Pelvic Pain in Women

The symptoms of pelvic pain can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause, and each person’s experience and symptoms may be different. 

Symptoms of pelvic pain may include:

• dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

• pain during or after sex

• pain before or during your period

• discomfort when passing urine or having a bowel movement

• bloating or a heavy feeling in the pelvis

• pain that worsens after standing for long periods

• lower back or hip pain

If pelvic pain is severe, new, or interferes with your daily life, get in touch with one of our specialists.

The pelvis contains many important organs, and so pelvic pain can develop for a number of reasons. It may be linked to the reproductive organs, the urinary tract, the bowel, or the musculoskeletal system. 

Gynaecological causes:

• endometriosis

• ovarian cysts

• pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the reproductive organs)

• pelvic congestion (varicose veins in the pelvis)

• fibroids or uterine growths

Gastrointestinal causes:

• inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• diverticulitis

• constipation or bowel obstruction

• adhesions (scar tissue after surgery or infection)

Urinary tract and pelvic floor causes:

• bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis)

• recurrent urinary infections

• overactive or sensitive bladder

• pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness

Musculoskeletal causes:

• lower back or hip problems

• pelvic girdle instability

• nerve pain or trapped nerves

In some women, the cause is unclear. This is known as chronic pelvic pain, where discomfort lasts 6 months or longer without a single identifiable cause.

Diagnosing pelvic pain involves a detailed assessment to identify the cause. At your initial consultation, your gynaecologist will talk to you about your medical history and your symptoms, and will carry out a physical examination. 

Further tests may include:

• a pelvic ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries

• an MRI scan to provide detailed images of the pelvis

• swabs and urine tests to check for infection

• blood tests for inflammation or hormone levels

• diagnostic laparoscopy – a keyhole procedure to look inside the pelvis and check for conditions like endometriosis

At Welbeck, many tests can be arranged quickly, often on the same day as your consultation, so you can begin your diagnostic journey without delay. If additional investigations are needed, our specialists can seamlessly refer you to trusted colleagues within the Welbeck ecosystem, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your care. Our goal is to provide you with a fast, accurate diagnosis and clear next steps toward effective treatment without delay.

It’s not often possible to prevent pelvic pain, but some steps can help lower your risk:

• practice safe sex to reduce the risk of pelvic infection

• maintain a healthy weight

• manage stress, as it can worsen chronic pain

• strengthen pelvic floor muscles with guided exercises

• treat any urinary or bowel problems early

• avoid smoking, which may worsen inflammation and hormone balance

Without treatment, pelvic pain can have both physical and emotional effects, particularly if it becomes chronic.

Possible complications include:

• difficulty becoming pregnant (especially in cases of endometriosis or infection)

• long-term pain and fatigue

• anxiety or depression

• reduced quality of life and sexual discomfort

Early diagnosis and tailored treatment can help reduce these risks and improve your overall wellbeing.

The best treatment for you will depend on the cause of your pain. Once this has been fully diagnosed, your consultant will design a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and explain this to you. Your plan may include medicinal, physical, or surgical treatments.

Possible treatment options include:

• pain relief medicines

• anti-inflammatory medicines

• hormonal treatments such as the pill, implant, or injections to control menstrual cycles and endometriosis

• antibiotics, if an infection is found

• pelvic floor physiotherapy to strengthen or relax muscles

• minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery for conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts

• psychological support or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage chronic pain

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.