Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a broad term for discomfort in the lower tummy area, between the hips. It can arise suddenly or develop over time, and may be linked to problems in the bones, muscles, or internal organs. For some people, pelvic pain is short-lived; for others, it becomes a long-term condition that affects daily life.

Treatment varies depending on pelvic pain causes. Options may include medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or specialist care. When no clear cause is found, care often focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life.

What is pelvic pain? 

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort felt in your lower abdomen, below the bellybutton and between the hips. While it’s often associated with the reproductive organs in women, pelvic pain can affect people of all sexes and genders. It may stem from the pelvic bones, muscles, urinary system, bowel, or other internal organs.
It can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (lasting six months or longer).

Chronic pelvic pain may come and go or persist constantly. It can be a symptom of another health condition, such as infection, endometriosis, or bladder issues or a condition in its own right. Sometimes, no clear cause is found, and treatment focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Pelvic pain in women may be linked to conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina. In men, it may relate to the prostate, bladder, or pelvic floor muscles. Emotional and psychological factors can also influence how pain is felt and experienced, making diagnosis and treatment a holistic process.
To learn more, visit our Gynaecology (Women’s Health) and Urology (Men’s Health) pages.

Symptoms of pelvic pain 

You may be wondering about pelvic pain symptoms and where is pelvic pain located. The answer is that pelvic pain symptoms vary widely. They may affect a small area of your lower abdomen or spread more widely across the pelvic region. Some people experience pain that comes and goes, while others feel constant discomfort. 

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Pelvic pain may be:

• Sharp, stabbing, or burning
• Dull, heavy, or aching
• Cramping or throbbing
• A feeling of pressure, twisting, or tightness
• Pain that starts suddenly or builds slowly over time
• Pain triggered by activity such as exercising, urinating, or having sex

Chronic pelvic pain is pain that lasts six months or longer. It may feel serious and steady, or fluctuate in intensity, and can occur in different parts of the pelvis rather than one specific spot. For some, the pain is mild and manageable. For others, it may interfere with sleep, work, or daily activities.
Additional pelvic pain symptoms may include:

• Pain during sex
• Discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods
• Pain during bowel movements or urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Constipation or diarrhoea

Causes of pelvic pain

There are many pelvic pain causes. It may result from infection, inflammation, injury, or a condition affecting one of the organs in or near your pelvic area such as the bowel, bladder, reproductive organs, or pelvic muscles. Some causes are mild and temporary, while others may require urgent medical attention.

Common causes of pelvic pain

• Constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)  
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  
• Kidney infections or kidney stones  
• Appendicitis  
• Hernia  
• Intestinal disorders, such as diverticulitis or colitis  
• Nerve conditions, such as pudendal neuralgia  
• Pelvic muscle tightness or spasm  
• Broken pelvic bones  
• Pain linked to stress or psychological trauma (psychogenic pain)  

Most causes of pelvic pain are not serious, but some like appendicitis or peritonitis require emergency treatment. Always speak to a GP or healthcare provider if you’re concerned.

Common causes of pelvic pain in women

Pelvic pain is more common in women and may be linked to:

• Menstrual cramps  
• Ovulation pain  
• Pregnancy-related discomfort  
• Pelvic pain in early pregnancy (including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy)  
• Conditions affecting the reproductive organs, such as:  
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Cancer affecting the uterus, cervix, or ovaries

Pelvic pain in men

In men, pelvic pain may be caused by:

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)  
• Bladder or bowel conditions  
• Muscle strain or pelvic floor dysfunction  
• Kidney stones or urinary infections  

When to see a doctor about pelvic pain

Not all pelvic pain needs medical care, but there are certain warning signs that mean you should seek help.

See a GP if:

• Pelvic pain does not go away or keeps coming back
• You have been feeling bloated for around 3 weeks or longer
• You are losing weight without trying to
• There is blood in your pee or poo, or you notice unusual discharge or bleeding from your vagina
• You have constipation or diarrhoea that does not improve
• The pain is interfering with your daily activities or sleep

Urgent advice – ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have pelvic pain and:

• It is severe, getting worse, or hurts when you move or touch the area
• You find it difficult to pee or poo
• You have pain when peeing or need to pee more often than usual
• You have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
• You are pregnant or may be pregnant

How is pelvic pain diagnosed? 

When diagnosing pelvic pain, your healthcare provider will begin by asking questions about your symptoms and medical history. This helps them to understand the nature of your pain and what might be causing it.

