Symptoms
- Pain in the pelvic area may manifest as burning, aching, or throbbing, typically around the vaginal opening, anus, vulva, or perineum
- Discomfort is often reported during sexual intimacy, with tight clothing, or from prolonged sitting
- Physical exertion—whether from lifting, stretching, or running—can aggravate symptoms
- Urinary issues such as needing to go frequently, stinging while urinating, or accidental leaks may also be present
- Bloating and bowel issues like constipation or inconsistency in bowel movements are commonly experienced
- Pain can sometimes be linked to specific activities like using tampons or having sex, but not always
- For some women, symptoms are a daily occurrence, while others have intermittent discomfort
Symptoms
- Pain in the pelvic area may manifest as burning, aching, or throbbing, typically around the vaginal opening, anus, vulva, or perineum
- Discomfort is often reported during sexual intimacy, with tight clothing, or from prolonged sitting
- Physical exertion—whether from lifting, stretching, or running—can aggravate symptoms
- Urinary issues such as needing to go frequently, stinging while urinating, or accidental leaks may also be present
- Bloating and bowel issues like constipation or inconsistency in bowel movements are commonly experienced
- Pain can sometimes be linked to specific activities like using tampons or having sex, but not always
- For some women, symptoms are a daily occurrence, while others have intermittent discomfort
Associated Diagnoses
Diagnoses such as Endometriosis, Vulvodynia, Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome, Pudendal Neuralgia, Lichen Sclerosus, Lichen Planus, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are associated with pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Ongoing infections involving the vaginal area or urinary tract, and medical conditions that impact the skin, digestive system, or reproductive organs
- Many people living with long-term pelvic pain are also managing undiagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction
- Use of medications such as hormone therapies, birth control pills, or acne treatments, especially those prescribed for PCOS or Endometriosis
- Surgical interventions in the pelvic area, including procedures like hysterectomies, prolapse repairs, or those related to childbirth
- Injuries that affect musculoskeletal structures in the pelvic or lower back region
- Postural imbalances or movement dysfunctions such as scoliosis, pelvic misalignment, SI joint instability, or unequal leg lengths
- Childbirth experiences involving vaginal delivery, which may place strain on pelvic tissues
- Menopausal changes that affect hormonal balance and soft tissue integrity
- Physical trauma to the genitals, including incidents of cutting or mutilation
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Ongoing infections involving the vaginal area or urinary tract, and medical conditions that impact the skin, digestive system, or reproductive organs
- Many people living with long-term pelvic pain are also managing undiagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction
- Use of medications such as hormone therapies, birth control pills, or acne treatments, especially those prescribed for PCOS or Endometriosis
- Surgical interventions in the pelvic area, including procedures like hysterectomies, prolapse repairs, or those related to childbirth
- Injuries that affect musculoskeletal structures in the pelvic or lower back region
- Postural imbalances or movement dysfunctions such as scoliosis, pelvic misalignment, SI joint instability, or unequal leg lengths
- Childbirth experiences involving vaginal delivery, which may place strain on pelvic tissues
- Menopausal changes that affect hormonal balance and soft tissue integrity
- Physical trauma to the genitals, including incidents of cutting or mutilation
Diagnostic Challenges
It’s heartbreaking how long it can take for women with pelvic pain to receive the correct diagnosis. Studies indicate that the average time is about five years, with conditions like Endometriosis sometimes taking up to 11 years to identify. This prolonged process is often caused by the fact that pelvic pain symptoms are mistaken for other issues—such as STIs, UTIs, yeast infections, or bladder inflammation. Many women go through unnecessary treatments that don’t provide lasting relief. In cases where pelvic floor dysfunction is the true source of discomfort, standard tests frequently show nothing out of the ordinary, leaving both the patient and doctor without answers. Often, a woman arrives at pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy having never been informed that her pain could be muscular in nature.
Diagnostic Challenges
It’s heartbreaking how long it can take for women with pelvic pain to receive the correct diagnosis. Studies indicate that the average time is about five years, with conditions like Endometriosis sometimes taking up to 11 years to identify. This prolonged process is often caused by the fact that pelvic pain symptoms are mistaken for other issues—such as STIs, UTIs, yeast infections, or bladder inflammation. Many women go through unnecessary treatments that don’t provide lasting relief. In cases where pelvic floor dysfunction is the true source of discomfort, standard tests frequently show nothing out of the ordinary, leaving both the patient and doctor without answers. Often, a woman arrives at pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy having never been informed that her pain could be muscular in nature.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
If you’re among the many women in Calabasas living with pelvic pain, a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation may offer the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. This type of assessment is incredibly thorough, incorporating a review of your entire medical background, past attempts at treatment, and the effectiveness of those efforts. We recognize how draining it can be to search for answers and relief, especially when previous efforts haven’t worked. That’s why our evaluations go deep—checking muscular health, connective tissues, neurological function, joint mechanics, and movement patterns. With this complete picture, we’ll explain the root causes of your discomfort and offer a customized care plan, built around your specific situation and goals. Most women attend sessions one or two times a week for approximately 12 weeks, paired with targeted exercises to perform at home. We also maintain open communication with your other care providers to make sure every aspect of your treatment is aligned. Our mission is to help you finally feel in control of your health again.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
If you’re among the many women in Calabasas living with pelvic pain, a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation may offer the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. This type of assessment is incredibly thorough, incorporating a review of your entire medical background, past attempts at treatment, and the effectiveness of those efforts. We recognize how draining it can be to search for answers and relief, especially when previous efforts haven’t worked. That’s why our evaluations go deep—checking muscular health, connective tissues, neurological function, joint mechanics, and movement patterns. With this complete picture, we’ll explain the root causes of your discomfort and offer a customized care plan, built around your specific situation and goals. Most women attend sessions one or two times a week for approximately 12 weeks, paired with targeted exercises to perform at home. We also maintain open communication with your other care providers to make sure every aspect of your treatment is aligned. Our mission is to help you finally feel in control of your health again.
How Can We Help You?
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Pelvic Pain Explained serves as a vital resource for those trying to understand chronic pelvic pain. It walks readers through the possible origins of the pain, the frustrating delays in getting an accurate diagnosis, and the overwhelming number of treatment possibilities. It also delves into the less visible toll—how emotional distress and strained personal relationships often accompany this hidden struggle.