Persistent Pelvic Pain

Most of us are aware of what it means for someone to have chronic pain, whether from personal experience or hearing from others about their experience. We are unlikely to know about chronic pelvic pain, though this is not uncommon and affects people regardless of gender or age. 

Pain is considered chronic or persistent if it continues for more than 6 months. Pelvic pain can have various causes and can affect the pelvic bones and pelvic floor muscles, as well as the nerves or skin in the pelvic area. Pelvic health specialists are essential in offering guidance and treatment for healing persistent pelvic pain. 

When we feel pain, our automatic response may be fear of more pain. Commonly we cope with this fear through avoidance. Unfortunately avoidance tends to increase our anxiety, which increases pelvic floor muscle tension. 

Ignoring the pain and continuing to live as we have been is also counter-productive. If you have persistent pelvic pain, rather than persevering discover what your body needs to heal.

We can learn through mindfulness practices, meditation, and yoga to listen to our bodies and respond with care rather than avoidance or self-criticism. We will also benefit by developing self-compassion and making changes in our lifestyles to prioritize our health. These changes may include cultivating more self-worth and creating boundaries to only engage in activities that support healing. 

If you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain, listen to your body’s needs and find supportive people who can offer you guidance in healing.