Technically, chronic pelvic pain is any pain in the lower abdomen (below your belly button) that lasts for more than 6 months. It is a common condition, affecting around 1 in 6 women. Chronic pelvic pain can be distressing and impact your quality of life and ability to carry out everyday activities.

Chronic pelvic pain can result from a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors

• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs
• Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic bladder inflammation
• Musculoskeletal Pain: Pain in the joints, muscles, ligaments, and bones of the pelvis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A disorder affecting the digestive system
• Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to pelvic pain.

• Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during menstruation
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Lower back pain

• Medications:  Pain relievers, hormonal treatments, and antidepressants can help manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and relieve pain.
• Counseling: Therapy to address psychological factors contributing to pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management techniques, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise.

In the vast majority of cases our clinical team can help diagnose and manage the cause of chronic pain.  If we can't find the source of the chronic pain or we feel we need more specialist gynaecology advice, we can refer to our colleagues at the Royal Infirmary or Western General Hospital who run regular outpatient clinics 

If you feel your symptoms fit with suffering with chronic pelvic pain as suggested above, please book a routine appointment with one of our GP's. 
the first part would require an assessment and likely internal pelvic physical examination. 

If appropriate, GPs can organise ultrasound scans,  initial blood and swab tests and an array of treatments that can alleviate chronic pain.