Conditions

Living with chronic pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting, often affecting daily activities, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which signals short-term injury, chronic pain can persist for months or years and may not have a clear cause. Conditions such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, or musculoskeletal pain can all contribute to long-term discomfort, but with the right support, it’s possible to improve function and reduce the impact of pain on your life.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) without success, it may be time to explore fertility support. Infertility services offer compassionate and personalised care to help identify possible causes and guide you through the next steps.

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Myomas (fibroids) are incredibly common with some studies estimating that 70-80% of women will have a fibroid at some stage of their lives. A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of muscle that is found in or around the uterus. It may be any size and shape. We do not know why women get fibroids, though it is likely that a combination of factors contribute, such as genetics, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone and the number of children you have had.

Your pelvic organs include your bladder, uterus (womb) and rectum. These organs are held in place by strong tissues (fascia) and ligaments. The fascia and ligaments hold your pelvic organs inside the pelvis along with help from the pelvic floor muscles but may stretch over time or may tear as a result of childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles can compensate for this stretching or tearing but if they become weak then the pelvic organs may not be held in their correct place and will bulge into the vagina.

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While it may be caused by non-serious conditions, it should always be investigated, as it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Common causes include vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls due to low estrogen), polyps, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), blood thinners (like aspirin) or endometrial (uterine) hyperplasia. In a small percentage of cases, it may be a symptom of endometrial cancer, which is why prompt assessment is important and an ultrasound is necessary.

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Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries and are very common, especially in women of reproductive age. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, cause no symptoms, and often resolve on their own. However, some may lead to symptoms such as pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, irregular periods, pain during sex or bowel movements, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. In rare cases, a cyst may rupture or twist (a condition called ovarian torsion), which can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain and requires urgent medical attention.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive and endocrine disorder affecting reproductive aged women with one in every 6 to 7 women affected. It has classically been associated with irregular periods although it is possible to have a regular menstrual cycle with PCOS.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), or menorrhagia, is when your periods are heavier or last longer than normal. It can affect your quality of life and may lead to symptoms like fatigue or iron deficiency.

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Nestled within your pelvis are important organs like your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), bowel and bladder.  Pelvic pain can affect any or a combination of these organs due to a number of common and not so common conditions.