PELVIC PAIN CLINIC
Understanding Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis
PELVIC PAIN CLINIC
Pelvic pain and endometriosis are not the same thing, although they can be closely related.
Pelvic pain is pain felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It may be persistent or come and go, and there are many possible causes. Pain can be related to the reproductive system, bladder, bowel, muscles and pelvic floor, nerves, or a combination of factors.
Endometriosis is one possible cause of pelvic pain. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex and other symptoms — although some people with endometriosis experience few or no symptoms.
Importantly, you do not need to have endometriosis to experience significant pelvic pain, and pelvic pain should not be dismissed simply because investigations have not identified a clear cause.
PELVIC PAIN CLINIC
What can cause pelvic pain?
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Painful periods
- Pelvic floor muscle problems
- Bladder conditions
- Bowel conditions
- Vulval or vaginal pain
- Nerve-related pain
- Persistent pain sensitisation
When pelvic pain becomes persistent
When pain continues for a long time, the nervous system can become more sensitive to pain signals. This is sometimes called pain sensitisation. It does not mean the pain is imagined — the pain is real, but the way the nervous system processes pain can change over time.
This is one reason persistent pelvic pain often benefits from a multidisciplinary approach, rather than focusing on one possible diagnosis alone.
How our clinic can help
Our Pelvic Pain and Menopause Clinic takes the time to understand your symptoms, how they affect your life and what matters most to you.
Depending on your individual needs, your care may involve medical assessment, pelvic health physiotherapy, support with pain management and referral to other services where appropriate.