Pelvic pain disorders

There are many different causes for pelvic pain. These include infection, illness, chronic pelvic conditions, or a physical or psychological problem. To manage pelvic pain appropriately, it is important to identify the cause of it. This may involve detailed assessments from your healthcare provider prior to commencing physiotherapy.

Conditions

• Dyspareunia: pelvic and/or vaginal pain during or after intercourse
• Vaginismus: an inability to have vaginal penetration, associated with tension in the pelvic floor muscles
• Vulvodynia: pain felt in the vulva, labia and vaginal opening
• Tight or overactive pelvic floor: this can lead to tension and pain in these muscles and the surrounding area
• Chronic pelvic conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable or inflammatory bowel diseases or bladder pain syndrome can all cause pelvic pain and be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction