How do I relieve chronic pelvic pain?

Bottom lineChronic pelvic pain (lasting six months or more) has many possible causes - endometriosis, fibroids, infection, or bladder, bowel, or pelvic floor problems - so relief works best once a clinician identifies the cause; measures include pain relief, heat, pelvic floor physiotherapy, treating the underlying condition, and stress management, often combined through a specialist clinic, and you should seek prompt help for new, severe, or worsening pain.

Chronic pelvic pain - pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting six months or more - can have many causes, from endometriosis and fibroids to bladder, bowel, or pelvic floor problems. Relief works best when the underlying cause is identified, so getting assessed matters.

See a clinician for the cause

Persistent pelvic pain deserves evaluation. A clinician can look for causes like endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder or bowel conditions, or pelvic floor dysfunction - which shapes the right treatment.

Measures that can help

• Pain relief as advised by your clinician
• Heat, gentle movement, and rest during flare-ups
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy, which helps when muscles are part of the problem
• Treating the underlying condition (for example hormonal treatment for endometriosis)
• Stress management, sleep, and relaxation techniques, since chronic pain and the nervous system interact

A broader approach

Long-standing pelvic pain often responds best to a combined plan - sometimes through a specialist pelvic pain clinic - that may include physiotherapy, pain management, and psychological support alongside medical treatment.

When to seek help promptly

See a clinician for new, severe, or worsening pain, or pain with fever, abnormal bleeding, or pain during sex - and keep advocating if your pain isn't being taken seriously.

Femora helps you track pelvic pain and related symptoms so you can give your clinician a clear picture of the pattern.