Questions your doctor may ask

• Where is pelvic pain located and when does it happen?
• How long does your pain last?
• Did your pain begin suddenly or gradually?
• Is your pain linked to your menstrual cycle, urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity?
• What does your pelvic pain feel like (for example, sharp, dull, cramping, or pressure)?
• Are there other symptoms, such as bloating, changes in bowel habits, fever, or unusual discharge?
• Does your pain interfere with sleep, eating, or daily activities?

Tests and examinations that may be used to diagnose pelvic pain

• Blood and urine tests – to check for infection or inflammation.
• Pregnancy test – to rule out pregnancy-related causes.
• Cultures – vaginal, cervical, or penile swabs to check for sexually transmitted infections.
  
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to create images of internal organs and detect abnormalities.
  
• CT scan - provides detailed cross-sectional images of your abdomen and pelvis.
  
• MRI – produces detailed images of soft tissues and organs without radiation.
  
• X-ray – to detect bone or organ abnormalities.
  
• Laparoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure using a thin tube with a camera to view your pelvic organs directly.
  
• Hysteroscopy – to examine the inside of your uterus.
• Stool sample – to check for blood or signs of bowel disease.
  
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy – to examine your bowel for inflammation, growths, or bleeding.

Treatment for pelvic pain 

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause, intensity, and how often the pain occurs. Your healthcare provider will discuss options with you based on your medical history, test results, and personal preferences. Common treatments 

• Medicines – painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease discomfort; antibiotics if infection is present; hormone treatments if pain is linked to menstrual cycles or endometriosis.
  
• Physiotherapy – exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles, improve posture, and reduce strain.
• Surgery or procedures – may be recommended if pain is caused by conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or problems with pelvic organs. Options include minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy.
• Lifestyle changes – gentle exercise, stress management, and nutritional adjustments can help reduce symptoms.
• Counselling or psychological support – living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and emotionally draining. Working with a trained counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist may help you cope and improve quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary care – in complex cases, a combination of approaches (medicine, physiotherapy, pain management, and lifestyle changes) may be used together.

How to relieve pelvic pain at home

If you have pelvic pain, there are simple steps you can try at home to ease discomfort and support recovery. These measures are not a substitute for medical care, but they can help manage symptoms alongside professional treatment. Self-care strategies include:

• Over-the-counter pain relief – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling and ease pain. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) may also help with milder symptoms.
• Gentle exercise – light activity such as walking, stretching, or yoga increases blood flow and may reduce discomfort. Avoid overexertion, but try to stay active.
• Heat therapy – applying a heating pad, warm compress, or taking a hot bath can relax muscles and soothe pain.
• Stop smoking – tobacco products can inflame nerves and slow healing. Quitting smoking or vaping may help reduce pelvic pain.
• Supplements – if pain is linked to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, supplements may help. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
• Relaxation techniques – stress can worsen chronic pain. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises can help calm the body and ease tension.

How to prevent pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can’t always be prevented, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk and keep your pelvic area healthy. Practical ways to reduce your risk include:

• Avoid overuse – limit activities that require long periods of standing, walking, or heavy lifting, as these can strain pelvic muscles and joints.
• Eat a fibre-rich diet – a balanced diet with plenty of fibre supports bowel health and may reduce pain linked to conditions such as diverticulitis or constipation.
• Exercise regularly – staying active helps keep your muscles, joints, and pelvic floor strong. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be especially beneficial.
• Stretch before activity – warming up and stretching your muscles before exercise reduces the risk of strain and injury.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – stop smoking, manage stress, and keep a healthy weight to reduce inflammation and pressure on pelvic structures.
• Routine check-ups – visit your healthcare provider regularly. Early detection of issues such as infections, endometriosis, or bladder problems can prevent them from worsening.

Pelvic pain management at Ramsay Health Care

At Ramsay Health Care, patients benefit from expert, personalised care for pelvic pain. Our multidisciplinary teams combine medical expertise with compassionate support to identify the cause of pain and provide tailored treatment plans.

Why choose Ramsay?

• Access to leading consultants and pain specialists with extensive experience in pelvic health
• On-site diagnostics including ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy for fast, accurate results
• Advanced pain relief options and evidence-based treatments
• Integrated physiotherapy and rehabilitation support to aid recovery
• A focus on safety, dignity, and rapid access to care
  

With Ramsay, you can feel confident that your concerns will be taken seriously and managed with care.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to book an appointment, or book an appointment online and start your journey toward relief and reassurance.

Pelvic Pain FAQs