Persistent pelvic pain (PPP) is pain in your pelvis, or lower abdomen, that is felt most days and lasts for more than 6 months.
The pain can be short term, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, or it can become persistent or chronic.
Sometimes the pain is a symptom of other conditions, but it can also become a condition of its own.
This type of pain is complex and can be influenced by many things, for example, physical health conditions, sleep quality, mood and work environment.
On these pages, you’ll find more information about what you may experience with persistent pelvic pain.
What does persistent pelvic pain feel like?
When does pelvic pain happen?
Why is some pain persistent?
How can persistent pelvic pain affect you?
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Persistent pelvic pain affects everyone differently. Your pain may be steady, or it may come and go. And the type of pain can change.
You may experience:
a dull pelvic ache
sensitivity in your lower abdomen.
You may experience pelvic pain at any time or at specific times, such as:
Your first experience of pain may be due to your period, a health condition or an injury. Other factors, such as stress or poor sleep, might affect your pain. Over time, the pain can cause changes to your muscles, nervous system and other tissues, leading to persistent pain.
Living with persistent pelvic pain can affect your life in many ways. It can cause changes in different organs and muscles, which may lead to other physical problems. For example, changes in certain muscles can lead to bladder and bowel problems.
Persistent pelvic pain can affect your quality of life. You may avoid certain activities or social situations that make your pain worse. Pain can affect your work, sleep, sex life and personal relationships. It can also affect your mental and emotional health.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
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