Symptoms
- Burning, pressure, throbbing, or sharp pain may affect areas like the vaginal opening, vulva, perineum, or anus
- Pain is often noted during intercourse, when wearing tight-fitting clothes, or after long periods of sitting
- Specific exercises or physical activity can intensify pelvic discomfort
- Urinary signs such as frequent urination, painful bathroom visits, urgency, or slight incontinence often occur alongside the pain
- Digestive complaints including constipation, gas, or bloating are not uncommon
- Triggers such as sex or tampon use may bring on symptoms, though many women find the pain unpredictable
- Frequency varies—some experience chronic discomfort, while others go through temporary or sporadic episodes
Symptoms
- Burning, pressure, throbbing, or sharp pain may affect areas like the vaginal opening, vulva, perineum, or anus
- Pain is often noted during intercourse, when wearing tight-fitting clothes, or after long periods of sitting
- Specific exercises or physical activity can intensify pelvic discomfort
- Urinary signs such as frequent urination, painful bathroom visits, urgency, or slight incontinence often occur alongside the pain
- Digestive complaints including constipation, gas, or bloating are not uncommon
- Triggers such as sex or tampon use may bring on symptoms, though many women find the pain unpredictable
- Frequency varies—some experience chronic discomfort, while others go through temporary or sporadic episodes
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
- Recurrent UTIs or vaginal infections, and chronic issues with the digestive tract, reproductive organs, skin, or urinary system
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is a leading cause of pain in most women dealing with pelvic discomfort
- Medications like oral contraceptives, hormone therapy for Endometriosis or PCOS, and some acne drugs may contribute
- Trauma from pelvic surgeries or childbirth procedures, such as hysterectomy or prolapse repair
- Orthopedic trauma or joint-related injuries
- Functional problems involving skeletal alignment—like sacroiliac joint instability, scoliosis, or unequal leg lengths
- Vaginal births that stress the pelvic floor
- Menopausal transitions and related hormonal shifts
- History of genital mutilation or invasive genital procedures
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Recurrent UTIs or vaginal infections, and chronic issues with the digestive tract, reproductive organs, skin, or urinary system
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is a leading cause of pain in most women dealing with pelvic discomfort
- Medications like oral contraceptives, hormone therapy for Endometriosis or PCOS, and some acne drugs may contribute
- Trauma from pelvic surgeries or childbirth procedures, such as hysterectomy or prolapse repair
- Orthopedic trauma or joint-related injuries
- Functional problems involving skeletal alignment—like sacroiliac joint instability, scoliosis, or unequal leg lengths
- Vaginal births that stress the pelvic floor
- Menopausal transitions and related hormonal shifts
- History of genital mutilation or invasive genital procedures
Diagnostic Challenges
For many women, receiving an accurate diagnosis for pelvic pain is a long process—averaging around five years, and even longer for Endometriosis, where diagnosis can take more than a decade. This is because pelvic pain frequently mirrors the symptoms of conditions like urinary tract infections, STIs, yeast infections, and bladder concerns. These similarities often result in incorrect diagnoses and treatments that don’t resolve the problem. When pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause, conventional diagnostic tools often fail to detect it, leading to frustration on both sides of the exam table. It’s not unusual for patients to arrive in pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy having no idea that their pelvic muscles could be involved.
Diagnostic Challenges
For many women, receiving an accurate diagnosis for pelvic pain is a long process—averaging around five years, and even longer for Endometriosis, where diagnosis can take more than a decade. This is because pelvic pain frequently mirrors the symptoms of conditions like urinary tract infections, STIs, yeast infections, and bladder concerns. These similarities often result in incorrect diagnoses and treatments that don’t resolve the problem. When pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause, conventional diagnostic tools often fail to detect it, leading to frustration on both sides of the exam table. It’s not unusual for patients to arrive in pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy having no idea that their pelvic muscles could be involved.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Persistent pelvic pain can be overwhelming, but for women in Silverlake, a comprehensive pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation might finally offer some relief and understanding. This session goes beyond surface symptoms—it includes a complete review of your health history, any diagnoses you’ve received, the various treatments you’ve tried, and your response to each one. By the time many Silverlake women walk through our doors, they’re often feeling emotionally spent and discouraged. During your assessment, a skilled therapist will examine your muscle tone, nerve function, soft tissues, joint alignment, and movement habits. After the evaluation, you’ll be given a detailed insight into the root causes of your pain and a fully individualized treatment plan that addresses both short-term symptom relief and long-term recovery. Most women participate in weekly or bi-weekly sessions for roughly 12 weeks, supported by exercises you’ll do at home. To ensure the best outcome, our therapists frequently coordinate with your other healthcare providers. Our mission is to support you in regaining both physical and emotional well-being.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Persistent pelvic pain can be overwhelming, but for women in Silverlake, a comprehensive pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation might finally offer some relief and understanding. This session goes beyond surface symptoms—it includes a complete review of your health history, any diagnoses you’ve received, the various treatments you’ve tried, and your response to each one. By the time many Silverlake women walk through our doors, they’re often feeling emotionally spent and discouraged. During your assessment, a skilled therapist will examine your muscle tone, nerve function, soft tissues, joint alignment, and movement habits. After the evaluation, you’ll be given a detailed insight into the root causes of your pain and a fully individualized treatment plan that addresses both short-term symptom relief and long-term recovery. Most women participate in weekly or bi-weekly sessions for roughly 12 weeks, supported by exercises you’ll do at home. To ensure the best outcome, our therapists frequently coordinate with your other healthcare providers. Our mission is to support you in regaining both physical and emotional well-being.
How Can We Help You?
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The heart of Pelvic Pain Explained lies in examining how pelvic pain develops, the diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles faced by both patients and practitioners, the overwhelming variety of treatment approaches, and the significant emotional and relational burden carried by those enduring an often-invisible illness.