Pelvic pain

What is chronic pelvic pain?

Chronic pelvic pain is a condition of pain perceived in the pelvis of either men or women that has been continuous for at least six (6) months.
It is often associated with negative cognitive, behavioral, sexual and emotional consequences as well as with symptoms suggestive of lower urinary tract, sexual, bowel, pelvic floor or gynecological function.

Pelvic pain can be caused by many different medical conditions including those affecting the urological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, and gynecological systems to name a few.
Common conditions include:
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and muscle spasm
- Interstitial cystitis
- Chronic prostatitis
- Vulvodynia and vestibulodynia
- Endometriosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Adhesions/scar tissue
- Coccydynia

Online Resources

The International Pelvis Pain Society (IPPS) has great handouts and links to educational websites for patients
The National Vulvodynia Society
In depth information on pelvic floor physical therapy for men and women and many other educational handouts
Australian website with information on a wide variety of pelvic pain conditions
Curable is a new app that helps people with pain better understand the role of the brain and nervous system. It guides you through audio lessons and teaches you to apply science-backed techniques to reduce your pain symptoms.
Pathways: The Pain Relief App provides mind-body therapies to help heal chronic pain.

Have a look at the following videos to better understand what pelvic floor physical therapy is:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy in Men
- Pelvic floor physical therapy in Women