendal nerve is injured, irritated, or compressed. Symptoms include burning pain (often unilateral), tingling, or numbness in any of the following areas: buttocks, genitals, or perineum (area between the buttocks and genitals). Symptoms are typically present when a person is sitting but often go away when the person is standing or lying down. The pain tends to increase as the day progresses. Additional symptoms include pain during sex and needing to urinate frequently and/or urgently”.¹⁰

Look for A Pattern

Can keeping a record of the symptoms help?

In Pelvic Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help – Key Advice for Persistent Pelvic Pain the JH note:

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have pelvic pain?

If you think you have pelvic pain, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Chronic Pelvic Pain In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic explain:

“In general, see your healthcare professional if the pain disrupts your daily life or if your symptoms seem to get worse”.¹²

In Pelvic Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help – Key Advice for Persistent Pelvic Pain the JH elaborate on:

1. “If you feel you are not being heard by your doctor or health professional, do not be afraid to seek a second opinion
2. A multidisciplinary team (one made up of experts in different fields) has been shown to be the best for managing persistent pelvic pain. Chronic pain is not just the immediate pain, but also involves and affects a number of areas of health and life, so approaching it from different angles and treating the whole person is crucial. The multidisciplinary team can include a specialist women’s health GP, a gynaecologist, a a pain specialist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a sexual counsellor, a naturopath and other complementary therapists”.¹³

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