Chronic Pelvic Pain: Understanding the Causes and Finding Relief

Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that lasts for six months or more. It can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting daily activities, work, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

The pain may have a clear cause such as endometriosis or fibroids, or sometimes no single identifiable cause is found. Regardless of the underlying reason, chronic pelvic pain is treatable. With expert assessment and a personalised treatment plan, most women experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

Chronic pelvic pain varies widely from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• A dull, constant ache or sharp, stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen
• Intermittent or steady pain that may be localised or widespread
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Pain when urinating or opening your bowels
• Discomfort after long periods of standing or sitting
• Pain that disrupts sleep, exercise, or work
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding

If you experience persistent pelvic pain that interferes with your quality of life or has lasted more than a few months, seek medical assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve long-term outcomes.

Diagnosing the cause of chronic pelvic pain often involves several steps:

• Detailed medical history and symptom assessment
• Pelvic examination to check for tenderness or masses
• Ultrasound scan of the uterus and ovaries
• Blood tests and infection screening
• MRI or CT imaging for complex cases
• Diagnostic laparoscopy to look directly inside the pelvis for endometriosis, adhesions, or other abnormalities

Sometimes, no single cause is identified. However, treatment can still significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life even when the exact cause remains unclear.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and your individual circumstances. A multidisciplinary approach often provides the best results. Options include:

Medical Management:

• Pain relief medication
• Hormonal treatments to suppress endometriosis or regulate menstrual cycles
• Targeted therapies for specific conditions

Surgical Treatment:

• Diagnostic laparoscopy to identify and treat underlying causes
• Excision surgery to remove endometriosis, adhesions, or scar tissue
• Robotic surgery for complex cases requiring precise tissue removal
• Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and reduced discomfort

Supportive Therapies:

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy to address muscle tension
• Pain management programmes
• Psychological support to help manage chronic pain and improve coping strategies

Treatment aims to relieve pain, improve comfort, and help you regain control over your daily life. With careful diagnosis and comprehensive care, many women find lasting relief.

Dr Mohamed Otify is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Surgeon with advanced expertise in investigating and treating chronic pelvic pain. He specialises in minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques that provide thorough treatment with minimal recovery time.

His approach prioritizes:

• Comprehensive diagnostic assessment to identify underlying causes
• Advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques
• Multidisciplinary care combining medical, surgical, and supportive therapies
• Personalised treatment plans focused on long-term relief
• Evidence-based approaches tailored to individual circumstances

If chronic pelvic pain is affecting your daily life, book a consultation for expert assessment and personalised treatment planning. Together, we can create a plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.