Pain can be related to some of the following conditions
- Dyspareunia is a term used to describe pelvic and/or vaginal pain during or after sexual intercourse.
- Lack of oestrogen due to menopause or prolonged breastfeeding can cause tissue irritation and vaginal dryness which can be painful. Speak to your GP/pharmacist about appropriate creams or medications.
- Vulvodynia is pain felt in the vulva, labia, and vaginal opening. It can be caused by skin disorders like lichen sclerosus, scarring after surgery (with or without mesh), childbirth or female genital mutilation.
- Bladder pain syndrome (male and female) can cause bladder and/or vaginal pain.
- Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles can lead to tension and pain. Physiotherapy treatment such as hands on therapy, massage, pelvic floor relaxation and strengthening combined with mindfulness and breathing techniques can help to reduce the pain.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) can lead to pain in the bladder, perineum, testicles, penis and/or groin.
- Other pelvic conditions can cause pain such as pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, irritable or inflammatory bowel diseases, endometriosis or adenomyosis, vaginal cysts or growths.
- Coccydynia is pain that is felt over the coccyx (the tailbone that sits at the very bottom of the spine). The coccyx can become painful due to a fall, childbirth, repetitive strain or surgery. It is usually worse when sitting, having a bowel movement or during sexual intercourse.
Pelvic pain can lead to social withdrawal, loss of self-esteem, behavioural or emotional changes, anxiety or depression.
