Pelvic Pain
What is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is any pain felt in the area below the belly button and between the hips.
Because many structures sit close together in the pelvis, pain can come from muscles, joints, nerves, or organs, or a combination of these.
+ What does pelvic pain feel like?
People describe pelvic pain as:
- Aching or pressure.
- Sharp or stabbing.
- Burning or cramping.
- A feeling of heaviness.
- Pain that spreads to the lower back, hips, or inner thighs.
Pelvic pain may be constant, come and go, or appear during certain activities.
+ What types of pelvic pain are there?
There are two types of pelvic pain:
- Acute Pelvic Pain:
- Comes on suddenly
- Often linked to a new irritation, strain, or medical issue.
- Persistent Pelvic Pain:
- Lasts more than 3 months.
- May continue even after tissues have healed.
- Often related to a more sensitive or overprotective pain system.
+ A brief introduction to Persistent Pelvic Pain.
- Persistent pelvic pain can start after an initial trigger (irritation, inflammation, injury, surgery, or muscle tension), but the nervous system may stay sensitive even when healing has occurred.
- The body’s “alarm system” can become overprotective, meaning normal sensations like movement, stretch, or pressure can feel painful.
- Pelvic floor muscle tension, stress, fatigue, and past pain experiences can all contribute to this sensitivity.
- This pain is genuine, but it doesn’t always reflect ongoing damage.
- Persistent pain can be supported with self-management strategies that help you understand your symptoms, reduce sensitivity, and feel more in control of daily life.
- There are many self-management resources available, both online and in person (see Local Support and Resources section below).
+ When should you seek help?
You should speak to a healthcare professional if:
- You develop new or sudden pelvic pain, especially if it feels unusual for you.
- Your pain is getting worse, spreading, or limiting your daily activities.
- Pelvic pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Unexplained abdominal swelling.
- Significant changes in bladder or bowel control.
- Pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with rest.
- Your pain has lasted more than 3 months.
- You feel worried, unsure, or that something “isn’t right”.
Support from a GP can help identify the cause, provide reassurance, and guide you toward appropriate treatment.
Local Support
NHS Community Healthy Bladder and Bowel Service (SBUHB)
Lots of helpful information, including explanations of different issues and what you can do to help manage these conditions. They are also there to help if you need extra support.
Tel: 01792 532424
SBUHB Pelvic Health Physiotherapy – Self Referral Form
This self-referral form is for people experiencing pelvic health concerns such as Bladder or Bowel symptoms, Pelvic organ prolapse, Pelvic pain, or pregnancy-related pain.
This service supports anyone whose pelvic anatomy is typically associated with female anatomy at birth.
SBUHB – Women’s Pelvic Health Information Sessions
Join us for a free, informative session on pelvic health led by NHS physiotherapists. Held in venues across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.
This session will explore key pelvic health issues that can affect women throughout different stages of life—from adolescence to post-menopause. Whether you’re currently experiencing symptoms or simply want to learn more, our expert physiotherapists will guide you through:
- Common pelvic health concerns.
- Self-management strategies.
- Where you get more information or further help
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gain confidence, and take proactive steps toward improving your pelvic health.
SBUHB Persistent Pain Service
Our multi-disciplinary team includes Healthcare Support Workers, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Doctors and Psychologists who all specialise in pain management. We aim to support people living with persistent pain to live life as well as possible. Our website provides information on the management of persistent pain and signposting to other resources. Our service can be accessed by GP referral.
Help and Resources
SortedSupported – Pain Management
Take a look at the Persistent Pain page on SortedSupported.
NHS Cymru – Education Programmes for Patients (EPP)
Education Programmes for Patients (EPP Cymru) provide a range of self-management courses for people living with a long-term health condition/s, and carers.
They offer a six-week course on dealing with long-term pain.
Living Well with Pain
Resource providing ‘Ten Footsteps’ to living well with pain. It covers:
- Pain and the brain.
- Acceptance.
- Pacing.
- Setting goals and getting advice.
- Relaxation and mindfulness.
- Sleep.
- Communication.
- Managing moods.
- Medicines and nutrition.
- Managing setbacks.
You can also download and print an easy-to-read summary of all ten footsteps.