The type of pain related to chronic pelvic pain can vary from person to person. Some experience a constant and severe pain, others describe intermittent bursts of pain, and some have a constant, dull ache. Some patients only experience pain when they’re doing something, such as exercising, having sex, or when peeing.

Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by a condition impacting one of the organs in the pelvic region, or by an infection.

Common causes of pelvic pain are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome or constipation
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In most cases, the causes of pelvic pain aren’t serious. But there are a few conditions that need emergency treatment, like appendicitis and peritonitis.

Common causes can stem from period pain, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy. In rarer circumstances, chronic pelvic pain can be related to something more serious, such as an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, or womb cancer.

The symptoms of chronic pelvic pain vary. Men often experience pain in and around the penis, testicles, perineum, anus, lower abdomen, or lower back. This pain is often accompanied with an increased need to urinate, burning or painful urination, and/or pain after ejaculation. Some patients report increased pain when sitting.

Finding the underlying cause of chronic pelvic pain may require a series of tests. Your Consultant may recommend one or more of these diagnostic tests:

• Pelvic exam
• Laboratory tests
• Ultrasound
• Imaging tests
• Laparoscopy (a thin tube attached to a camera allowing a visual examination of your pelvic organs)

Depending on the cause of your pain, your Consultant may recommend medications such as hormone treatments, pain relievers, antibiotics, or - in some cases - antidepressants to treat your condition.

The Consultant may recommend forms of therapy as part of a part of your treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and allow you to enjoy everyday activities. Forms of therapy include:

• Physiotherapy
• Psychotherapy
• Spinal cord stimulation (neurostimulation)

To correct an underlying problem identified during the diagnosis stage of your treatment plan, your Consultant may recommend a surgical procedure such as laparoscopic surgery or a hysterectomy.

Following a diagnosis of severe endometriosis (Grade 3 or 4) you would need to be treated in a specialist endometriosis centre.

In some cases, a clear explanation may never be found, but a good treatment plan will help alleviate discomfort and allow you to enjoy everyday activities.