Pelvic Pain & Period Management
Pelvic pain and menstrual issues can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, yet they are often under-reported or dismissed.
At Olika, a Canberra-based women’s health clinic, our specialist team provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help diagnose, treat, and manage pelvic pain and period-related concerns.
Understanding the nature of your pelvic or period pain is the first step toward effective treatment. Pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping and may be caused by a number of underlying gynaecological conditions.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain refers to pain felt in the lower abdomen, below the belly button and between the hips. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than six months) and may be linked to the reproductive, urinary, or digestive systems, or musculoskeletal issues.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Endometriosis: Occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes infertility. It affects roughly 1 in 9 women and people assigned female at birth in Australia by the age of 44.
- Adenomyosis: This condition involves the growth of endometrial tissue within the uterine wall, leading to heavy and painful periods.
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths of the uterus that can cause pressure, pain, and heavy bleeding.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs, often resulting from sexually transmitted infections.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Interstitial Cystitis: Non-gynaecological causes that can mimic gynaecological pelvic pain.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Persistent or cyclical lower abdominal pain
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Pain during ovulation or menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Period Management
Menstrual symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman, and what is normal for one person may be debilitating for another. Severe or disruptive menstrual symptoms should never be dismissed as “just part of being a woman”.
Common Menstrual Issues
- Dysmenorrhoea (Painful Periods): Can be primary (without an underlying condition) or secondary (linked to conditions like endometriosis).
- Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods): Often caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, adenomyosis, or bleeding disorders.
- Irregular Periods: May be related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or stress.
- Amenorrhoea (Absence of Periods): May indicate underlying health issues or be a normal variant, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
According to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, around 25% of young Australian women report experiencing severe period pain that interferes with daily life.
Diagnostic Process
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. At Olika, we begin with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels or rule out infections
- Laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) to diagnose conditions like endometriosis
- Urine or swab tests for infections
Treatment Options
Treatment plans are individualised and may include one or more of the following:
Medical Management
- Pain relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and cramping.
- Hormonal therapy: The oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUDs, or implants can regulate or suppress menstruation, often reducing pain and bleeding.
- GnRH analogues: Used to suppress oestrogen in cases of severe endometriosis.
Surgical Options
- Laparoscopy: Used for diagnosis and treatment, especially for endometriosis or fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy: May be used to assess and treat intrauterine conditions.
- Myomectomy or hysterectomy: For women with symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis not responsive to conservative treatment.
Lifestyle and Allied Health Support
- Physiotherapy: Specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with musculoskeletal causes.
- Dietary changes: May help manage symptoms, particularly in cases linked with IBS or PCOS.
- Mental health support: Chronic pain can affect emotional wellbeing. Psychology support is often beneficial.
Personalised Care at Olika
At Olika, we believe women should not have to tolerate pain as a normal part of life. Whether you’re experiencing pelvic discomfort, irregular cycles, or painful periods, our team offers a supportive, individualised approach to your care.
Our clinic in Canberra provides:
- Ongoing management and follow-up
We aim to not only relieve your symptoms but also address the underlying cause to improve your overall health and quality of life.
Take the First Step
If you’re living with pelvic pain or struggling with your menstrual cycle, book a consultation with our women’s health team at Olika today. Let us help you find relief and regain control of your reproductive health.